LATE FOR THE PARTY
“I believe I was meant to be a rock n roll star even though I have no musical talent. My paintings represent the subconscious music playing in my head”.
We are all artists in one way or another. However, the manner and intensity in which we choose to express ourselves differs vastly depending on a multitude of factors. For Jay, life experiences, maturity, experimentation and the study of others’ styles and techniques have affected his medium and subject choices. Jay believes that “art translates to a dynamic process that invites change and encourages excitement each time paint meets the canvas”.
Although Jay Jacobs’ art propensity was evident at an early age, it did not truly blossom until later in life. Jay was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1951. His first recollection of doing art was in kindergarten. His teacher asked the class to draw a person. He began to cry because he felt he couldn’t complete the task. In the end, his picture was remarkable for a 5-year-old. His parents recognized his promising art ability and enrolled him in art classes at the Newark Arts High School. Jay’s uncle would give him “How to Draw” books which he used for hours. His first painting was completed at the age of 12.
As a teenager, academics and athletics took precedence. His art was limited over the next decades. During that time, he obtained a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1972 and a Medical Degree in 1978. Jay became board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. In 1983, he and his wife, Debbie moved to Mesa, Arizona to begin his 35-year Cardiology career. During that time, they raised two daughters. His art talent would surface for their school and family projects.
As he approached retirement, Jay began art classes and workshops at the Scottsdale Artists’ School. Once he was fully retired, he immersed himself into art. He read extensively, experimented with various mediums and styles. His medium of choice became oil paint. Jay realized that his passion was abstract expressionism. Having grown up in the New York metropolitan area, Jacobs was intrigued and influenced by the art and lifestyle of the abstract expressionists of the New York school of the 1950s. He was particularly fascinated by the action paintings of Jackson Pollock. The works of these artists inspired and contributed to his discovery of his artist voice.
With the assistance of his mentor, Marianne Mitchell, an accomplished abstract artist and instructor, Jacobs transformed from his representation abstraction to his current free-flowing style.
His cardiology experience exposed him to constant stress of dealing with life-and-death situations. This exposure allowed him to put the “stress” of making art into prospective. He boldly paints each painting without fear of failure that inhibits many artists. Jacobs’ philosophy is “mistakes” are not mistakes but his subconscious at work. These mistakes may become the focal point of the piece. He remains undeterred and unafraid to attempt a variety of palettes and techniques. While creating, Jacobs discovered a method of using rubber bands that mimics the effect that Pollock obtained by his pouring and dripping his paints.
As a self-proclaimed introvert, Jay allows his art to express his “inner self”. He states, “My paintings are visual interpretations of the thoughts and emotions that I find difficult to express in word”. Marianne Mitchell said, “Jay has a distinct intuitiveness that reflects his subconscious that enhances his style”.
Jacobs approaches each painting without any preconceived ideas of his final composition. He starts by applying random marks while employing his subconscious thoughts, emotions and previous experiences. With the use of lines, shapes, colors, layering, and texture, he creates a visual lyrical composition. The painting is complete when the lyrical representation is in tuned with his “inner vibes”.
Jay wants the viewer’s eyes to dance around the canvas. The results enable one to discover something different with each viewing. “I have found my unique artistic voice. I challenge myself from painting to painting. No two artworks are the same. The overall consistency is there but each piece has its’ own uniqueness.
Collectors have described his art as “compelling”, “captivating”, and “absolutely dynamic”.
Jay has gallery representation at Arredon Art Gallery in San Diego, California. He had a two month solo exhibition there in 2022. Jacobs is an associate member of Artists and Makers Gallery in Oro Valley, Arizona. His artwork will be showcased there in solo show in December 2023. Most recently, Edward Montgomery Fine Arts Gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California is representing him. Jay’s artwork has been displayed at the 2022 Modernism Show in Palm Springs, California and the 2023 Surrealism, Abstract & Pop Art Today exhibition in Cave Creek, Arizona.