The Binary Bovine

Happy new year! Here is my first painting of 2018 I finished recently.

This painting was inspired by learning more about the history of domesticated cattle.

Two of the three biggest economies in the world (the United States and India), have cattle derivatives infused in their diets in opposing ways. India is the country with the most populous vegetarians, who flex Lacto-vegetarianism (dairy products are nourished, but not eggs or meat). In the United States (the second most meat consuming country in the world), both dairy and the animal itself are also eaten. 

What struck me was the contrasting treatment of the animal between these two cultures: while one has chosen to praise the animal for the gifts it's brought humanity, the other has chosen to enslave it.

Agriculture is the very thing that has allowed human beings to no longer be nomadic.  (Some Environmentalists would say that was the beginning of the end.) An omnivorous diet has long been customary to human existence and livestock practices were adopted shortly thereafter. So while consuming meat has historic longevity, it's a fastidious topic because the efforts required to satisfy our demand for it now are compromising our environment.    

 The cow apparition denotes the often incarcerated reality of the animal. The markings on the cow, common on North American breeds, take the form of the world's landmasses representing our global rapacious appetite for beef. 

Clarabelle cow in the image is dressed as a Hindu deity and represents an ahimsa path. In her upper left hand she holds a bitter melon and her other left hand retains mustard flower (common ingredients in Indian cuisine). 

General Mills' Hamburger Helper mascot arrives with no garment to revealing his raw meat appearance. He wields a devilish prong force feeding his hamburger itinerary. 

The popular burger chain mascot, Big Boy, sits under a shadow of fear at the sight of the ghostly cow above while undecided on the two paths he has been presented with. 

'The Binary Bovine'
acrylic on masonite
13.75" x 21.75" (19.25" x 27.25" including frame)
$ Available! (Contact me if you are interested)

'Parade of Imbeciles' - final reveal!

'Parade of Imbeciles', acrylic on wood panel, 36"x24" (40"x28" including the frame)

Unlike real life Homers such as NASA engineer, Homer Hickam, activist, Homer Plessy, or much further back, Homer, the great Greek author and poet of The Illiad; the fictional cartoon character, Homer Simpson, is not readily associated with wisdom. His mental alertness is quite the opposite. (Attributing that, along with his massive pop culture notoriety, it is no wonder there have been few males born named 'Homer' since the animated family's 1987 television debut.)

However, there is a moment where he spouted something quite profound on an episode of THE SIMPSON'S I will always remember. It is an episode in season 2 called 'Dead Putting Society'. To feel better than his well liked neighbor and rival, Ned Flanders,  Homer trains his son, Bart, to win a mini golf tournament against Ned's son, Todd, to so he can feel superior than Ned. When prompted by his wife, Marge, about how serious he's taking Bart's training, he proclaims:

"Because sometimes  the only way you can feel good about yourself is by making someone else look bad. And I'm tired of making other people feel good about themselves."

In his moment of fleeting wisdom, he unearthed something fundamentally human: it is empowering to feel better than others. This mindset is still adopted by many today when we disparage someone widely known to behave stupidly in an effort to feel superior and bond with others over the fact that we're not stupid.

Thus, the primary function of cartoon characters is to make us feel better about ourselves. Since cartoon characters don't actually exist, they are permissible and ideal targets of ridicule. This is a form of vicarious living. Seeing characters perform unintelligent acts that would be fun to participate in, without us having to live with compromised egos. (Albeit, if you do take things to the extreme, you can always posthumously earn yourself a Darwin award. An esteem for individuals who inadvertently lose their lives from acts of stupidity.) A cartoon characters actions, however outlandish, are inspired by reality. A reality inhabited by people. People do stupid things, but it's inaccurate to call someone stupid because nobody is stupid 100% of the time. Yet, everyone is inept at something. The idea of combining so many cartoon characters designed for stupor into a united visual felt like something I needed to tackle. In the world we reside in today, the theme seems increasingly relevant.

The word imbecile belongs to a classification system of grading intelligence. On the scale, the word ranks second last. 'Idiot' being the lowest possible entry. A new born baby, with it's insufficient comprehension, is technically an idiot by this measure. These classifications have become derogatory over time. The offense occurs when you feel authorized to treat people immorally who fit into lower cognitive levels than you. I remember having a conversation with my Mother, who works with special needs children, if she thought the Disney Dwarf, Dopey, was an exploitation on the mentally challenged community. (His very name - the only one he's ever referred to - is pejorative.)  Individuals in this demographic certainly do not exist for the objective as comedic marks, but such an idea would have been more permissible during the film's contemporary release.

