Jesse Reno - Be Careful Not To Step On Caterpillars

Join us THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at Mint for a Gallery Opening for Jesse Reno's show "Be Careful Not To Step On Caterpillars." We look forward to seeing you there! Read on for a little more info about Jesse and his show...

Jesse Reno lives and works in a converted church in Portland, Oregon where he usually has a dozen paintings in progress at any one time. He creates his work on canvas and wooden panels, using acrylic paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, and screen printing.

His work is best described as -

Contemporary Primitive - of the present, searching for understanding through introspection. A basic wisdom of things based on connection to one's ideas, ideals and dreams rather than institutional or technological knowledge based on intricacies.

Abstract Narrative - a visual narrative derived from the interpretation of creations made up of intuitive actions manifesting as abstract shapes, forms and emotions. A process without preconceived plans - just a thought and feeling following one after the other to become an idea. Changing directions as forms emerge to find an idea free from judgement, something true in and of itself. From this a world of personal myth, iconography, symbols, and beings are created. Observing these creations as they emerge as well as noting their transitions and final meaning, one learns to understand what has been stated. Through this understanding, we see the synchronicity of moments and coincidence in life. A visual narrative where environment, being, and understanding all come from the interpretation of this visual diary. A story of potential, growth, and self destiny.

for me painting is - finding treasure - what it is - what it means - if you know what you are looking for you will find it - burying something in the ground and digging it up doesn't make it treasure - the best treasure is unknown - it is a lesson - this gold is like the sun - not a coin for sale - this is a story you truly don't know - you write from feeling rather than knowing - you understand it like joy and despair - the chaos of volcanoes, the collapse of an avalanche, the weight of an anchor. the idea of buoyancy over balance. some locks do not open with keys. this is a world where candy canes grow at the tops of mountains. freedom comes from choosing, pay attention - all things are connected...