Artist's Statement

I create because I cannot resist.

For some time I've been using crosshatching and variable line weight, sharpie markers and spontaneous inebriation to express the subconscious. I'm also addicted to pastels and oil paints. The human figure is a particular fascination.

Inspired by nature, humans and media, I believe:

Pastel's are magic. Paint is exhilarating. Splashing anything is fun.

Ink lays down it's own definitions, regardless of intent. Pastel technique may never be fully explored in this lifetime, although much of it looks about the same when completed. Paint, of course, is always in love, wants to be laid down creamy and fresh, breathing through brush strokes and arguing with photons. Real life doesn't speak like that, I find the colors are left a little flat, as if to not scare the inhabitants. It is up to people to revitalize the view, so the conversation can resume with full intensity.

Surface texture captivates and destroys the pursuit of meaningful intentions.

The process varies, but I enjoy playing with new techniques and media. This will often lead to a cycle of trying new things inspired by a process, in which I find something else new, which leads me quickly into another process. Sometimes I get very little done in any single area of exploration due to the distraction of a technique or media in the process.

Love may be the most powerful, and it hurts more than anything. Pain is more interesting.

Limitations are to be set by yourself. Blame it on someone or something else, naturally, until you mature.

A day without art is a day wasted. Unless you experience the setting sun.

Jake Reese 2008
Salt Lake City, Utah