As we can see in the image, the characters are marching along towards an unknown mecca. In the distance looms a great storm that is making contact with a satellite dish on a perilous hilltop. The satellite dish represents the global reach of the internet and how frequently, the most widely shared content is delegated to the realm of stupor.  Solemn empathy does not enjoy the same scalable growth on the internet the way trivial videos of dancing cats do. Is that stupidity, displaced priorities, or both?

 A cartoon character's itinerary offer us instant gratification because their actions don't require explaining. We have the ability to think and exist in a world of increasing complexity. Perhaps we're searching for things to be simpler so we don't exhaust ourselves. Our cognitive energy is finite and must be recovered. Enjoying "stupid" material allows us to not expend so much of it and feel superior in the process.

A 'messiah' of sorts accompanies this cartoon formation via a parade balloon modeled after the mascot from the popular 'FOR DUMMIES' book series which simplify innumerable topics. Each character has also brought along an object with them on this trek to serve their disposition. (Some notable props include a hydrogen bomb, an old television, a protest sign forbidding thinking and a whoopee cushion.) As they march en masse, I'm reminded of a quote by mastermind comedian, George Carlin:

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."  

The distant storm and eerie green atmosphere underscores this foreboding danger. What may seem innocent and harmless singularly, becomes collectively dangerous.  

I am a painter and what that means is I create images predominantly using the medium of paint. The objective of an image is to make you remember that you have seen it. If this image has communicated with another human, that is a success. I spend a large portion of my time trying to comprehend human nature. There is lots I still don't understand, but my bewilderment in the matter has provided me with an endless stream of ideas for paintings. Either way, the march continues. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a parade to attend to.

-Jono Doiron

Montreal, October 2017

Like this?? STILL want to know more??

Why not pick up one of the few remaining copies of the book to see the entire process of the painting from start to finish?

Pick up your signed copy here!

Chaotic Utopia Magazine

Online art publication, Chaotic Utopian Mag published an interview with me about the themes and influence of my art. Thanks for the kind words! You can read the interview here: 

What do you call it?

Ever wonder how I come up with titles for my paintings? This is a method I use when I am stuck that may help you as well.

Do you like to read outside this time of year? I do. (In fact I went to the park, and did some reading today.)

It got me thinking: what's in a title?

Read the full article here.

Till The End - the reveal

So here at last - in it's entirety - is the final acrylic painting 'Till The End'. If you made it to The Artist Project art fair in Toronto, you would have gotten to see this piece in person. Of all the original works in my booth - this one was by far the most popular painting.

THE STORY: 

The idea for this painting was inspired by a documentary I saw about the ecosystem Big Cypress National Preserve ('Big Cypress Swamp: The Western Everglades', 2009, directed by Elam Stolzfus). Though I have yet to visit in person, it's visuals lingered in my mind as such a mystical place. I wanted to convey that mood as well as nod to the documentary's conservation efforts (it has been declared as a National Preserve since 1974). The painting serves as a cumulative environmental parable.

The central figure is Kermit the frog, (who most closely resembles a Green Tree Frog, a native species of the swamp) is depicted as a sage in the image who has sworn to protect his habitat. I chose a frog because according to National Park Service: "Amphibians tend to be highly sensitive to environmental changes, for that reason scientists often use them to determine the overall health of an area." He holds a book labeled 'nisi' - the Latin word for 'unless'. It is a reference to my favorite Dr. Seuss book, 'The Lorax' (the celestial character appearing in the smoke) and law. In law, a decree nisi, a ruling that will become absolute unless evidence is presented as to why it should not pass prior to a certain date. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decree_nisi

The title is borrowed from the Yann Tiersen song of the same name from his 2010 'Dust Lane' album (listen to it while looking at the painting for best impact). 

Amazingly, the original painting is still available! Contact me if you're interested.

'Till The End'
acrylic on masonite
22.25"x19.25" (including frame)
$ for sale

In need of a Crazy Minute? I am.

So how are you feeling today? Superb? Or just a shade above normal? Perhaps what you need is a crazy minute! 

'Awaiting Crazy Minute', acylic on masonite, 13"x14.5" (including frame)

An aid to getting through the lesser fun parts of life is spending time being silly.

