Art, for me as an artist, has always been an outward expression that I have created internally, whether that art has been performance, visual or written word. There are many forms of self-expression and in my work I try to mirror the complexity and the simplicity of my creative self - from intricate works in oil, sketches from life to simple Hirschfield influenced caricatures - that I continue to enjoy creating and have left for your enjoyment and availability.

These sketches, rendered on location in the New York City Subway, (“Subway Portraits”) have begun to make a departure from whimsy to a more refined and realistic appeal as my artistic eye has become more interested in the truly individualistic and surreal. As a spiritual person I cannot help but be moved by the truly unique nature of mankind. Of all creation, mankind has more diversity in mind and body than any other animal and this for me drives my personal interest in capturing it's form. From the mainstream ideas of beauty to the grotesque, from sublime to surreal, mankind's individualism is mind blowing and awe inspiring to my artistic eye. My newest portraits have made a departure from anyone who motivates my hand into action to those people who in my mind's eye are truly and hopelessly human by being almost not. Under this new idea I also have begun to "work" the image less and to create the image in a shorter period of time, generally less than ninety seconds, or to create multiple sketches to compile those into a single finished product. I think you will clearly see a change in style from the first series of "Subway Portraits" into this second and current series and it is my wish that they move you just as the first did, being as gritty and unique as the people who make up this fantastic, hellish, heavenly and painful city New York. The one unifying thread, the one constant, is my hope that these sketches recall in your mind people you have seen or known whether they live in New York City or in other places in the world.

My works in oil particularly excite and stimulate me. When I returned to painting in oil I played it safe in a manner of speaking, with an attempt to keep defined forms minimal, if present at all. I chose to simply allow my heart and mind to manipulate the paint into desired textures and colours and indeed allow those elements to manipulate me by building up the paint, linseed oil, turpentine or at times, water based mediums. In contrast, these newer works still have that flavor and feel, but differ by harmonizing my expressionistic style and my ability to capture an image. What makes this attempt all the more exciting to me is that an image is achieved, not with a paintbrush but with whichever tool I can manipulate the oil with. By "threading" the oil I have in essence made oil into ink and can control the direction, texture and flow just as you would with a fountain or ballpoint pin. This is achieved with a paintbrush but what sets this apart is the three dimensionality of the "oil threads". Thus, in place of a two dimensional line created by the limited paintbrush, while not compromising the medium, there is a fully realized three dimensional line using only oil paint. When I took the photos for my website I shot them early in the day with a majority of the light coming from one direction. It is my hope that you can see how far the line comes off of the canvas by its shadow. I hope you find it as intriguing and interesting as I do. I admit that what makes this intriguing is the execution. As with my earlier works these paintings are done no justice by the limits of photography.

I encourage you to keep checking The Roach Gallery often . If you would like to receive updates when new works arrive or to learn about upcoming events, join The Roach Gallery mailing list by e-mailing me at roachgallery@gmail.com or simply keep checking back. Commission works are also available upon request which make great personal additions to your home or apartment or as gifts for your friends and family. All portraits are for sale as originals or copies as well as some paintings. Exciting things are always happening here and art is not art unless it is shared. Please pass this link along to anyone who would be interested. Come again!

Jason D. Roach

Creationist

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