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Blog, October 10, 2011

A Missing Link

I wish I could say that lately my art has been all over the place, but that might be misconstrued to give some kind of impression of success and visibility in the world- which would completely undermine my credibility as a true artist. In fact, I'd like to think my show at Pump House Gallery in August did create a certain buzz, and as I write I have 2 skateboards in a show at The Lyman Allyn Museum in New London side by side with boards by Damien Hirst, Robert Longo and Jeff Koons, but let's not kid ourselves. What I really mean is that the pieces I've been working on recently couldn't be farther apart visually, though hopefully on a certain level... ah, the genius of it all.

Recent additions to the timeline include Heat and Grey #3, an extreme realist piece and a pure abstract respectively, but scroll back a bit and you'll find an unusual entry. Mary With Sword appears here for the first time in its appropriate spot between earlier still-lives and The Faithful, or my more original stylized work. The painting was actually done during the 2-year transition period linking these from which no additional examples have been shown. Indeed none were worthy. While ideas seemed to pull me ahead, back then, practical matters kept me moving sideways from one project to another, with nothing adding up to much. Most of these had to do with Medieval art, though, and that is the key to understanding my development and subsequent work. These works attempted to approach very sober ideas about my world views, personal mythology and agenda before the purer emotionalism of the wider open works asserted its power. If it's not always clear what I'm getting at at the height of my passion or cynicism, it should be remembered that I do have complex and coherent things to say, but painting is not necessarily the medium with which to express them.

I'm also working on other pieces at the moment: I Thou is a stylized figurative piece in the same mode as my works between 2000-2005, while a series of intimate, sensual, figurative pieces is just getting underway. All of these are about love and relationship, pretty conservative stuff, but pretty daring from my point of view as both a human and an artist. As the pendulum swings back, though, I've found myself reconsidering my center again, and thus the hypothetical, otherworldly picture space typical of purely religious work, and the symbolic events that can play out on it. The reason Mary With Sword appears only now is because I have just recently repainted most of it, adding new elements and finally, completely unexpectedly getting it to a point of completion that I can be satisfied with. This has been a reminder to me that all my work and indeed all things are in fact connected.

I have committed the greatest sin as an artist by appearing differently at different times, and by trying to do all things, but look and listen carefully. In no way am I all over the place. I have a program where most don't, and as I continue I hope to bring this out more and more. With the world looking the way it does today, I'm compelled to think that increased clarity on my part will come none too soon. Granted, many already appreciate this, but I promise, more is to come. I'm tired of trying to explain my art to people who are gullible enough to ask, when really I should be explaining other things they obviously don't know.

 

 

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Blog, February 1, 2011

While it may seem that I'm back to my old pattern of infrequent updates, I've actually been very aware of developments in my art and what I have to report. This post was deliberately put off until after a very busy, fall art season which also let new projects develop on their own. After working for a decade on series after series, this opportunity was very welcome. Without having to constantly look ahead to some completion date, or worry about what will logically come after that, I find that I am more able to live in the moment and allow my art to more accurately reflect what is actually going on in my life. The fact that I have such a range of styles at hand makes this easier, and the challenge to my understanding of theory makes it that much more rewarding. Through this approach, I also hope not to just channel my energy into some kind of structured context, but to grow and enrich my art in more than just periodic fits and jerks.

As far as shows there has been no shortage of activity, and most of these at least made it to the News Flash on my Homepage. Starting with the Film Industry Mixer, I was constantly on the run for months with major events including The Shred Sled Symposium, New Haven Open Studio and as always, Hartford Open Studio Weekend. I often had work in several places at once, and on occasion couldn't make it to all the openings or even see all the shows. Branching out and showing in new cities was great, and I was glad to have enough work to go around. Here are some scenes from the action:

The memories are burned in my mind, and I wholy intend to make for more.

Holding some grand, master plan in mind has not been easy since completing Self and Other in the spring because of their personal nature and the body of work they concluded. I had already taken to doing several, single works related to previous series, simultaneously, and I am continuing that approach, now. Letting them evolve slowly, step-by-step in their own time has been reassuring and comforting. I have even revisited my style of purely realistic, narrative still life, not pursued for many years, most closely related to my wheel and vessel series. I have found this return to my roots to be extremely satisfying, also. In the future, I hope to build on this newly found pragmatism and balanced approach to my work to bring it to a new level unseen before, tying it closer to the broader spectrum of my life, making it more immediately accessible, pushing my skills, and perhaps using light and shadow more symbolically, opening up the possibilities for new subject matter.

