We met Jon Vohr at his studio in the Hunters Point Shipyard complex and were immediately struck by the sensory experience of color and texture in his paintings. Jon's topographical approach to abstract landscapes brings to life the contours, elevations, farmlands, lakes and rivers of the shapes of the surface of the lands he explores. We are also quite taken with his abstract bunnies, the rabbit being an ongoing theme amongst artists in our gallery.
8 Questions
Describe the moment you realized art fed your soul.
I think it really clicked when I moved to Arizona for college. I was awestruck by the land and connected with it through painting.
What themes do you pursue in your art?
Beyond exploring surface, texture, and paint, I try to remember and celebrate moments of peace that come from connecting with nature.
Tell us about what influences the direction for your craft.
I enjoy looking at abstract works and figuring out how to incorporate some of those methods into something more representational. I like hiding moments of abstraction in plain sight.
How has your work developed over time?
My art tends to oscillate between abstract and representational, and back again. Through it all, I strive to create interesting surfaces– like an old weathered rock covered in lichen and stain, carrying the history of events that made it so compelling to look at.
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?
I use a variety of tools, but recently I’ve been loving an assortment of silicone scrapers. Removing paint can be just as important as applying it.
Do you collect anything?
I’ve become obsessed with growing cacti, especially San Pedro varieties.
What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen, read, watched, or listened to recently?
I was watching a show called Glitch that takes place in Australia, and the colors of the landscape were so unique and inspiring.
What advice would you give to your younger self about your artistic journey?
Get out and connect with other artists as much as you can!
Bonus Question: What role does music play for you while you work?
It’s huge! I really get into albums and often play them over and over. If I’m really busy with painting, I might forget to press play for a bit—but music is what gets me started and keeps me going.
Jon will be at Poet and/the Bench in person on Saturday November 8, 2-6pm. We hope you will join us to further examine how he sees.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this collection available online and in our Mill Valley HQ.
~ Bonnie & Jeffrey
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
hello@poetandthebench.com | 415.569.4383 | 11 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941