Meet the Artist
Zachary Dean Jones
A Southeastern Ohio native whose artwork reflects both his personal experience and a universal human desire to escape. With a childhood marked by the turmoil of an alcoholic home in a government-subsidized apartment, Jones turned to art as a way to see the world beyond his fractured reality. As a young boy, he sketched, painted, and took photographs, all with the goal of transcending his challenging circumstances.
Although he struggled in school, Jones was drawn to the visual arts, and even skipped classes in middle school to attend art courses at Ohio University. Sneaking into the back of the classroom to soak up every bit of knowledge he could from his professors, Jones’ passion for art only grew stronger.
Inspired by British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, Jones uses his art to contrast the monotony of the professional world with the vibrant energy of nature. Through his use of color and texture, he creates works that represent the many layers of the human experience.
Jones’ pieces have been featured in prestigious galleries like the Zanesville Museum of Art & Marcia Evens Gallery Columbus OH , and purchased for display in medical and business offices, as well as personal and private collections. His unique perspective and skillful execution make Jones an artist to watch in the world of contemporary art.
Bob Rauschenberg said, “If I know what it looks like why make it”
To me it’s a basic fundamental. Exploring more natural materials, trusting my process, it’s a visual experience. I’m much more interested in how I feel about a subject, I’m working in or on an instinctual feeling. I get a certain feeling inside. I have conversations with my materials and work the process in my mind. Working with material in my landscape, I am always trying to learn from nature.
If creativity takes courage I aim to be the most courageous. I aim to inspire that there isn’t a right time to live your dream. You and your mind are the only limits.
My work as an artist, is truly unique and stands out in the contemporary art world. Incorporating natural materials sourced from my property in South East Ohio into the abstract paintings adds a sense of place and personal connection to my work. The use of locally-sourced materials not only creates a distinct aesthetic, but also highlights the relationship between art and the environment.
Furthermore, my use of bonds and adhesives in the creative process adds depth and texture to the pieces, creating a dynamic and layered composition. This technique is reminiscent of the German artist Anselm Kiefer, who is known for his use of unconventional materials in his paintings and sculptures. Kiefer’s work often explores themes of history and memory, and like him, my work also has a strong sense of place, rooted in the natural environment of South East Ohio.
Overall, my work as an artist is unique and thought-provoking, drawing inspiration from the natural world and pushing the boundaries of traditional art-making techniques. This combination of personal and universal themes makes my work stand out in the art world and is sure to resonate with audiences.