My book project, The Third Testament, is partially geared toward changing the world to accommodate and understand what I see as the only valid way for making great art, today, and being a true artist. I have also seen, though- much to my surprise- the art itself change the world around me, and I have found this to be very inspiring. My intent is to keep making art as I see fit, and trust that there is value in that. At the moment, the front of this site sports a warning concerning the subject matter I deal with, be it religion, nudity, violence, politics or obscenity. It has been suggested that I drastically "clean up," edit and sanitize or white-wash this site, including provocative work and my writings, "career-killer" paintings and anything that interferes with the free interpretation of what I do- but I can't. When it comes right down to it, I would have precious little left, and besides, I continue to make work that raises similar issues. I am not unaware of what I'm doing, and if it means I'm a controversial artist instead of a "safe" one, then I embrace that.

Whatever I have to do to make my work more understandable is worth it to me. It's hard enough to understand it myself, and I'm glad to interpret for others who may be less convinced. More so, it's even harder to keep painting year after year, throughout one's life. Maybe it shouldn't be surprising that there's a mystery in that. If so, I'm only too happy to share my experience with it. I'll assume that it's ok, and I'll keep you posted.

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Blog, June 13, 2010

To the right is my donated painting for the Art Grab, part of Art For Aids, a benefit for the CT Aids Resource Coalition.

(ArtSpace Gallery, 555 Asylum St., Hartford, CT, Saturday, June 19, starting at 7:00. Tickets are $50. and entitle the purchaser to a free 12 x12 in. "canvas" donated by area artists.)

This is a gala event with food, open bar, dancing, raffles and more. There will also be plenty of art for sale by participating artists with 10% of procedes also going to the benefit. This is a great opportunity to pick up some art and also help others, and I encourage everyone to come.

For more information or tickets, go to, ctaidscoalition.org.


Blog, May 28, 2010

It has only been a few months or so since my last entry here, and that is a nice change from the last few years. Not only that, but I have updated the Newsflasher on the Homepage several times keeping you informed about my activities of interest. Today, you will find there notice of two shows in the coming months, but know that more are in the works, so do check back.

I also want to give due attention to the release of AHORA MISMO, DESDE SIEMPRE Cronicas para navegar en tiempos inciertos, by Camilo Jose Cela Conde of Spain, son of Nobel Prize For Literature winner Camilo Jose Cela Conde, by the Centro de Estudios Filosoficos, Politicos y Sociales Vicente Lombardo Toledano- a cultural and educational ministry of the Federal Government of Mexico... oh yeh, with my painting, Now And Forever, on the cover! My work was found online and chosen by the author himself from a number of possibilities. In the field, "Topicos sobre problemas politicos y sociales de nuestro tiempo," the book is a collection of cross-disciplinary writings on science, culture, economics, history, society, terrorism and more. 400+ pages. I am proud and honored to be a part of this project, and it has been fun being in touch with the publisher and author during the process. The back cover credits me, lists title, medium, size, date, "coleccion privada," includes my website and states, "Reproducido con permiso del autor." I suppose that implies, Artist? What better way to brush up on your Spanish?!

Speaking of Now And Forever, this and other of my "pile paintings" continue to take on a life of their own since leaving my studio 11 years ago for The Phoenix, corporate collection. I'd like to thank the current owners who acquired them from auction and formalized their value and recognition in the art world. I recently had the opportunity of seeing these works for the first time in all those years, and found it an emotional and moving experience. I once thought that being the only human to see these when they were wet, glistening paint was my reward for eventually letting them go, but I am pleased to say that they are still a rewarding sight.

Even though this website rightly focuses on my Fine Art, it would be unrealistic not to point out updates to my Design work on the Computers page. There, you'll get an idea of how busy a few months can be, with several projects recently added, starting with the Tarot business cards. These were all fun jobs and I hope that comes through visually. I'm promised "Summit" photos from Capri All Cima, so keep your fingers crossed and check back in a few weeks. While I'm at it, I'll also give a shout out to all my Painting and Design students at Tunxis Community College and congratulate them on a good year and many, many individual accomplishments. It has been an honor.

Oh, skateboards? Yes! Two, new ones now on the Skateboards page. These are pure dynamite, if I may say so. Congratulations to Worship for coming up with the names with barely a moment of hesitation when I put the question to them, and thanks to them for their continued support and interest in my work.

Spring is a time for moving ahead, they say, and I have several paintings in the works alongside a renewed focus on the writing of The Third Testament. My creative range seems to keep opening up in recent years and my progress seems to be in holding as much together as possible! This is not an unwelcome challenge, and I look forward to bringing the results to you as they happen.

