2023 Exhibition A | Pre-Sale
Friendship (No. 2) (2022) | acrylic on canvas | 24"x 48"
Still on the subject of friendship, its true meaning, and why it is constantly being redefined over time, even by the same person. A reminder of the reality that not all those who calls one friend, qualify as one. The predominant use of vibrant colors, and a leaning toward abstract, are indicative of the artist's idealistic representation of what true friendship is all about.
Like the other pieces that constitute this series, the ten blurry segments of each canvas, align with the artist's perception of the optimum number of friends that one requires at every stage of life. The ten segments also symbolize the many faces of friendship, whatever that means to the observer. These segments of the canvas are not unconnected to the 'ten cousins', a term coined in the inspirational book authored by the artist, titled, Choose and Live Rich (2020); available on Amazon.
Submerged in the web of curly abstraction are the multi-colored longitudinal streaks, consistent with a partially completed (intentional) painting of the 'Bloodline' series; see its making on the YouTube video - 'The Art of Transfusion'. This added flavor heightens the significance of this work, the issue of friendship and non-genetic, blood-like connection that may exist between two friends, even though they are not related; all of these are brought to life on a single canvas.
As with the other pieces in this series, at an elemental level, each canvas bears the equivalent of a thousand images; a feat that is only possible in a well-concerted abstract painting.
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Ladder (2022) | acrylic on canvas | 30” x 48”
Painted by the artist, J . Bonegard in 2022, using acrylic on canvas.
It measures 30" x 48"
This artwork speaks to the ever-present fascination of toddlers with heights and their dog ged determination to find every possible means to ascend whatever peak is in their vicinity. From falling off table tops, to rolling off unguarded adult beds, and other unpleasant, sometimes traumatic scenarios, children have a way of breaking barriers, exceeding and surprising adults in their adventures. I guess it’s one other aspect of the superiority of a child over adults, especially in possessing a curiosity, powered by the desire to explore and not readily give up.
That of imagination and language comprehension come first and second. A closer look at this piece of work tells what a balanced demonstration of intent and spontaneity it is, giving the observer a sense of care-free play, as well as that of serious contemplation. As with other works in the ongoing ‘Baby Talk’ series, I will continue to explore the use of primary colors in a bed of black and white. Do not be confused by the sculptural look of the canvas, since the artist chose to capture the image well before the paint became dry.
Video - https://youtu.be/oO4RCJDWBfQ
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Joy #3 (2021/22) | oil on canvas | 30" x 30"
Painted in 2021/22, using oil on canvas. It measures 30" x 30"
In this work of abstraction, the second of such, the artist explores the emotive power of a work of art. Inspired by a conversation with a patron, the elements of this work conveyed far more than was anticipated as itapproached a state of completion. The thought process that preceded the work lasted over seven days, while the final sketch was left to simmer for another twenty-four hours. The formative sketch was such that both the element of pure abstract and that of abstraction were combined to achieve an extraordinary outcome.
In the opposing figures of abstraction, thoughtfully positioned on either side of the split canvas, is a metaphor for the duality of the human mind, and a reminder of the way that life often plays with our emotions. With the determination to highlight the positives of life and the joy of living, the vibrant colors on the canvas are such that the viewer is encouraged to live to the fullest, and to provide an emotional boost, whatever that means, to the individual. According to the artist, above and below the abstraction are images symbolic of sources of energy, its glows intended to rekindle the spirit, reminding us all to savor the moment, hope for the best, and to aspire toward a promising future. To learn more about the artist, visit, www.jbonegard.com |. On instagram @j.bonegard
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Chocolate Factory II (2021) | acrylic/mixed media on canvas | 36"×48"
The relationship between food and art was the inspiration for this artwork. The manufacture of chocolate seems simple, but not so outside the borders of a domestic kitchen. In the artist's imaginary world, this canvas is a display of the complex enterprise, showing the machinery, proprietary ingredients, often a highly kept secret, and the finished products - chocolates in different geometrical shapes, sizes and flavors. The rest will be left to your imagination.
On this canvas is the artist's playful depiction of a moving story, just like last two shared posts - 'the gift' and 'magic carpet'; together, these very unique works tell of the artist's ingenuity, in using geometric abstract as a basis for storytelling.
Enjoy!
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Magic Carpet (2021) | acrylic on canvas | 36" × 48"
Mind travel, a favorite pastime, often takes me on an imaginary carpet," says the artist. The artist, talking about this work, describes the 'Magic Carpet' as a "geometric representation of a deep subconscious imprint." Complex in its design, its visual interpretation is much simpler. Every square foot of this canvas carries its unique power, enabling the traveler to customize a choice path. Special features of the carpet, when stepped upon offer a boost to the travel experience. Turn on your imagination, and take a ride on this carpet. Enjoy!
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Happiness I (2021) | collage/acrylic/gouache on canvas | 36” x 48”
"Happiness has a simple recipe. Cherish your dearest, welcome your nearest, admire the simplest, honor the littlest, ignore the meaningless." - Dr. O’
Happiness I (2021)[part of a series] by J.Bonegard; an intersection with the artist's writing @3sqmeals This work, titled, Happiness I (previously titled, 3SqMeals I), is at the intersection of my interests, as a writer and as an artist. The work has the elements that touch on my journey in the ten years that preceded my becoming a full time artist. That story is told in the the paper collage component of this artwork. The small pieces of paper, affixed with glue to a segment of the canvas are actual original quotes by the artist, that I wrote, as part of what I once described as the 3SqMeals initiative.
