When you walk into The Gallery you’re surrounded by amazing pieces from local artists. You’re greeted by a friendly docent, who also shares your appreciation for art. You stroll around. You soak it all in. And, as you do you might start to wonder. What is the story behind these creations? What inspired the artist? And, where are they now?
Well, welcome to artist spotlights from The Gallery! Through these interviews with our gallery artists and docents it’s our goal to help you piece together the puzzle. To show you what art in the Upper Peninsula is really all about, where it started, and where it’s headed.
To kick things off we sat down with John French, a talented oil painter whose roots track back to the rich art culture of New Mexico. We asked him about his work, his process, and his time in The Gallery. Dive on in and enjoy learning about those tiny details that live behind his brush strokes.
Tell us a little bit about yourself …
Well, I’m sort of old. I was born in New Mexico in 1970. When I was a little boy, my aunt drew a picture of me, and I was inspired to draw too. I’ve been hooked ever since. I lived in Italy for four years as a preteen. Being exposed to Renaissance masterpieces stoked those creative flames!
I’m self taught, mostly. Although I never had much formal art education, I took classes with Bill Hamilton and Thomas Cappuccio. Failure and success are my two favorite teachers.
What mediums do you primarily work in, and what’s your fav?
I’m an oil painter. I dabble in watercolor, and I’m trying to get used to gouache. But I love my oils! I want to try stained glass someday.
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a triple portrait that I can’t talk about right now. On the back burner is a hockey themed portrait I’m picking at. I’m always thinking of the next landscape painting!
What do you enjoy most about being a gallery docent?
Although I’m slightly introverted, I enjoy the small groups of people who come in to see our work. Some are chatty, some are not. Sometimes I’m chatty, sometimes I’m not. I enjoy nice, art loving folks! It feels like I’m working at an art fair again, but with AC.
When can we find you at the gallery?
I work Saturdays, usually afternoons. I have a full-time day job making surgical implants and devices, so Saturday is my only day I’m available.
What inspires you?
The light and atmosphere of a scene.
Any advice for other aspiring artists?
Don’t be so hard on yourself that you can’t share your art. It’s paralyzing to your career. At the same time, don’t be so easy on yourself that you share junk. Strive for excellence, but don’t stress if you fall short from time to time.
What are your strategies when you’re experiencing a creative lull?
First, get outside, get some fresh air, some quiet time, and some exercise. Then, start something. That’s all there is to it for me. Just gotta do it!
All that said, I want to add that my biggest challenge to making art right now is finding the time to do it. There is always a lot going on. The pandemic has forced us to slow down, and I’m trying to keep that pace of life as much as I can. But things happen, we get pulled away. Life demands to be lived, and other lives will affect ours. That’s just the way it goes. Maybe that’s why I’m becoming more and more introverted. I value my John French time!
How has your work evolved over the years?
Before 2013, I painted in thin glazes, building up color and tone one layer at a time. It took forever! After a trip to New Mexico that year, I did an artistic u-turn and started painting with palette knives. About two or three years ago, I started adding more and more brush work back into my art. Now, I combine brushwork with edgy knife strikes. I think my work has gotten more realistic in the past several years, with a touch of fun abstraction.
Do you have any big art dreams that you’d like to share?
Retire and live off of my art sales!
Thank you John! Stay tuned for more spotlights and in the meantime make your way to The Gallery to check out our latest creations. If you have questions about specific artists or pieces send them our way. We would love to help you better understand this amazing art world that we live in!
