Jay Coleman

I've known Jay Coleman for a minute and its been great to see his progression in the art world develop over the years. I recently interviewed Jay before his latest show which will be taking place this Saturday October, 2 at Cre8 Space. Check the read....

What’s your name and where are you from?

J.Coleman, origianlly VA beach, then Fredericksburg,been in DC for the last 7 years, now I split my time between VA and DC.

Who or what got you first interested in art?

A few professors in particular were very much mentors to me and encouraged me to pursue art.

How would you characterize your style?

Contemporary figure painting.......Click "GO TO POST" for more:

Would you say your environment or upbringing had an influence on your style and or what you paint? If so, how?

Being very into skateboarding and music exposed me to a subculture that is very visual stimulating. Album covers and skateboard graphics, and graffiti initially got me interested in art, from there it went from comic books, then to classical figurative work.

Describe your process and where do you draw inspiration from?

I start with sketches. I am very inspired by renaissance and neo-classic art. For me it is all about the figure.

What are some of the themes that you like to cover in your work?

Themes of power struggles and conflict both internal and external are often reoccurring in my work. Also spirituality and the metaphysical are important to my work.

Talk about your first art show?

My first shows were at bars and coffee houses. I got into some group shows in DC and that sort of launched my career as an artist.

Aside from paint, what other mediums do you work in?

I sculpt, draw, and make films.

How do you see your work evolving or where are you looking to take to your work to?

I see my work evolving in technique and in clarity of the statement. I want to show all over the world.

Describe the feeling you got when you sold your first piece?

I felt very blessed that I could go buy food for the week.

Beyond the cloth canvas how important are creating murals in public spaces to you?

Murals are my preferred method of making art. I love that anyone can see a mural and it can potentially reach so much larger of an audience.

What kind of experience are you looking to evoke with your art?

I just want people to have some kind of emotive response, even if they hate it, I would like for them to feel something. I think that’s what celebrates real art from craft or things created as a hobby.

What’s the theme behind your latest show?

My latest show deals with classic themes taken form different mythological sources. The struggle between us as humans, internal conflicts, and the desire to transcend, and be more God like.