Blog, February 2010

Tadaa... Well, I've finally figured out how to stop apologizing for how infrequently I update this page. I wasn't necessarily looking for a solution, but if you stay attuned, the universe helps you out anyway. I'm hereby, officially changing the name of this link from the News page to my Blog. It seems that that is really what it has been all along anyway with my deeper commentary and never really up-to-date. Instead, now you can find frequent, brief announcements on the News Scroll on the Home page of this site. There I will post events, announcements and pertinent information on a more timely basis. I hope you will check back often as my activities unfold, and then still follow Blog from time to time.

This post coincides with massive, sweeping changes to this site and I hope you will take the time to explore and reacquaint yourself with what is here. I have added 7 new paintings to the timeline and numerous older ones to existing painting feature-panels. A look at Flag With Yellow Leaf will reveal 3 more Flag Paintings new to this site. A look at Mom will also bring up a small still-life not seen here before.

Of greater, though more subtle impact, you may notice that many, many images in the site have been improved with new photography and adjusting. This was a huge effort toward consistency and quality that finally shows my work off here as never before. I hope this contributes to the overall experience of visiting this site far more than just to get an idea of what I do. My work is about esthetics, and there's no reason that looking at it shouldn't be the same, no matter where or how it's presented.

No less important than the work, in terms of seeing it here, are the pervasive changes that I've made to every aspect of the actual site structure itself. From the new Home page to the tabling and navigation of all pages, to the pop-up titles on the Timeline, getting around this site will be quicker, easier and more logical than ever. All pages will now open in the same browser window with a consistent, easy-on-the-eye format and prominent menu to take you around the site freely. Only Painting panels will continue to open in separate windows for ease of sorting through and comparing more than one painting at once. I find this a valuable feature of this site and hope you will too. Many of these changes were prompted by a need to rework the Timeline page and narrow its function to what it does best. Now it is a true, dedicated resource to exploring my work and learning more about it. My artist's statement was so hidden before that I doubt many people ever saw it, let alone relate it to my development. I am more than happy to have it out and visible, now, where it can be absorbed more comfortably and reasonably. Because of the frames that make the Timeline work, scrolling on this page has always limited its function. Now the useable space is maximized and utilized to much better effect.

What goes without saying is that the Home page brings a whole new creative touch to this site beyond basic housekeeping. This gives the site the ability to grow and provide information up front and directly. Look for Facebook and PayPal links soon. Look for the space provided here to fill over time in response to whatever may come along to help the viewer enjoy my work. Keep an eye on the automated slide show as it instills a bit of real life into all this attention on art. This too will be updated with images from my continuing involvement in the art-world and with art-making. Speaking of which, a review from my September show at Barnes Franklin Gallery, Tunxis Community College has been added to the Reviews page, and two pictures from the same article have been added to the Biography page.

It would be hard not to close without saying something about the two major paintings I have added to the Timeline, Self and Other. Three years from conception to completion, these have truly been a huge part of my life, resonating on a level that nearly made the accomplishment of them impossible. I don't know what I can say about what they mean to me, but somehow their importance carried me through to seeing them finished. Now they feel like a milestone in my life. If it is true that all things pass, but art lives on, then perhaps I have found something eternal in something that wasn't, but if that essence exists at all, then I guess I must be blessed to have ever have glimpsed it. Perhaps without making the work, I would never have noticed.

News, April, 2009
 

It seems as if I start many of these posts apologizing for how long it's been since the last update, but, I mean really- since last June? You'd think I'd lost my job, my woman, my vehicle and my dog... Oh, that's right- I did, but I swear it wasn't a pick-up truck and the dog belonged to her! Y'know, can anybody relate?

For anyone who's familiar with the site, though, you know that all that doesn't mean I haven't kept it courant with paintings. Uh, ok, not so many, but there are more coming. Some are even done, but they need to be grouped. Truth is that there is quite a bit coming, but at any one time since the fall I've had between 4 and 7 pieces going at once, and they don't turn out at an even pace.

The real reason I'm writing is to give you a preview, and yeh- so I don't need to be so sorry the next time. Mainstream are two more Me-Series works done as a pair, called Self and Other, a play on the idea of the self-portrait, but extended into the realm of relationships. Personal work? You bet, and that's another reason they're taking so long and so many diversionary paintings are coming along for the ride. I am excited about the actual self-portrait in these, though, and wanted to share a surprising comparison with a very familiar image which I've made clear with a few simple graphic touches. Yes, it's that steadfast gaze fixed on a distant horizon. It's the rugged and handsome, but sensitive face. It's those thoughtful eyes, the optimistic expression, it's... it's Ob... it's me. Hoping is not ironic. It's not prophetic or even inspired by political events at all, but it was a little too tempting to resist, and people seem to really like it.

