Parris Jaru

The Squares that Define - Abstract Versus Figurative Painting in Blue and Yellow

2019

Parris Jaru's Black and White is a 18 x 15 inches oil painting. The surface is defined by a thick impasto of paint, made with plant based pigments that Jaru collects himself during his long exploratory trips through India. The main colors are black, white and gray. The surface is scraped and incised with words and signs, almost like graffiti on a wall or inscriptions on an archaeological fragment. Parris was born in NY and grew up in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, until he was ten years old. Partly Jamaican and Blackfoot Indian from his father's side and partly Arawak Indian from his mother, Parris brings into his creative process a wonderful mix of different ethnicities that reflects throughout his work. The artist states "Throughout my life I have always been dedicated to Art but painting has added a patience of perception and love to my conscience mind, as well cultivating my unconscious. Painting gives me a confidence and inner security that has been hard for me to attain elsewhere. When I say a piece has turned out really well, a certain balance has been achieved between composition, perspective, color and depth giving my creative side a jolt. Although my works change frequently in form depending on mood and inspiration, the one thing that remains the same in all my works is an abstract touch. I am drawn mostly to abstract expression for the free-flowing aspect of creation. My favorite material is Plant-Pigment-Powder (ex; Sea Algae, Hibiscus, Gymnema Sylvestre and Turmeric powder. Mixing these pigments reminds me that nature is the purest example of artistic perfection and composition open to interpretation for all. With this understanding I am able to open communications with the energies of nature. the main purpose of these herbs are for medicinal healing, when I add it to my medium it adds an ethereal quality to my works. When I select my materials, I am very specific with my choices, after trial and error I work exclusively with denser herbs giving me the texture I desire and is compatible with oil paints and acrylics, adding depth and longevity to the works. Although I am drawn to blues, reds and blacks for body, my favorite colors are the highlights, whites, yellows, and light grey. I know a piece is done when it feels right, with clarity, movement and composition also complementing my sense of imagination. When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of wonder and creative joy open to all possibilities of creation. When people see my painting’s I like them to share a part of my thoughts and inspiration, looking at the artist and his works from the inside. I reach my end goal when the painting has connected another link in the chain of an individual’s emotions." Related keywords: Caribbean Artist, Brooklyn Artist, American Indian artist, Figurative Painting, Poems, Poetry, Ancient Fragment...

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