My little,
CHICKADEE
The $2 Art Contest and the time I spend reviewing work reveals a new surprise each month. When I made the choice this month, it occurred to me that I have chosen very few men as Featured Artists over the years. In fact, I chose only four in 2010, and only one in 2011. Hmm. I find that once I send out my questionnaire / interview questions, the artists I choose seem to have an elusive connecting thread (other than food) with the other artists I have chosen as well as with me. I suppose we are birds of a feather, as the cliche goes.
This month’s artist is a beautiful example of a connection to process and materials often found in craft artisans, but a passion for the message, the voice of the work that is generally only found in the fine arts. Maybe my little chicks and I are connected by a thread of passion, not just to create…but to speak.
I am so proud to announce the Featured Artist chosen from the December entries is Jacques Vesery. His artwork, his sculpture, speaks to what each of chooses to honor, to cherish both physically and within ourselves. They are…
Vessels for the soul,
if you will.
These sculptures are a beautiful, layered, decadent aesthetic combined with threads of the mystical, wondrous history of someplace not quite known. They make me daydream. But is the overwhelming desire to hold and touch them that makes me feel ever so slightly out of control. Wonderful.
FEATURED ARTIST:
Jacques Vesery
Jacques Vesery is a sculptor from Damariscotta, ME and has lived in Maine for 20 years. His work is in numerous public and private collections including the Detroit Institute of Art, the Contemporary Art Museum of Honolulu, Yale University Art Gallery and The Carnegie Museum. He is a Maine Arts Commission Fellow for 2000 and winner of Sculptural Pursuit Third Annual Sculpture Competition in 2006.
Jacques has lectured on design and concepts within his work in France, Italy, England, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and 28 US states at such locations as Journees Mondiales du Tournage D’art Sur Bois Congres, Loughborough University, Anderson Ranch, `Aha Hana Lima- Hawaii and Haystack Mt. School.
What do you consider your media? Do you primarily consider yourself a sculptor? Something else? “This one always seems harder than it should be. I guess I fall through the cracks. To make life easier, I say that I am an Artist/Sculptor and for the most part, my work three dimensional, but not always.”
Clearly, there seems to be a repeated circular and/or egg-shaped aesthetic in your work. What is the significance to working round? “I started from creating art/craft objects solely based on utility… very conservative vessels with textures that seemed to grow with the surface area vs. being applied. I quickly realized sculptural forms would be much more appropriate and started making what I call “Seaforms”. They are not like any real shells and actually I base the forms on classic utilitarian forms. Everything else has evolved from this.”
Talk to me about your choice of natural materials versus using a process to replicate the look of natural materials? “I love the confusion that many of the pieces cause. Some think it’s stone, some ceramic… in most cases, people don’t think wood. Even when it is supposed to look like wood. I have heard people say ‘so you sculpted wood to look like wood or you shaped a stone to look like a shell, or wood to look like stone.’ I use wood because I know it well. I know what it is capable of and I enjoy it. If I knew another material that would work better for what I want to convey, I would use it. I am not hooked on any one material or tools. For me it is all about the outcome. The surprise factor is also a plus. When you are thinking stone or ceramic then hold a piece in your hands, it’s warm and very light in weight.”
You know we have to talk about food. What are your favorites? “Anything French! Cooking is one of my passions and most of the time it’s something French… Italian runs a very close second though. If I had pick one dish, I guess it would be Coq Au Vin, with a great Cotes du Rhone of course.” You owe me dinner, Mister.
“And, I have always been a lover of fruit. I’ll pick up an apple or a mango before chocolate any day. I only go for my wife’s chocolate when there is nothing else sweet around. Lately I have been making gallons of fruit smoothies with loads of green leafy stuff added. Hey kale is the new beef. *Editor’s Note: Just when I think I’m in love, some fruity artist always comes up with a “Kale is the new Beef” statement. No, Jacques, kale IS NOT the new beef. You fruitcake, you.
So, what’s coming up next for you? “Well… There has been a big change in my life in the last 15 months, and it has effected my work greatly. Long story short, I have an illness that that prevents my working in my normal ways. The silver lining has been exploring new directions… Even sneaker art of all things. For now, that is what is next… as I get better, I hope to get back to the small scale sculptures, but still want to pursue this new found passions as well.”
