John is full of color. His hair is in locks of rainbow colors, not unlike his artwork that takes themes that seem taboo and closeted and makes them beautiful and thought provoking. Exhibiting in a variety of shows and galleries around the Pensacola area, most of his work is in support of community service. John’s projects have a larger vision–to be an artist supporting other artists and causes. The following is John’s Bio from his website, Defying Boundaries:
John Durkin was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and chose to make Pensacola, Fl his home several years ago. Where he has participated in many events, and shown his work often.
He is a self taught Artist, Visionary, a Savant Creator without boundaries. It is his goal to live, create, and share with you his inner thoughts and feelings without societal filters.
Life is meant to be viewed by each of us, openly and without bias. It is only those living within the proverbial “box” that are unable to see the beauty of the light and darkness that surround us every day
What you see and what he sees are always different in perspective. If he can give you just a glimpse into the world that is his reality then he has succeeded beyond measure.So please open your mind and heart, come into his world for awhile. Should something speak to you please feel free to comment.
After all aren’t we all Defying Boundaries, each in our own way.
And without further ado, John W. Durkin:
Geo: I am going to begin with the questions I really have been wanting to ask. Your art has themes of death mixed with amazing colors and sometimes symbols. Could you share about the process that brought you to these themes and style?
John: As far as my style and what’s behind it … I like to take things that have a dark or negative connotation and make them bright and beautiful to show them in a different light
And I just love skulls and bones. I have a small collection of them and of wet specimens as well.
G: What kind of responses do you get to your work? Any specific instances that stand out?
J: Either people love it or hate it. Some love it and say they wouldn’t have anywhere to put it.
G: This is the artist’s dilemma! There was a beautiful piece with a sea turtle that we posted for cover art on ArtisTribe. Do you have work that you do that is more “mainstream” (best word I could think of) and work you do that is purely for your own entertainment?
J: I don’t create to sell I have a very wide range of styles lately I’ve been focusing on the dark themed stuff. I also don’t just stick to watercolors I do acrylics mixed media sculpting and digital work as well.
G: So you really work based on your own inspiration. I know you are involved in supporting artists, specifically with your project, Eat More Art. What do you say to artists who come to you and tell you they want to sell their work or that they are having a difficult time selling their work?
J: I tell them about the various ways that I have my art out there and some others that I have not tried yet. Also I invite them to share their work on the Eat More Art Facebook page. Also if I see a call to artists I post it on Eat More Art for everyone to see.
Eventually I would like to make Eat More Art a brick and mortar place for a gallery and rentable studio space. Maybe classes.
G: That is exciting and really needed. I will make sure to include a link to Eat More Art. Was there a specific experience that birthed this project for you?
J: Art Party last year I met so many amazing artists that were struggling to get by much like myself. Not knowing where their next meal was coming from. And one morning after a long night of not sleeping and making art it just came to mess I painted it on a bridge and from there it came to be.
G: Right on! What is your perspective on why we should value art?
J: Art is the release of raw emotion. Put out there for the world to see. Art should make you feel either good or bad as long as it evokes some type of emotional response. It is there to brighten your day or open your mind to express things never spoken out of fear to release the inner demons from your sub conscious. And some times it is just there to look pretty.
G: Yes. I have noticed that when a piece of art causes me to pause and reflect, it really served it’s purpose. Is there a piece that you have done that gave you that pause?
J: The piece I’m working on right now actually … It is my wedding invitation…
G: Yahoo! Congratulations! Wow, I am so honored to be able to share this! I have a feeling you won’t be late for this important date!
J: My other half is very supportive of my art. He is an amazing guy.
G: When are you planning on getting married?
J: October 31 2015 and I can’t release all the info just yet but let’s just say it will be an art filled event… And it has an Alice in wonderland theme.
G: That is excellent! Well on that note, is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your work, anything that inspires you?
J: I don’t know lol I am much better with direct questions. I don’t know what others want to know.
G: Okay, no sweat. What is an artist that inspires you?
J: My favorite artist of all time would be Keith Haring his simple lines and bold color. But I get inspired by all artists. I look at what others have done and try to incorporate in my own way their techniques and idea.
G: I understand. Every thing can be an inspiration. Thank you so much for your time. I am grateful to be able to get to know you better and respect the work you are doing.
J: Awesome and thank you.
You can find John’s artwork at his website, Defying Boundaries. Follow his frequent posts about his work at his Facebook Page, Defying Boundaries. His service project can be found at Eat More Art.
My name is Geo, and I love artists as much as I love art. It is my passion to share the artists and their stories behind the scenes of the art we share. You can get a hold of me for interview requests and questions about our magazine, ArtisTribe, at geoart108@gmail.com
Please subscribe to this blog for more interviews of artists from the tribe–ArtisTribe! Also, check out my other blog, I Am an Artist!
Best! Geo
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