Today we’d like to introduce you to John M. Gunderson.
John, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’m a native Texan and self-taught artist/musician. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t draw or paint and my lifelong interest in music began about fifth grade with my first drum set. My need to create is intense and I pretty much use whatever medium is at hand when an idea comes to mind. In my thirties I got a job in a local French restaurant and learned the basics of fine cooking and artistic presentation so that continues to be another creative outlet for me as well. Currently I would say that my primary focus is creating original music in my home studio, creating new collage, oil and watercolor pieces and traveling throughout the Southwest in search of new inspiration.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Primarily I tend to work with collage, oil on canvas and watercolor on paper. I don’t have a lot of patience so I work very fast using heavy strokes, bright bold colors, lots of paint and I focus more on getting the idea out rather than being technically correct.
With collage I like to start with an idea such as a studio, restaurant, or bar and then find interesting images to express my idea in a completely unique way. It is interesting to me because each finished work is a one of a kind piece and impossible to reproduce.
When I work with oils I tend to lean toward Cubism, abstraction or landscapes. Artists who inspire my work the most are Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso, Juan Gris and Cezanne.
With my music I try to create big open ethereal sounds primarily on the piano, synth and guitar. I have no vocal ability so they tend to be instrumental in nature. Building my home studio is an ongoing process and a lifelong dream. It affords me the ability to focus on recording my own music in my own creative environment.
The following quote exemplifies exactly how I feel about my work and why I have a need to create. “Art doesn’t happen unless you are smart, and such expressions are the inevitable consequence of an intelligent, but restless mind.” Gregory Westerguard
How can artists connect with other artists?
I would have to say get out and network at local art festivals, gallery nights, live music shows etc.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am actually proud to say that I don’t have an online presence or social media account. If someone is interested in my work I may be reached by Email at: john_gunderson@sbcglobal.net
Contact Info:
- Address: Fort Worth, TX
- Phone: 817-683-3790
- Email: john_gunderson@sbcglobal.net
Image Credit:
John M. Gunderson except personal photo by Heritage Auctions, Dallas, TX
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