Years ago, I created such a silly break with my youngest sister (who was much younger at the time) called 'crazy minute'. Crazy minute is the last minute of every hour (9:59, 10:59, 11:59, etc...). At every crazy minute, you would do a dance, wave your arms up, do gymnastics, or some enthusiastic variation over the next 60 seconds to recuperate your energy. 

Visually, the panting is made to look tranquil with lighting based on the late afternoon sun beaming in. Typically, it is a lazy time of the day when there's still work to be done and less interesting things seem to happen. Cuckoo clocks are quiet until every minute of the new hour when the silence is abruptly broken. And that is the whole point of crazy minute - it's meant to disrupt stagnancy.

Have tickets to the art fair yet?? If not, click here or the image above to receive a discount on regular admission tickets.  


See you in  just over 2 weeks! Stay creative,

 

-Jono

Huckleberries

Wow! The Artist Project art fair I've been preparing for in Toronto is now less than a month away! I hope you are planning to come. (If you still don't have tickets yet, click the header image above for a discount on regular admission tickets.) 

I want to share another painting I did for the upcoming event with you:

                                           Huckleberries, acrylic on masonite,
                                    8"x10" (image) 13.5"x15.5" (including frame) 

There is a George Carlin routine where he talks about how there is no blue food that isn't naturally occurring. (And YES, he mentions blueberries aren't actually blue. Well, yes & no: they appear blue before consumption, but once you put them in a recipe they turn a distinct purple or a lavender color.) Huckleberry Hound is blue (cyan if you want to be specific), and not actually the same color as huckleberries. I think of blue food as some sort of mythical treat said to exist, but no-one has ever seen or tasted... 

You probably wouldn't have believed me, but the customized ornate frame came after I already completed the painting! 

The frame directly above was the first frame I put it in. I customized it and it did suit the job, but later on I came across the other frame with the berry motif. It was PERFECT - as if it was made for that painting! 

I removed it from the previous frame - after it had already been mounted and everything. I thought it would be cool to show you the difference. Can't wait to show you the painting in person!  

See you next month! Stay creative,

-Jono

Happy New Year!

Happy 2017! I hope you and your friends had a wonderful holiday.

I've had a very productive year (2016) and have made what I feel are some of my best paintings to date. (All the images above are new paintings that were made this year. Since it's 2016, I thought I'd do a recap of the best 16 images.) While I do receive a lot of enjoyment in creating art, I retain equal enjoyment in seeing the response my work has on others. Making images is a way I've chosen to communicate with individuals and I'm honored that you're one of them. 

I look forward to sharing more new art with you this year and hope you will join me in February for the 2017 The Artist Project in Toronto.

-Jono

Reward & Punishment

Take a quick moment and think about a work of art you've really enjoyed. (Got one? It can be a painting, a movie, a play, a song, or something else you can think of.)

Now that you can think of an example, there was a tremendous amount of work before it got to the version you experienced.

Indeed, every work of art you've ever enjoyed is a cumulative effort of thousands of decisions. 

Just like life.

Not a new concept, but it did inspire the idea for a new painting. Take a look:

So, if your life is made of your decisions, how do you make the ones that are in your best interest? 
Well, if you imagine there is two wolves at your side: one representing procrastination, the other representing productivity, and at all times you're feeding one... which one are you feeding?

The painting also has the 'carrot or the stick' alegory embedded into it. Are you motivated by gaining rewards or avoiding punishments? 

In my version, the wolves have been fused together because, although they might fight, only one decision will be made at a time.   

Parables and antonyms are reoccurring subject matter in my work. The painting above, titled 'Reward & Punishment' is just one of the new pieces I've been working on for The Artist Project 2017. I can't wait to show you other works available when you come to the event!

In the meantime, if you would like to check out originals that are for sale, you can see a selection here.

Stay creative,

-Jono

video of the 12x12 opening night exhibition!

Here is a short video of the opening night from the 12x12 group exhibition! Take a look:

The first wave of works have been uploaded to the official site (there are over 100 works in the show) and more paintings keep moving!

Take a look here at the pieces listed so far. You can acquire artworks directly from the site.

The exhibit is up unil September 22nd! 

12x12, Gallery Abyss opening night photos

If you missed the opening of 12x12 this past Saturday, Gallery ABYSS has uploaded some great shots from the event on their website. You can view them here:

THE SHOW IS STILL UP! You have until September 22nd to check it out in person. fb event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1067384330002872/

The Memory Thief

LAST NIGHT was Gallery Abyss' 12x12 group show! THANK YOU to everyone who attended! 

