J. Steven Patton is a lifelong oil painter originally from Wyckoff, NJ. He now resides in West Orange, NJ and is an active member of the Manufacturers Village artist collective in East Orange. His work has been showcased in numerous group including the prestigious NJ State Museum Arts Annual: Reemergence.
Patton began painting at the age of fourteen and studied privately with local artists throughout high school becoming adept in both neo-impressionist and traditionalist painting in portrait, landscape and still life. He cites the importance of learning both. Upon graduating from high school he earned a Bachelor degree in Fine Art from The College of New Jersey. There he was mentored by New York artist Tony Robbin with whom he studied Joseph Alber’s Color Theory as an independent study.
Patton describes his current project as delving into Pareidolia, a psychological phenomenon known for prompting the mind to discern faces, figures, animals and even extraterrestrial forms within inanimate objects. Beginning with an intricately patterned underpainting using delicates layers of paint Patton weaves a narrative he believes is an exploration of his subconscious. Patton invites viewers to embark on a journey though his artistic process, where patterns and subconscious connections form the foundations of his work.
He is a member of Pro Arts Jersey City, Studio Montclair, Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council.
Statement:
Have you ever seen an animal in a cloud or a face in a rock formation? That’s Pareidolia!
“Pareidolia”, a psychological phenomenon known for prompting the mind to discern faces, figures, animals, and even extraterrestrial forms within random inanimate objects, is the focal point and inspiration behind my collection. I invite art enthusiasts and viewers to embark on a journey through my artistic process, where patterns and subconscious connections form the foundation of my works.
Pareidolia is where the artistic process begins. The method commences with creating intricately patterned underpaintings using delicate layers of oil paint. I see this process as an exploration of my subconscious, anticipating the emergence of shapes and figures that guide the narrative of each completed painting. Once I discover the outline of the story in the canvas it begins to tell its tale, I let the canvas speak and guide my hand as I fill the chapters with color. The hues are applied by hand, not brush, making the process even more intimate and authentic. I weave an intricate narrative that beckons viewers to delve deeper into the captivating worlds within my artwork.
I invite viewers to explore their interpretations and conclusions within my visual tales. With each application of color and form.