The Abstract Art of John L. Payne: Gemini Ponders Diety (36 x 79 acrylic on hollow core door panel)

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Gemini Ponders Diety (36 x 79 acrylic on hollow core door panel)

This post is a little late as I finished the painting back in May then forgot to post it! If you scroll down (or back or whatever) you will find its sister piece called Eviction Notice. These pieces are very similar in that I painted the black symetrical (ink blot) outline over the background. I like the quasi "pop art" vibe to these paintings, perhaps it is the boldness of the black with the crisp edges that make me feel that way. The particular image in the painting has been represented in at least five of my works. Look back at "My Brightest Idea" for an idea of what I am talking about.

Since I am a Gemini and a Christian as well, this painting is somewhat autobiographical as it represents the artist meditating on his God, which is represented by the third eye in the upper part of each side of the composition. In addition, the background colors take me back to the early seventies which definately had an influence on me during my youth.

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Artist Bio

Born in Oklahoma, John Payne began drawing and painting at the age of six. Though educated and involved in the arts well into college, his life and career path drastically changed when he enlisted into the United States Nuclear Navy at the age of 21. As a submariner, chemist and nuclear plant operator, safety became an integral part of his daily life. After leaving the Navy he followed a similar path working in radiation/chemical safety and ultimately as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager for over 20 years before returning full time to his passion as an artist. John is motivated by the works of the mid-century expressionists and current abstract artists alike. While some of John's work is pure expressionism, many of his pieces are more ordered in their chaos. This effort to control the abstraction with a sense of “boundaries” is reminiscent, states the artist, of the efforts we all make to live passionately while still attempting to conform to moral and social responsibilities. John’s work is thought provoking and often littered with social and philosophical commentary. As a Navy veteran John has traveled across the USA and to other countries as well, experiencing sights and cultures which have served as inspiration to his work. After 20+ years of working in the corporate world with art as his hobby, John has recently abandoned “the grind” to pursue his work as an artist in earnest. He offers that the decision was not only overdue but "very liberating". John lives in Springfield, Missouri with his wife Pattie and two dogs.