Life has not been easy lately, but the art goes on, and maybe it becomes better because of it. Or, maybe it just means more to us because of it. Either way, it seems to rise to both occasions. I know it does for me. Please stay tuned, and can anybody help me with... well, let's start with the job...

 
  • I am scheduled for a show at the Barnes-Franklin Art Gallery at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT in September. An Artist talk will be part of the programming. Dates, details and directions to follow.

  • Yes, annual Open Studio Weekend happened in November. Many, many new faces and lot's of excitement. Thank you to everyone who came out- for your comments, feedback and wishes.

  • My painting Pre-Dawn Sun was shown at Westside as part of last year's summer-long group show.

  • There were considerable sales from Liberation, in June. Thank you, thank you for your support and heartfelt interest.

  • My painting Winter was shown at Westside as part of October's group show in honor of West Hartford, Poet Lauriet Maria Sassi. Paintings were done in response to poems written by Maria.

  • I'm going Japanese! Actually, I'm going foreign as much as domestic lately in my marketing, making contacts here and there. America doesn't hold a monopoly on the appreciation and understanding of art... for instance, there's the rest of the world! A graphic design based on several of my paintings was displayed as part of Wrapping Paper Design Competition held by The Artcomplex Center of Tokyo (ACT) and sponsored by Zonart and Kamika Inc. (It even sounds Japanese.) I'll just say that this event was much more artist-friendly than most I've seen, but I must admit- the winning entry seems to be what epitomized the word 'cute.' Sayonara!

    Above:  Winter

    Right:  Wrapping Paper Design
    ...oh, what the hell. Then there was this:

News, June, 2008

There are many reasons why I might not keep up this page as often as I should. Last time, I wrote that I had to keep you in suspense. This time I find that the reverse has been true and projects that I've been working on have kept me hanging for much longer than is comfortable. Sometime there may be more to report along these lines. For now, I have to move ahead.

This is not to say that nothing has been happening. For one thing, several new paintings have been added to the site over the previous months. First of all are the two anomalous flower paintings, Roses and Tulips. The context of these is explained fairly completely in the descriptions accompanying the images, and I hope that in some way they will ultimately be seen as quite fitting in my body of work. As I took the idea for these far enough to make them truly my own, I can't avoid seeing them as integral to aspects of everything else I do. There are also forces at work that make the paintings compelling, looking ahead, in ways that may not be readily knowable at all. I look forward to pursuing these more subtle paths.

Also new is the 3 Small Paintings Series . Such, little groups of works are becoming more habitual with me and will probably start popping up on the time-line more and more often. I thought these were particularly sweet, and I enjoyed them completely. Actually, #3 is patched from the back after a moment when I wasn't enjoying it so much. Does that make it more valuable?

Last, in terms of painting, is the recent addition of, uh, Fuck You. Yeah, please let me know what you think of this one. Believe me, it's standing out there as much of a challenge to myself as it is to you. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

I'd be remiss if I didn't point out one more influence starting to be seen on this site. Over the previous few years computer graphics have taken on a more prominent position in my livelihood. In pursuit of this I am incorporating more features intended to drum up Design work and further my career. Full resumes are now downloadable from the Biography page and an additional Computers page will soon be added with services for all clients large and small, including you, and with a downloadable design portfolio! Please accept or ignore these as you wish. I readily admit that they are included in response to hard times and difficulties with the many challenges presented by today's economy.

Thanks go out to Rosanne.

  • Catch it while you can. Liberation: The Paintings of Gary Jacobs is being held at Westside Wines and Spirits, Raymond Rd., West Hartford, next to Whole Foods and Blue-Back Square, May 16th to June 20th. Westside is newly expanded and renovated and shows off the work beautifully. With almost 30 pieces in display, 99% abstract, I'm as proud of this show as any. For more information click here: www.westsidewines.com.

  • Two new Jacobs skateboards have been released by Worship Skateboards. The Italian Revolution deck and the Irish Revolution deck were collaborations between the company and myself on the designs, concepts and actual artwork. The release of The Great Outdoors and Fuck You boards is anticipated by year's end. See the new decks on the Worship page, and for more on Worship see various entries below, go to Worship here: www.worshipskateboards.com.

  • A selection of my work was on display at Hartford Hospital during the month of May.

  • Small Painting #1, from the series, was donated to this year's Real Art Ways Real pARTy fundraiser. Response was as striking as in past years. This time I was glad to meet the recipients of my piece and I thank them for their established track record in collecting my work. See past entries, below, for more on the Real pARTy.

  • Signatures Gallery in Deep River, CT has taken on a role representing my work and I participated in the Grand Opening and other shows. For more on Signatures (amazing fine and functional art) click here: www.signatures-gallery.com.

