Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Todryk.
Hi Jonathan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born July of 1984 in Minneapolis MN. When I was 7 our family moved to northern Illinois where I would spend the rest of my childhood. As long as I can remember I’ve always had an interest in the arts. My Dad, being a drummer and a painter, heavily influenced my interests early on. I was always drawing in my sketchbooks and at 10 years old I also began practicing the drums. Visual art and music became my focus and after high school I moved to Nashville TN where I worked as a professional drummer. During this time I met my wife and started our family. Fast forward many years I found myself in a career opposite of my interests. To deal with frustration I started painting every night after work as a creative outlet. It was during this time that something clicked inside of me, like I was fulfilling a part of who I am. So I started sharing my work, seeing opportunities and eventually coming to a point where I had to take a big risk. After a lot of fear, prayer and tears I took the risk and left my job, fully committing to making art. Since then I’ve seen God’s faithfulness to me and my family and opportunities come as I grow as an artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. The life of an artist is full of risk and doubt at times, especially as you grow and discover your voice. Early on, learning about materials and logistics can be a lot of trial and error. Also the challenges of life/family responsibilities and the time required to learn and grow can be a lot to navigate at once. But with all the challenges there has been great reward and opportunity along the way. I’m thankful every day that I get to do this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make paintings about stillness, presence, and peace.
My work is rooted in reduction by removing noise and excess so that what remains feels essential. Through slow, repeated gestures and elemental materials like paint, water, hands and canvas I explore the quiet places where my attention settles and breath softens.
These paintings are visual poems. Like language distilled to its most meaningful lines, the work is pared down until subtle shifts and simple marks carry emotional weight. What emerges is not narrative, but a sense of calm, clarity, groundedness.
My practice is also spiritual. Prayer and contemplation is a part of my process by asking God to quiet me, guide my hands, and fill the work with peace. For me, stillness is not empty; it is a space where I become present to God’s presence. The work grows from prayer, listening, and letting go of control and by trusting the unseen more than the immediate.
These paintings are not about spectacle or noise. They are about gentleness, breath, humility, and rest. They invite a slower way of looking, of being and a place where peace is not an escape but a present reality.
In a world defined by urgency, this work chooses surrender. Through reduction, I look for those things that cannot be reduced: peace, breath, Spirit, the quiet truth of simply being here.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m really excited about my current body of work. It feels like I’ve settled into my most honest and “surrendered” work which is something I’ve waited a long time for. Other than that I’m really enjoying being a family man and just being present with my wife and 3 kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonathantodryk.com
- Instagram: @jonathantodryk
- Other: Todrykart@gmail.com
