Jay Wilford, Artist
I descend from a family that produced more than the average number of painters and sculptors. Most notably, my grandmother, Hanny Van der Velde, and my mother, Lucia, were my most important teachers. Thus, my exposure to paintings and painters began early and left a lasting impression. That said, aside from some basics, my training was mostly in the form of being taught to draw and perhaps more importantly, to see. Beyond that, I’m essentially a self-taught painter.
Creativity drives my process. I may have coined the phrase, “style is the death of creativity”. One consistent commentary by those viewing my work references the diversity of subject and style. This may not the most commercially viable business strategy and can actually hurt the “brand”. However, once painting feels less like creating, and more like manufacturing or “painting in one’s style”, I tend to move on to something more challenging. Still, the viewer may notice some consistencies, and perhaps the influence of my favorite painters: John Singer Sargent, Edward Hopper and the Canadian Group of Seven, to list a few.
As to an artist statement; the paintings are the statement. There is no hidden or deep meaning. I tend to paint what I believe to be beautiful, whether that’s a steel mill or a seashore.
As for my audience; I think I’d paint regardless of knowing that others will see my work. I do, however, shamelessly admit to the pleasure I take when my efforts result in moving the viewer emotionally. So, thank you for taking the time to look, it means a lot to me.