  • Open Studio Weekend was held as always the first weekend of of November. Simply put, I love this event.

Thanks for staying tuned. Hoping to see you again soon.

News, August 26, 2007

This summer has been very much about finding a better balance as new people and potentials have become a big part of my life. With that has also come new inspiration and purpose. I have been working hard as ever with renewed intensity and a greater awareness of my place and passions. Change and risk, in moderate amounts, are good, and I must say I feel great!

As usual, I have to keep you in suspense again. There are some projects in the works that are quite exciting, but wouldn't be right to reveal yet. These are tangential to my personal work and I can already see them influencing it in an interesting way. All I can say is stay tuned.

More obvious are changes to this web site, starting with page 1! This new front-piece is meant to give viewers a more tantalizing and entertaining welcome to this site without revealing too much of what they might find. Oh, the joys and agonies of web-design faced with this little box with keys and the funny little TV-like thing in front of my face. The mysteries never end. I've learned a lot though, and might just start peppering the whole site with new surprises and effects. We'll see.

I've also added The Great Outdoors to the time-line, and REMOVED two fairly major paintings. Dogs and Jacob and Jesus just didn't seem to fit anymore and so were dropped. Jacob and Jesus, particularly, was a very important part of my development as it represented the epitome of the Violence theme that characterized the early Third Testament paintings. For you who were fond of these two works don't worry. They are safe and sound.

  • Worship Skateboards is releasing this week the 7th skateboard featuring my artwork. The Explosive board uses my very serious looking self-portrait and the mushroom cloud, both from Jacob and Adam, in a tongue-in-cheek commentary on human foibles both small and absurdly large. I'm psyched about this board for one reason in that it will circulate my face around the country and in the most unlikely places. In advance of this product, Worship has also issued a mushroom-cloud T-shirt which is the most appropriate use of the word worship on a shirt I've seen yet. Go to my skateboard page for more info. See my October 05 entry below for more on Worship.

    More on Skateboards: Worship team skateboarder, Nolan Munroe, competed at the X-Games in Los Angeles this month riding Jacobs Series boards! No, he didn't win, but as an up-and-coming athlete and 2012 Olympic hopeful he was honored to participate and already be invited back next year for this ESPN televised event.

    I was directed to "Elena's," in Costa Mesa, CA, MySpace page the other day to check out a picture that this rad-cool mega (no, uber!)-chic posted featuring the Faithful board. From the look of her other pics of her and her friends in action I'd say she honors us all by her very existence. Rock on. Check it out     (click here) Myspace members, or just enjoy these:
  • A note to the young couple who chose my painting at the Real Art Ways real pARTy in April: I was there and saw you and your friend go directly to that piece within the first few seconds of the rush and take it off the wall. You did a fist-in-the-air "Yes," and a slight jig. I'd heard my donations to this fund raiser go fast, but I was amazed to see this live. Congratulations and thanks. Did you scope out that work beforehand? Do you know me? There were 450 other paintings in the show. Please drop me a line and tell me how this came to be... and enjoy!

  • I will have another selection of paintings up at Heights of Wellness during September and into the fall. See March, 07, below for links and info. I do not know the date of the opening yet.

  • Open Studio Weekend will be November 3rd and 4th, 10-5:00. PLEASE COME. I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises to see and experience. PLEASE. I do enjoy seeing you all. Expect personal, preview events on Thursday the 1st.

  • I will be releasing new publicity materials with a whole new look in the coming months. Please keep your eyes out for them.

That's about it for now. Rock it people. Live large and make the most of things. Thanks for your continued support and interest. Follow your bliss and do something different today.

News, March, 22, 2007

  • I am showing a number of paintings at Heights of Wellness in Hartford for the months of March and April. H.O.W. is a gorgeous center for wholistic health services including massage, pilates and nutritional counseling. Anybody visiting the show is guaranteed to experience a renewal of mind, body and spirit!
    • Heights of Wellness is located at 1477 Park St. open regular business hours, Mon. through Sat. For more information see www.heightsofwellness.com, or call 860-951-1110.
  • I am participating in the Real Art Ways Real pARTy fundraiser for the third year running. As part of this event a small painting of mine will be hanging as part of their preview show through April 14th. I make no bones about saying there are over 400 works in this show, but it's a knockout for the eyes and a lot of fun.
    • RAW is located at 56 Arbor St. in Hartford, 860-232-1006, www.realartways.org

Life has been rich and vibrant since Hartford Open Studio Weekend in November and my transition into a new body of work I'm calling the Me Series! I expect to be posting the first samples of this work on this site soon.