It may not be a fun question, but let me ask you quickly:

What is the most valuable thing that someone can steal from you? 

Your signifigant other? Your children? Your pet? An heirloom? Your savings? Your mobility? ...Your iPhone?

What would you do if you lost all your memories? 

This was the inspiration behind my most recent painting, The Memory Thief, which I produced for Gallery Abyss' 12x12 group show. I would like to tell you about it.

The character in the lower left corner is a memory thief and a cerebral menace.

He breaks into the subconscious of the elderly whose aging immune system can no longer combat his advances. He steals their memories and sells the information. You may notice, he doesn't actually touch the memories encased in his lock box - doing so would infect and alter them. I also theorized that the more fond the memory, the more vibrant glow it emits as seen in the trail of his exit.

Sadly, the repercussions of his larceny are devastating. His victims are ushered into a state of dementia. 

I know it is not a fun painting... and is harder to place in a room than a basket of flowers, so why would I paint such a melancholy image to begin with? 

Well, the goal with my art has always been to connect with others in an honest manner. To create and present you with things I'm not invested in is disingenuous and unworthy of your attention. 

As I now watch some people in my life I care about very much undergo memory loss, it's made me search for reasoning. When none can be found, alternative narrations are sought (like the one theorized above).

I guess in some way I am hoping you will find something relateable. Maybe found in one of your own memories. Hang on to them.  

As an artist, you always hope that your work will resonate with people. But you really don't know unless someone goes out of their way to inform you. I received the E-mail below in response to the latest newsletter I sent out prior to the 12x12 opening last night. The facebook message was sent to me by a friend after I released the image online. (Some of the information has been withheld to retain their privacy.)

The painting is no longer available - it SOLD opening night. You can find more info about the exhibit and see some of the works available here.

-Jono

The Memory Thief - preview

ll done a new painting called 'The Memory Thief'. The‬ painting is for the 12x12 group show coming up at Gallery ABYSS opening August 6th (next Saturday). Hope you can make it!

Click here for the facebook event info.

Nightmare Sauce

My latest painting 'Nightmare Sauce'. It will be available at the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition next month July 8-10! You coming? 'Nightmare Sauce'
acrylic on wood panel
12"x12"

new painitng for TOAE - progress

Some progress on a new ‪‎painting‬ I'm working on for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition coming up soon -July 8-10 (just over a month away)!

Drawing for new painting for TOAE

Here is the rough ‪drawing‬ to a new ‪#‎painting‬ I'm working on for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition coming up July 8-10. I haven't decided on a title for the painting yet, I'm open to suggestions if you have any. (The painting is about seeing shapes in spilled ink.)

Confection - all done!

Here is the final painting called 'Confection'. It is one of the new pieces I created for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Fair.

 

Easter passed not too long ago and while some people think of colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, or a revived holy figure, the primary connotation in my mind is always Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It is a mysterious place and among the list of places I would love to visit before I die. I think what attracts me there is Easter Island is an environmental parable on a small scale. While the island's statues are heavily admired today, it's counterbalanced by its sordid past. An obsession was built upon making large statues, called Moai (the exact number still unknown - somewhere between 900-1000 - and the exact reason still unknown) which removed natural resources from the island at a rate exceeding it's replenishment.  I also wonder what it would feel like to exist on one of the most remote places on the planet - over 2000 miles to the next nearest landmass.  The original descendants of Rap Nui continued production on the Moai uninterrupted for 1000 years prior to contact from the modern world (the island was 'discovered' by Europeans in 1722, on Easter day - hence, the name).

The word confection means:

-a sweet preparation of fruit or the like, as a preserve or candy. 

-the process of compounding, preparing, or making something.

-something, as a garment or decorative object, that is very delicate, elaborate, or luxurious and usually nonutilitarian

When I was a child, I saw the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Or, saw some of the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. To this day, I've never seen the full movie. The movie is decidedly dark. What I did see when I was a child terrified me - children being sucked into machinery and being physically deformed. How could the production of candy be so perilous? 

In the painting Confection, an Oompa Loompa islander looks onward to what has been the fruit of his labor, creating large chocolate Easter bunny statues. Perhaps to worship some lagomorphic deity. 

                                                               (Did you spot the UFO?)