Jack O’Sullivan; North Shore Artist of the Month

At first glance, Jack’s choice of subjects appears arbitrary. However, after conversing with him, it is apparent that he has a strong personal connection to the work he is making. “I think about what I want. What I think I like” is how he describes his process. When Jack is painting, he looks like he is on a journey, pulling at whatever large or small things it is that he identifies with. Jack’s surface receives equal treatment. Every portion of the canvas or paper is brought to the same state of being. No section is worked more than others. Nothing is neglected.

Jack recently sat down with fellow artist Brian to talk about his work and time at the studio.

Brian R (BR): What’s it like to be Artist of the Month?
Jack O (JO): Great. It’s good to work here. I’m more comfortable.

BR: Where do you want to go from here? If you could see your work on exhibition anywhere, where would it be?
JO: I want to keep making more art. Anywhere is good.

[Image of Birds at Farm, mixed media, 2017.]

BR: How long have you been an artist?
JO: Since I was younger. Since I was four years old.

BR: What materials do you like to work with?
JO: I like pencil, markers, and paint.

BR: What inspires you (makes you feel excited) to create art?
JO: Pictures on the computer and in books—it’s hard to choose one. Fantasy, too.

[Image of Night of Taj Mahal, colored pencil, 2017.]

BR: Describe the project you are currently working on.
JO: A werewolf howling at a full moon. The idea came from a picture I saw in a book here.

BR: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the studio?
JO: I like to look at books and watch videos on the TV and computer.

BR: What’s your favorite thing about the Arts of Life?
JO: It’s good to have a place where you can look at books, go on the computer, and do some drawing.

[Image of Butterfly and Sunflower, 2017.]

BR: Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
JO: I’m more inspired by reality and by everyone in the studio; I get my ideas from here.

BR: How did you first get interested in art?
JO: I wanted to improve my skills and have others help me make my skills better. I became more interested in art when I joined Arts of Life.

[Image of Lunar Solar Eclipse, acrylic, 2017.]