I try not to give the impression that this site represents all the paintings I do. Lately, however, a few examples have sprung to consciousness. As a glimpse behind the scenes, I thought I'd include the following pictures here:
This year's Real Art Ways painting.
Just got the Film developed for this 2005 RAW painting. I have no record of the 2006 painting, but it was very 'red!'


How'd that get in here?! Oh well, congratulations on your wedding, Paul and Shannon. I know you love your dog, Murphy!

News, December, 15, 2006

Happy Holidays, everybody. I just want to acknowledge that paintings on this site have been updated regularly even though I don't get to this News page nearly often enough. In recent months you've seen the addition of the remaining Earth Series paintings and now the 3 Women series. I hope you enjoy these. Several older paintings on the site are being updated currently with better or revised photos as my digital archive improves. I have obtained incredible files of I Chose Goucher and Now and Forever, and these are available for the first time as beautiful giclee prints. Feel free to inquire! Please continue to check in often, and stay tuned for further announcements and postings. Thanks.

News, June, 17, 2006

Well, it's sure been awhile since I updated my News, though you may have noticed that new paintings have been added to the timeline. Those are the first round of Earth Series works and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. At this point I am close to completing the final paintings in the series and will also get those up here as soon as possible. Additional work is already underway too, and new plans in store, so keep posted. I keep rolling along.

As with many people, this year seems to be about change, both good and bad, and I've had my share. Through it all I have continued to paint and work on my book and am feeling better than ever about my progress. Without pretending that my memory is infallible, here is a recap of current and older news:

  • I will be having a one-person show of original works at EBK Picture Framing & Gallery in West Hartford, June 30th to August 19th, with an Artist Reception on the 30th from 6-9:00 pm. The show, titled "Realistic!" will feature my Realist still-lifes from the 90's and is intended as a prelude to further, more contemporary shows in the future.
  • Here's something along a slightly different line: I will be performing on flute as part of the indie, jam-band Nada Dum Ka at the Nomadic Summr Spirit in Hartford festival, June 24th at the Charter Oak Cultural Center. The event will feature a performance by Raquy and the Cavemen lead by Raquy Danziger, world renowned, woman percussionist. I am honored to be a part of this event, and will be selling prints of my work during the day's activities. For more information, call 860-249-1207, or email radicalarts@ecoisp.com.
  • Several new skateboards are expected out this season. Stay tuned for details.
  • There was no Spring Open Studio event this year. Look for the event to return the first weekend in November, one month earlier than usual.
  • I donated two framed prints to a June 9th charity auction for The Prudence Crandall Center for Victims of Domestic Violence in New Britain CT, www.prudencecrandall.org. As someone who has been touched by domestic violence I am proud to be of service to this important organization.
  • Once again I was a part of this year's Real Art Ways, Real pARTy fundraiser, donating another original 9" x 12" painting to this worthy cause. Reports are that my work was highly sought after, and that yes, for whoever got it, contrary to what I may think, my world is indeed their oyster...
  • December Open Studio was a great success and once again, as for those throughout the year, I thank everyone who purchased work from me. My sincere gratitude.

News, October, 24, 2005

I'm back, you high-tech, web geeks out there. I have high-speed, a head full of ones and zeroes and at least an adequately serviceable web-design program that I pretty much know how to work- at least well enough to be writing you now. Yes, after much struggle, very little sleep, even less food or drink, and still less awareness of the outside world, I have finally learned to manage my web site and have hit the ground running.

Those of you who have been here before will have undoubtedly already noticed numerous changes. Glorious color has been added to all the pages of artwork and reformatting has made the images and text easier to enjoy than ever. Color has also been added to the time line page and will be continued throughout the rest of the site. Goodbye starkness and nondescript blending with the rest of your desk-top.

That's not even to mention obvious additions regarding recent product news. Yes, there is a line of skateboards out with artwork taken from my paintings. You will find a whole page of information about this and related promotions by way of the Skateboards link. More on this in a moment. There is lots more to come too, but all in due time. Most importantly, I have new paintings and I will add these as soon as possible.

My apologies for any delays or inconveniences this process may have caused. There will be others, I'm sure, but they will be worth it. Thanks to everybody who has helped me out lately, too. Web-design is not easy and there are a couple things I've noticed: It's really bad when you think you've got it, but then you don't. But, what's worse is when you think you don't have it, but you really do. And isn't that a lot like life? Now what kind of artist would I be if I didn't bring this around to some kind of point like that?!

Welcome to all the visitors from Worship Skateboards. Check back frequently, and read on for more specific news.

  • It's one of those ironies in what I do that there was a skateboard company out there named Worship, and that they wanted to do boards of my work. This is not a born-again company either, as evidenced by their "stiff-wood" slogan. Rather, the name is used generically as buzz about connecting. They weren't fazed by paintings like Jacob and Jesus or The Faithful.