Thank you, Jacques Vesery for giving me back my daydreams. And the gift of being out-of-control is a treasured rarity for me. Future Relics are what I see. You’re are an inspiration!
Learn more about Jacques Vesery online!
Want to be a Featured Artist on www.ArtAndArtDeadlines.com?
Check out the $2 Art Contest!
Jacques artwork is so detailed and beautiful.
The work of Jacques Vesery speaks directly to the soul through the medium of the senses and that is what all great Art accomplishes. Every Artist is a craftsman but few artists reach beyond the historical and material and into the transcendent and the eternal. The Art creafted (best typographical error I have ever made) by Jacques helps us to remember those cosmic moments in time and space where creation manifests into material form. In contrast to Marcel Proust (Remembrance of Things Past), he provides a Remembrance of Things Future. And the future depicted in his beautiful and evocative work is always organic and whole. Within the ecosystem of his creations, the promise of the Earth is renewed.
I’ve known Jack since kindergarten in New Milford, NJ and he was a talented artist from the very early years. He shined in art class throughout middle and high school. It is no surprise to any of us who went to grade school with him that he is even more talented now as an adult.
Hey Jacques !
Congratulations for this article about you work 🙂
You really deserve it 😉
I hope you will be able to work again soon,
Have a nice day !
Congrats! You’re artwork is one of the great pleasures for us to enjoy! 😀
Jacques is one of my favorite artists. His work always amazes me. For me it is a wonderful combination of simplicity with intricate detail and the works always feel so natural and organic. He is truly an inspiration to me
Amazing artist, lovely man, incredible work. I never tire of seeing his work and anticipate new pieces and his future. Love you Jacques!
I love seeing the new incredibly aesthetic work that emerges each year. It evokes the feelings so close to my heart and soul that are present when I am near the ocean, especially all the vessels and art seemingly like shells from the ocean. Still amaazed they are created from wood. I want to touch all of them. Congratulations on a wonderful article! Stay healthy.
It does not get much better than this! You da man!
Get well!!!!!!!!!!
Great article. It is impressive to see the variation in your work from the turned objects to the new sneakers. Always impressed.
Jacques does amazing work! Excellent choice for a featured artist.
Jacques brings creativity, determination and intelligence to life and to his art…doesn’t get much better than that, does it? It does: he brings humor, too!
Excellent article. It’s always good to see Jacques getting some well-deserved recognition. I have learned a lot from Jacques and find his work inspirational. He rocks!
Jacques work is truly breathtaking–the level of detail, the layers of color, and the end results. Add to it all his special spirit and willingness to teach and share and you have a master who inspires many others to create–perpetuating appreciation for the arts.
I find these pieces so utterly beautiful and alive that I don’t care what they are made of. Strange words from an artist and arts editor, a person who takes things apart just to see how they work, but these are akin to the work of a great magician—I admire the prestidigitation and want to be amazed. I don’t want to know how the trick is done.
I commissioned Jacques to make a small acrylic piece for my fiancee in 1981 and I was impressed with his talent then. I’m blown away by the phenomenal pieces he is making today!
Beautiful pieces, as always, Jacques. Une Triade de Mon Moi Intérieur is one of my all-time favorites. Congratulations on the article!
Jacques breathes art. He lives it. The arc that he has cut with his makings and musings has left a contrail in the sky that reaches beyond his travels. His work goes beyond physical objects, sketches, and paintings. He makes art when he talks. Have a conversation with Jacques and you come away inspired with new ideas of your own. He’s a catalyst for others and their work as well as an inspired maker.
Well deserved Jacques! It is wonderful to see your amazing work. Your talent and style has grown so much, although it was evident back in the Middle School when we were growing up. Not many people grasp the challenge and opportunity to pursue their dreams and use their skills as you have. Your work is really beautiful, thank you for sharing it with us. Good luck and continued success in all you do.
Your work is truly amassing Jacques. I look forward to seeing more.
Beautiful cuz!