Jesse Reno painting a new mural at LOCAL 35 at the Hawthorn Street
I became aware of Jesse Reno awhile ago participating in some local urban art group shows. I was intrigued by his style and the admiration it solicited from his peers.
Their seems to be a revival of Art brut that coexists perfectly well aside or within the new urban graffiti art scene with an new/ old moniker “Low Brow Art” which refers more or less to the segment of self taught artists who rebelled against the academic art system and its definition of " what art is or is not and where and how it should be presented”.
To take the negative out of low brow the newest term is "New Brow" but I think that Jesse's art still belongs to the long tradition of Art Brut and there is nothing wrong with keeping an art movement alive even in the storms of new trends. It is important to stay aware of one’s art roots of who prepared the field we draw inspiration from.
I don't know what inspires Jesse Reno that’s why I tried to interview him last year but because of whatever moods or circumstances he was not interested in engaging in my questions which I totally respect.
So I am going to attempt to answer some of them for him because like in Art Brut I am also a rebel against conventional approaches and I'll try something fresh with writing.
The interview with Jesse Reno that didn’t happen
Let’s start with some basic info and the questions which I am going to answer myself
How did you get into Art and what was your intention or hope where that would lead too?
my answer
Most of us get into art as a child by scribbling and filling out outlined shapes with vibrant colors but usually we are not able yet to stay in the boundaries because we don't understand boundaries, we are still one with the world not separated. When we get a little older we are conditioned to stay within the confinements of societies outlines. Some of us rebel early and draw free style others become advocates and learn to draw the same lines to perfection.
I hope that Art leads to an understanding how to expand ones vision of the world.
Jesse: Quote
"My art is a product of pure necessity... With no formal education I draw my inspiration from the primitive ancient cultures of Africa and South America, as well as modern pop culture. Creating a primitive future full of expression and raw vision..."
When did you know which direction you wanted to go in your life and artistically?
my answer
Inspiration comes from many places and at different times. most of us don't know why we are driven we only know that we are driven to express ourselves artistically
Jesse: "Quote"
The Outsider art, art Brut movement: began with people looking outside to other cultures for inspiration "the common bond is the identification of a common enemy that force which feeds on blind obedience, fidelity to stereotypes, the denial of spontaneity, the repression of individualism and experimentation." - Roger Cardinal.
Where does your work fit in; I mean is it social political and what is social for you and what is political?
my answer
Art doesn't have to be either or but can let the viewer decide what it stands for for himself
Jesse: Quote
"Outsider art is considered by its proponents to be the contemporary antidote to our over industrialized, complicated, stressful, and uncertain lives. it is probably best described as a new kind of primitivism, I seek naive art as a purer form of creation and expression..."
What does communication mean to you and how can we evolve it?
my answer
Art communicates consciously to the subconscious trying to out navigate the intellect to elicit an emotional response rather than a rational.
Jesse: Quote
"I approach painting with random intentions to give a sense of natural order.. it’s integral to my process, as well as my intentions. I attempt to find meaning through separating myself from my thoughts and then following them through with my actions."
Your art is ripping deep into Mythology; how do you get inspired?
my answer
Life is inspiring us every minute to become aware of its diversity to express ourselves in diversity
Jesse: Quote
"know your destiny
exert your energy and know who surrounds you
when it comes from within it is easy to see – when you can
resonate your purpose without words"
There is a great new movement based on urban art is there anything similar in literature happening?
my answer
We always have a need to reconnect the dots to retrace the line where we got off the trail
Jesse: Quote
"pyramids force hearts to lay on their sides – they have built
many pyramids to create debts and demand our attention
leaving our hearts on their sides - lessons and skeletons
walrus boy
they will show their intentions
permanent markings will always remind you
they will try to take it all little by little
there was a face in the mountain power, energy and
connection all come from many directions"
What does truth mean to you?
my answer
Truth usefully means that we don't lie to anyone but there is another kind of truth meaning being true to one’s self by finding ones purpose and uncovering it’s potential
Jesse" Quote
"many things will attempt to block your spirit
I am looking for the ghost of a buffalo gone long ago
I was a ghost looking for a buffalo who had been killed long ago
now his horns grow from my shoulders
a wise chief once said question what you see not that you see it
we must remain focused while waiting for thunder
integrity and truth"
What intentions do you have for the future?
my answer
Intentions have to be built on solid ground in this moment to hold up and see the light in the future
Jesse: Quote
"ideas grow like a tree from his head
deer boy relinquishes snake
the difference between ignorance and irrelevance
be mindful of your steps when there are snakes in your path
especially when they cannot see you
blind snakes are very dangerous
the difference between a stone and an egg – one will hatch
it’s best to forget yesterday and focus on today
sometimes meaning is not translatable"
learn all about Jesse Reno and his world
www.jessereno.com
on view right now at
local35.blogspot.com