    We started working together in January and had visuals ready within weeks. I assumed that they would do the designs, but they preferred I did. Joe Baker came up with the first workable layout- the Shambhala board- and I came up with the rest. They look simple, but were intense work. I was originally approached about doing 3 boards, but the final 6 ended up being the biggest series they've done devoted to one artist.

    The release was in June and sales have been good, with each design doing well. Other products are forthcoming and I look forward to seeing my reputation grow with this influential and dynamic company. It's amazing to see my creativity serve as the starting point for someone else's. I'd like to thank Jeff Blayman at Worship and everyone who buys, skates on and displays these products. Rad.

  • Speaking of ironies, I'd like to mention that the live, painting performance in June at Artworks Gallery went quite well, and the finished piece was purchased by a Reverend Deborah Blood. I hope she doesn't mind this breach of privacy, but the distinctiveness of her name was too much to pass up. I was in my zone that night, felt good, and was pleased that she got a good painting. Thank you.

  • In September I was one of four artists in a significant show at the Charter Oak Cultural Center here in Hartford. The skateboards and four, new, Earth Series paintings were among my inclusions and were very well received, I believe. See the picture, below, from the opening. Jeff Blayman on the left, me on the right.

  • Open Studio Weekend will be happening December 3rd and 4th. I encourage everyone to come if they can as the schedule may switch from semi-annually to annually after this event. See http://www.open-studio.com for more information.

I'd like to say that it's been an exciting time, and while I've been doing a lot to move toward my goals it's also nice to see some of the benefits along the way. I remain as ambitious as ever and look forward to reporting further successes down the road. Work continues on The Third Testament and every facet of my broad agenda. I hope you will enjoy the results and stay tuned. Drop me a line if you'd like.

Jeff Blayman of Worship Skateboards and I at the Charter Oak Cultural Center. "Congratulations,"
I said, "my paintings have hit the streets and your boards are on the gallery walls."

News, May, 12, 2005

 Some notes:

It has been a very busy, active and exciting few months since I last wrote. There are some pretty cool things pending and I will try to keep you appropriately informed as I can. Sometimes I have to keep from speaking too soon though. Stay tuned.

Also, I have been in a transition concerning the maintenance of this web site. I have been learning the software myself and this update will mark the first change I have made totally on my own. I will sorely miss the creative input and technical wizardry of Joe Baker who has helped me to this point, contributed many of the ideas and improved on many of my own. Best of luck, Joe, when you return to the west, and may the miles prove less of a distance between us than they might sound.

I am changing the emphasis in my work for the time being from the large, allegorical works to an extended series of smaller, abstract paintings. This decision was inspired by the discovery of a format that serves as a natural foil for my physical, gestural method of painting. The 9”x24” canvases will feature my trademark style, but seem to be fragments of some bigger composition. I am already enjoying this more open-ended and liberating pursuit and hope to bring you samples soon.

- June 11th I will be painting in front of an audience to the live music of the Alturas Duo at Artworks Gallery in Hartford. This unusual event will feature several artists and poets improvising to the original sounds. By any other measure I expect this is going to be a lot of fun. See http://www.artworksgallery.org/news.html for more information.

- I will be having another show at Salon in West Hartford during June and July. The Platonic Solids series of paintings will be featured. See my News entry of 6/1/04, below, for more on Salon.

- A print of Carrying Water, Chopping Wood was donated by me to a benefit auction for T.R.Y.B.E. Force, Inc., “Dedicated to the teaching of nonviolence to youth.” T.R.Y.B.E. stands for Truth and Reconciliation for Youth and Adults in Brotherhood and Sisterhood for the Empowerment of All. The event is scheduled for May 22nd in Hartford. 1-877-384-4241 for more information.

- Hate to always be talking about Open Studio, but it seems every time I turn around, there it is again. The last of the semi-yearly event happened May 7th and 8th. All I’ll say is that these have been quite successful for me lately and I want to thank everyone who takes to my work enough to bring it into their homes. Again, it was wonderful to see so many new faces and families on this recent holiday weekend.

- An original 9”x12” painting was created and donated by me to The Real Party fundraiser for Real Art Ways in Hartford, April 9th. Over 200 such works were solicited from artists and rewarded to purchasers of $250. tickets to the black-tie affair. Whoever got my painting, Cosmic Dream, drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.

- March 24th I presented a slide lecture of my work at the East Hartford Art League, East Hartford, CT.

-At the start of March I served as the Juror of Prizes for the Oil Drum Art show at ArtSpace in Hartford. ODA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the use of oil drums by artists and presented in shows nationally and internationally. My job was to award seven prizes in the Esthetic, Geopolitical Statements, and Overall categories out of 34 entries.

