Quantum Interceptions: The Art of Jason Barre

For the past few years I’ve been predominately a artist that paints and draws. The last painting that I was working on “PASSION” looks to be one of my best but while working on it I felt numb. My drawings that have been created for the #draw365 project have been more and more difficult for me to concentrate on and enjoy. Normally excitement courses through my veins as I plunge the brush into the canvas or let the charcoal glide along the paper. This has not been the case as of late. Unfortunately this was not a suprise to me as I’ve seen it coming for a while. I keep mindful to refrain from complaining but accepting the fact that I’m not happy with painting and drawing anymore is something I must accept.

Numerous reasons are behind this. The job I hold during the day to keep a roof over my head tends to get very stressful during the summertime which is taking a toll on my demeanor. Stress is something I yearn for as I convert this bundled up energy to creative fervor in the studio. But there is a point where the stress reaches levels that are too overwhelming and I would rather just lay around, relax and sleep during my off time.

Also my never-ending string of productivity in 2009 took a toll on my health. Very rarely did I get more than a few hours of sleep before I was back to working, working, working. My body went from a strong 180lbs down to a worn out 160lbs before the year was over. I’m still re-cooperating.

Another reason would be Bravo’s new reality TV show “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist”. Watching the artists work has me reevaluating my work in ways I never would have prior. They extend their work beyond canvas and paper into avenues that immediately reignited my fire that was dwindling. I am making a post covering more of my thoughts about this show. Expect it soon.

All this leads me to the work I have been delving into recently. It has been almost a full decade since I sculpted anything but that didn’t stop me from buying a whole new set of tools to assist me in starting again. My excitement has returned to a level that I thought not possible.

My knowledge of sculpting materials is rusty and I made a ill choice using wired armature underneath air drying clay and allowing it to dry too quickly. This doesn’t upset me or deter me from continuing at all. In fact I’m glad this has happened as it teaches me what works and what doesn’t. Hopefully the learning will continue as I plan to keep sculpting until I’m drawn into another path.