Jody Richardson

Jody Richardson

“With art, there is always hope for succeed”

– Jody Richardson.

WAS THERE A PIVOTAL MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH AS AN ARTIST?

I was four years old, and I wanted to paint these people. They had big heads and big eyes with small mouths and no noses. Their heads were enormous, and their bodies were tiny. I did not have enough room on any piece of paper. I was living in an apartment. So, I went into the hallway and painted these people on the floor, in the hall—gravity art at a young age.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?

I love animals and musicians. These have been the focus for a long time. However, I love painting everything from landscapes, still lives, Musicians, and animals to abstract expressionism. I paint with thick bold brushstrokes and taut compositions. For example, a zebra grazing in a schoolyard while a lion strolls down the sidewalk.

I place wild animals in local cityscapes mixed with musicians. However, I want to do a new body of work with animals and models or dancers and play with patterns in the background and on the models’ clothes.

WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?

Be wild, be free. Love and protect animals.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK FITS WITHIN SOCIETY IN OUR PRESENT TIME?

My art fits within society in our present times by healing people. I have been told occasionally that my art has helped people get through rough times.

WHEN LOOKING BACK, WHAT ARTWORKS COME TO MIND THAT MOST RELATE TO YOUR LIFE STORY?

Elvis, Live at the Carwash comes to mind. It is Elvis Costello doing a concert in a carwash while surrounded by wild animals.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

Elvis Costello and Van Gogh are my biggest influences. Although recently, it has been Matisse.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

I like to work intuitively. Combining specific colors has also been significant.

WHAT VISUAL REFERENCES DO YOU DRAW UPON IN YOUR WORK?

It was always Van Gogh. His thick paint and broad-brush strokes.

ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS?

I have a group show in NYC. It is at Arthouse NYC 9th West 8th St. at the Big Screen Plaza West 29th at 6th Ave., running from March 3rd – 8th.