I am pleased to be getting back to teaching in a new way after a long absence. I have recently taken on two private students and am enjoying the effort to connect to our inner painters outside of the confines of academia. Welcome.

Ps. I have made a full recovery from my broken ribs and they are back, hard at work keeping my guts from falling out.

News, February 1, 2005

So people ask me, "What does Gary Jacobs listen to when he's painting?" Well, I listen to Kate Callahan of course! Check her site and go see her perform sometime! www.katecallahan.com

News, January 10, 2005

 My best wishes for a happy new year for everybody

Open Studio happened Dec. 4th and 5th. Attendance was very good and I was pleased to see so many new faces. I would like to thank those of you who made it such a memorable event for me. I look forward to seeing you again.

On a personal note: I’m sorry to report a number of broken ribs sustained as a ski injury over the holidays! Unfortunately, I got a bit too excited during my visit to Lake Tahoe for a friend’s wedding. I fell and rolled and caught a sharp rock or tree stump in my side. Otherwise, I am well, doing fine and still painting- and I’ll be back to the slopes in due time.

News, October 21, 2004

If you didn't see it when it came out Sep. 30th, my painting, The Faithful, was used on the cover of Lucid Magazine, a statewide arts weekly. An article on me was featured inside. I have added a new page on this site to show it and other selected reviews and commentary (Click the Review button on the menu). Check it out and tell me if that's not the most bad-ass cover to grace street corner distribution boxes you've ever seen. Thank you for a phenomenal job, Jennifer Dauphinais and Lucid.


News, September, 04

A full color, brochure/poster of my work is now available. This is a high quality, gorgeous publication of some of my most popular images and words. Look for these at local arts institutions or contact me for a copy.

I will be showing paintings and prints at the Canton Art Festival on Route 44 in Canton, CT Saturday, October 2nd, 2004.

An article by me on the subject of finding your own path in life will be published this fall in In Season, a newsletter of holistic health and nutrition. Please contact me for a copy.

I will be participating in the Hartford Artists Open Studio Weekend December 4th and 5th, 10-5:00 Saturday, 11-5:00 Sunday. Look for further announcements about this event.

A print of In Memory of Dead Friends was recently purchased as part of the Mass Mutual Insurance Company’s 2004 United Way Campaign.

A print of The Fresh-Start Plan recently was purchased at The Greater Hartford Art Show & Auction to benefit The National Muscular Dystrophy Society.

News, June, 1, 2004

Welcome to the News page of my recently redesigned web site. I’m psyched to bring you all the advantages of these improvements and know you’ll appreciate the changes I’ve made. I’d like to thank Joe Baker for his help and ideas in creating the site at every stage. He’s a great artist himself, and you should check out his work at http://www.joebaker.net. I’ll be updating this page with whatever information I think you’ll enjoy, or even just have to get off my chest. I hope you’ll check in frequently to hear about new shows and events and of course to see new artwork. Let me know what you think. It has helped thus far, and makes a difference.


Hartford Artists’ Open Studio Weekend happened May 8th and 9th and I’d like to thank all of you who came. It was wonderful meeting so many new people and seeing so many familiar faces too. I always appreciate the effort you make to come out, visit and stay in touch. I remember many, very special conversations and I hope they meant as much to you as they did to me. Sales were pretty off this time around, but I made several contacts that I hope to inform you about soon. Stay tuned!

I will be having a show of realist paintings July thru September at Studio hair salon and art gallery, 17 Oakwood Ave., West Hartford, (860) 233-5180. Proprietor Rick Bach is an artist himself and has been hosting classy, little shows for a number of years. I had a show of my recent prints there this past winter and look forward to the contrast this show will make. Feel free to stop in!

This is a great time to buy a print or original artwork from me. I have a million and one reasons to encourage sales right now and I hope some of you will oblige me. Your support is not only inspiring to me, but is more and more necessary in these difficult times. I want you to like my work, bring it into your lives and honor that connection. I continue to work hard to uphold the highest standards, and hope you will do your part to foster this effort.

Please take the time to look over the information in this site carefully. Tell a friend about it. Share it. I am pleased to bring you more paintings, history and connections to be made than before. I am enjoying clarifying my vision for you and know it will pay off in deeper understanding, broader discussion and more focused impact. I am searching for the most effective way to facilitate positive change in this world and address the issues that are important to me. I not only want to achieve my own goals, but empower and inspire others to accomplish theirs. This is an ongoing process, but the rewards are there for everyone along the way. Be a part of my journey, keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for more. The best is yet to come!