Description

A Fundamental State of Being: #6

There’s no plan when these start. Ink hits the page ? fast, loose, committed ? and something begins to appear. A face. A figure. Something animal. I work in the Ralph Steadman tradition of controlled chaos, slapping black ink until the form finds itself, then pushing into it with color inks, pastels, and whatever else the piece demands.

These aren’t portraits of how someone looks. They’re portraits of how someone feels ? from the inside out. The subject might be real, imagined, remembered, or somewhere between. What matters is the emotional state that surfaces when the ink lands and I start listening.

That’s the series. Raw materials, raw process, raw truth.

A Fundamental State of Being.

ABOUT THE WORK

My work blends modern abstract expressionism with postmodern and pop influences, using texture, collage, and color to explore the harmony that hides inside chaos. Many of these pieces incorporate Gelli-plate prints as backgrounds or focal points, collage, and layers of vintage magazines from the ’40s through the ’90s ? fragments of history that bring their own stories and energy to the surface.

Each painting is unique. There’s only one in the world.

ABOUT ME

I’m a painter, musician, and creative director based in Washington, D.C. Originally from Sugartit, Kentucky, I spent two decades in Boston’s art and music scenes before settling in D.C., where I work out of my basement studio ? The Make-Shift Studios.

My paintings blend spontaneity, storytelling, and a touch of humor, reflecting a lifelong curiosity about color, texture, and the emotional rhythm of everyday life. When I’m not painting, I record and perform as “Kentucky Jim” and run the design brand HipsterDaddy.com.

I’m fully committed to the integrity and limited quantity of my work ? this is how we build art that’s not only beautiful to live with, but worth holding onto.

If you’re not happy for any reason, I’m not happy. Message me.

? Jim Faris JimFaris.com | @jimfaris