[Today’s featured artwork for Day 108 of the 365 Days Project is by John Zajac.]
Is art supposed to match the furniture?
#108 – Art is for everyone, regardless of income, education or cultural background. But it is not merely decorative.
Purchasing fine art has long been the exclusive realm of kings and queens, savvy collectors and wealthy individuals. But with the proliferation of talented artists worldwide, the art market is now comprised of exceptional work in a variety of price ranges and styles to suit almost any taste and budget.
Painter John Zajac creates in a modern yet “folk art” style, resulting in artwork that can appeal to a wide audience. “The passion I have to be creative is a struggle within me to produce work that people can appreciate regardless of culture or economic status,” said Zajac. “I strive to make my paintings uplifting, translating what is fundamental to being human. I believe even the simplest form and color can hold infinite possibilities, and can stir the most profound emotions.”
“My intention when I paint is to create a sense of optimism,” he continued. “The colors I choose come from the vibrancy I see in nature. My goal is to translate this vibrancy onto the canvas.”
But what about the people who want their art to match the sofa? Artists often voice their frustration with clients who ask them to paint with certain colors so their work will fit in with the overall décor of their home.
“My interest is not in creating another ‘wall hanging’ or ‘decoration’,” Zajac replied. “I want my work to be aesthetic, but it is most important for me that it holds some meaning or emotion. The aesthetic or decorative appeal is just a conduit for the meaning.”
“As cliché as it sounds,” he said, “I do believe we are all connected. Everyone has the same aches and pains, but on different levels. I want my work to not only reflect these struggles, but to also shed a light on them. I often incorporate a glow or light in each of my paintings, symbolizing that no matter how much we struggle and experience dark times, there is a light that surrounds us all.”
It is perhaps this awareness of connection that is one of the keys to producing work that resonates on a universal level.
I’ve always felt that every single home should have at least one piece of artwork in it. Imagine the possibility…
Descriptions of the images included in this article:
House Has Heart
John Zajac, Illinois
Acrylic on canvas
She Wants to Dance on the Moon
John Zajac, Illinois
Acrylic on panel
T.O.W. (Tired of War)
John Zajac, Illinois
Acrylic on panel
The Colorist
John Zajac, Illinois
Acrylic on wood
The 365 Days Project
In 2012, Serena Kovalosky committed to writing an article a day for 365 days as an exploration into the lives of artists and the value of creative thinking in our society.
Experience the full evolution of the project! Click below to read the entire collection of articles.
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