Today I wanted to do another interview about Art Life. This interview is dear to my heart because I’m interviewing my dear friend Jason.
I met Jason in high school, many many…many years ago. We had Mr. Holt English class together. We lost touch after high school but thanks to Myspace, and later on Facebook, we were able to reconnect.
I’m a huge fan/supporter of his work, not because he is a dear friend, but because his painting has a way to move me.
I don’t get to see Jason because I moved back to Montreal in 2005 and he lives in Florida, so I sent him an email with a few questions. I’ve also included some of the pieces I was able to get over the last couple of years. Hope you fall in love with his work, as I and many others have.
How did you start making art?
I started painting after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Prior to that, I drew a lot as a child but nothing serious ever came of it. I auditioned for the school of art at one point but got denied which basically made me quit art. I only would draw if I felt an emotional push to privately. Funny, because I always hold things in so after the Earthquakes happen and I was seeing the images it push me to drawing again. I kept posting the sketches (which sucked looking back) on Facebook. My friend Yanatha suggested after I had gotten to the point of messing with Walgreen paint that I get canvases and try to sell my work. I didn’t have much hope in my art that I believe people would buy it, but I took his advice bout painting on canvas and the rest you could say is history.
What inspires you most as an artist?
The greatest form of inspiration is life. I think all artist worth their salt derives inspiration from it. You have to live. I pay attention to people, to lyrics, to the news and that’s where my inspiration comes from.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
Sound, some sort of sound. It kind of doesn’t make sense because I’m not even listening or
watching it but I need music playing and a TV on. I guess in a sense it drowns out the world when I go into my zone but doesn’t make me feel completely alone because ironically I really don’t like people around me when I’m painting. Like I don’t like “live painting” at events for that every same reason because I don’t feel like I’m in my private zone.
Who’s your favorite artist of all time?
It’s ever evolving the more I learn. I know some probably think because of my usage of the crown that Basquiat is or that maybe Picasso because of my usage of the color blue but nah it’s ever evolving. Though as a painter, I feel I most identify with Herni Matisse. But as far as artist period, Stevie Wonder. Because for someone who couldn’t see, he painted the world with the color of his soul with music. I always say I want to paint like how Stevie sees the world, because he doesn’t see color, he feels them.
If you had one wish?
I’d ask for my father back. (Jason’s father recently passed away. My thoughts and prayers goes to him and his family).
Here’s how you can reach him.
Facebook personal page
Facebook fan page
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jafleu
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jafleu
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jafleu/
Just a few of my favorite “JaFleu”
Yes, that’s me holding my very own “Jafleu” =)
One of the really cool thing that Jason does is “pay it forward”. He sometimes leaves a painting someone for a stranger to find. I wish I still lived in Florida so that each time he post a painting I could go hunt for them.
Do you have a favorite artist? Do you collect art work?
MikiHope says
I really do not collect artwork although I definitely appreciate it. My Mom has done many painting (she is the artist in the family) and even had a show at one point. My favorite painter is Monet and don’t ask me why-I think it has something to do with the serenity of his scenes that draw me to them time and time again. Jason is definitely an artist and I am sure that he will do very well!
marielle says
Thank you for stopping by Miki!
Masshole Mommy says
That’s some fantastic artwork. My mother and sister both got their degrees from the Mass College of Art, so I have their artwork displayed in my house, but only theirs 🙂
marielle says
Thank you, I only have art work done by close friends and my son!
(Terry) My Journey With Candida says
I think it is wonderful that you own such beautiful piece of art and personally know the artist. I don’t have any favorite artist but I know what I like when I see it and don’t care who the arstist is.
Jessica Shaool says
i love the idea of interviewing people around you.
Tess says
I love the colorful look of those paintings. I dont collect any artwork, but I would love to see some cool ones like that!
Kung Phoo says
He quit? wow with talent like that i do not know why he would have quit.. Those pieces are simply amazing..
marielle says
He did quit when he was not accepted in art school but in 2010 he started again and has not looked back. He is blowing up!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
What a talent and to think you have one of your own! His work is really quite remarkable and how cool that he has left them for people to find. Love it.
Teresa McCluskey says
I love art work though I have no favorite artist! Your friend Jason is amazing though!
marielle says
Thank you Teresa! =)
Jennifer Williams says
My favorite artists are my boys, outside of their artwork I do not collect any. Those paintings are amazing. I get the whole listening to something even if you are not listening to it with the music/tv, I do the same thing when I run to drown out the world.
Ashley Gill says
The only art I have collected are pieces done by my sister in law… The pieces your friend did are fantastic. So raw! I think he just gained another fan!
Karen Hewitt says
I don’t really collect art unless you count the pictures by the kids do appreciate going to art museums and the like to view great pieces such as these
Grandma Bonnie says
Jason is very talented. He sure does put feeling in his work. They are just beautiful!
Casa Vilora Interiors says
Wow, he is very talented! I really love these pieces
marielle says
Thanks for stopping by! =)
Pam says
I don’t collect artwork but I enjoy visiting art museums. Jason is talented.
Melanie B says
I don’t collect any art work, not yet but admire a lot. I do Pin my favorites on PInterest so I may look at them all the time 🙂
AMBER EDWARDS says
I don’t collect art because we don’t have much room for it. But I do enjoy art when I get the chance. Such beautiful pieces.
Dov Shapira says
I am happy for you that you’re enjoy your art work.
I may go back to it one day
Pat Hatt says
Wow, awesome indeed. Your friend does great work
Michelle H says
I appreciate artistic ability so much because I have absolutely none. It is so great when you can find the outlet to express the way you’re feeling about what you’re seeing.
marielle says
Same here lol I can’t paint or draw, so to be able to have such a dear friend that does is an honor! =)
Robyn Good says
These paintings are nice. I wouldn’t mind having one on my wall.
daniele holmberg says
Jason has done some awesome art work he re and I love how he had inspiration from Haiti to make him start painting!;-) I love hia work! I hope you get to see him again!!:-)
Mommy 2 J.A.M. says
I don’t have that many art-pieces around my house only because I can’t afford it. I would love it to adorn my home and show proudly. All I can afford now is my kids artwork they draw for me. I will say your friend is so very talented and I love his work. WOW he did a great job. If you look closely enough you can see an artists heart by their paintings. You can see the similarities from each painting and kind of figure out what they were thinking. I love to look at art, it makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing, no doubt your friend will be in the big time, lucky for you, you got a painting
marielle says
Thank you so much for your comment. I’m so very happy that I own some of his arts!
Tom Holmberg says
I love his work. The emotions come out through his brushstrokes and color
Coolmoms Cooltips says
I try collecting a bit but my knowledge is limited.
Your friend has some very powerful images, modern techniques too
thanks for introducing her to me
Maria says
So talented!! I love the emotion I feel when looking at his paintings!! Fantastic work!
Fina Wells says
Great collection of art… Awesome
Amanda Love ~ Growing Up Madison says
What a great artist Jason is. Great interview as well. I would love to have my father back as well. I really love the art work.
marielle says
Me too, I miss my dad everyday. Thank you for stopping by!
Jennifer Clay says
I love her artwork. This is a great interview and I really enjoy reading!
Meli says
Thanks for introducing my to this talented young man. I love the colors in the first two paintings.
marielle says
Thank you Meli!
Courtney Pies says
Wow, those are some fantastic paintings! I wish I had that kind of talent!
marielle says
Yes me too! lol
Irene says
Jason has some very interesting art work to show. I love some of the color combination he uses.
Katherine Bartlett says
Wow, these are amazing! He has a lot of talent!