We recently connected with Jonpaul Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jonpaul with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I believe work ethic can be added to the ongoing conversation of nature vs. nurture and what shapes an individual. For me personally it was nurture. My parents demonstrated a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility throughout my adolescence. Both of my parents worked jobs, provided for me and my siblings while also caring for aging parents. They were never without a task to accomplish and were rarely seen taking time off. I believe much of my perseverance has to do with their example.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Growing up in a small town in North-Central Indiana where craft was appreciated gave me an innate interest in art versus craft, and the dialog inherent to that discussion. As a child I always admired and watched my mother create beautiful things. The blending of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology surrounded me. My family also owned a liquor store, and I was inundated by the resulting consumer packaging at an early age. I found the process intriguing of how my father would display the products to the masses in organized rows and detailed color grid patterns. Consequently, making me acutely aware of peoples’ brand loyalties. My fascination with the system of creating product for consumer consumption was also fueled by my wife who worked in packaging design for years.
I consider my process to be one of gathering and disseminating information, rooted in the paper scraps and ephemera of our consumer culture. Through the use of traditional and alternative method printmaking with the combination of other mixed media and found/discarded paper I try to explore open-narrative, visual experiences. I do not want my work to make definitive statements. Instead, it should highlight these juxtapositions of surface, color, and broken imagery to allow the viewer to create their own visual narrative within my work. My most recent work involves the use of found and
discarded paper from our consumer-based culture. Which are transformed into a complex, tapestry like construct, made up of hundreds of interwoven strips of discarded consumer packaging, traditional and non-traditional prints, and other paper ephemera. Which similarly make use of (and, in a sense, refine) pop culture imagery.
I work with private clients/collectors, commercial galleries, designers and many art consultants. I love working with people to help them design and execute my work in their space.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being open to inspiration from the benign. The gathering of materials, ideas, inspiration and etc., happens anytime-anywhere. Allowing oneself to be open to inspiration from the innate and mundane of this man-made and natural world is a huge draw for me. Awe inspiring beauty is usually easy to be moved by. However, the overlooked aspects of life often hide some of the most beautiful moments of our experience.
The delicate balance of believing in oneself while also being open to outside criticism. You need the strength to believe in your own vision but not at the expense of being blind to the insight other creatives can bring. I think many creative professionals can experience episodes of imposter syndrome. In these moments being able to lean into one’s art practice or the sound advice of a colleague can be so crucial.
Another important quality I believe in, especially for younger creatives, is to find or build your community. It often helps to not see oneself alone in creative endeavors. Search out a community of like-minded creatives. Not only can we support each other through advice, critiques or comradery but I feel it is crucial to see others doing what you aspire to do successfully. To be open to the knowledge you can learn from these communities and just as critical give back to them in the ways you are able.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love collaborating with people. The insights of different perspectives are always inspiring. I have worked with many groups, individuals and organizations to create large scale works. I have walked away each time with a new way to interpret my own work or investigate modes of production I have never considered. Without collaboration there are many projects that I could have never completed without the advice and expertise of others.
Have an idea for a project or piece? Reach out! I am always looking for creative minded individuals wanting to bring amazing works to reality. Let’s get talking and see what we can create together. You can find me online at all the usual places.
Instagram: @jonpaulsmithart
Facebook: jonpaulsmithartist
website: jonpaulcsmith.com
Contact Info:
- Website: jonpaulcsmith.com
- Instagram: @jonpaulsmithart
- Facebook: jonpaulsmithartist
- Other: https://galerielucida.com/smith/