With a big ambition to fill the world with words of optimism and of hope, on February 11, 2011, using the Twitter handle, @3SqMeals, I began writing, on a daily basis, three quotes, all filled with positive thoughts and meant to inspire others. The quotes, based on the limitation posed by Twitter, were exactly 140 characters long, although it changed later. Ten years later, I have written in excess of three thousand, with many of them referenced all over the world.
As I evolved, and became a full time artist, it is only natural that the messages of this literary endeavor will find its way into my art. In closing this description, I will mention my most famous quote of them all - the happiness quote:
“Happiness has a simple recipe. Cherish your dearest, welcome your nearest, admire the simplest, honor the littlest, ignore the meaningless.” - Dr. O’
Inquiry
The Celebrant (2022) | 42" x 60" | acrylic on canvas
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Les Pastorales (2023) | acrylic on canvas | 48"x 60"
The motif of this work is one of nature, and how it helps to shape human perception of the moment. Superimposed on this painting's earthen background, is a vibrancy that speaks to the moment - of a heightened spirit, of joy, and elation. With corners of the painting bearing subtle imprints of the artist's prevailing style of abstract painting, what is clear, is the unbound, experimental, and daring temperament of the artist, and for forever pushing the limits of artistic imagination.
Tapestry of Love | acrylic on canvas | 48 × 60" | (no. 1 of 4)
This work has little to do with its material construct, but more to do with the multi-faceted story that it portrays; this includes all the critical elements that go with a kind of love that is unconditional - freedom, sacrifice, joy, respect, meaning, resilience, and all that you ever desire.
In the words of the artist, "every human, at some point in their life deserves this level of affection, of unconditional love, in their relationship. This piece combines a strong visual elements which at varying light intensities yield many versions of itself, including a subtle power of illusion.
La Danse (No. 1) (2023); acrylic on canvas; 48"× 48"
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The Truth (2022); 30"x 40"; acrylic on canvas.
In the middle of this canvas is a symbol of the cross, a sign that initially points toward the subject of religion and spirituality, but intended to stand for a lot more.
In the mind of the artist, the work of abstraction explores the complex realm of human fallibility, vulnerability to propaganda, and the real tendency for a majority to be completely wrong over a moral issue.
In one interpretation of this work, the 'cross' stands for the singular, disregarded opinion, while the four 'check' signs on the corners of the 'cross' stand for the popular, but corrupt opinion.
In the words of the artist, "four rights don't always make a right," a statement that is characteristically depicted by the use of primary colors around the very conspicuous black paint.
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Jazz (2022); acrylic on canvas; 36"x48"
This artwork, upclose or from afar, is like music blasting into the air. Very 'Miles Davis' in how it makes one feel - romantic, soothing, and deeply instrumental to the soul; a continuation of the artist's Bonegardology (symbolic study of geometric shapes, spaces and arts) series. Reflecting on the work, the artist states, "I finally get Kandinsky and his preoccupation with turning classical music scores into art, and the theory of the color of sound. I guess I am doing the same,, this time, listening to jazz music.
Etudes No. 1 | acrylic/oil on canvas | 30” x 40”
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Etudes No. 2 | acrylic/oil on canvas | 30” x 40”
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Whispering (2022) | acrylic on canvas | 24” x 36”
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Friendship (No. 1) (2022) | acrylic on canvas | 24"x 48"
This artwork explores the subject of friendship, its true meaning, and why it is constantly being redefined over time, even by the same person. It reminds one of the reality that not all those who calls one friend, qualifies as one. The predominant use of vibrant colors, and a leaning toward abstract, are indicative of the artist's idealistic representation of what true friendship is all about.
If you look closely, you may observe the ten segments of this canvas, reminding one of the optimum number of friends at every stage of life. It also symbolizes the many faces of friendship, whatever that means to the observer. These segments of the canvas are not unconnected to the 'ten cousins', a term coined in the inspirational book authored by the artist, titled, Choose and Live Rich (2020); available on Amazon.
Submerged in the web of curly abstraction are the multi-colored longitudinal streaks, consistent with an incomplete, early-stage painting of the 'Bloodline' series. This added flavor heightens the significance of this work, the issue of friendship and blood connection brought to life on a single canvas.
At an elemental level, on this one canvas, are a thousand images; a feat that is only possible in an abstract painting.
Inquiry
Bonegardian Composition - No. 2 of 6 (2022) | oil on canvas | 24" x 48"
When it comes to viewing a particular work of art, no two humans see the same thing. The same goes for what happens when the same individual views the same artwork on different occasions. This observation takes no consideration for the effect of ambience or the space where the artwork is featured. It also gives no reverence to the role the mind plays in the overall interpretation of an art piece.
With the retinal interpretation of art open to so much variations, one can only imagine the amount of visual transformation that takes place along the pathway that connects a retinal signal to the cerebral cortex. No wonder, a particular piece of art never ceases to play tricks on me. The birth of these six pieces of artwork was the result of the versions of images that I continue to see after repeatedly viewing a near century-old, miniature piece of artwork. Not the original, as the $2 million dollar-piece is securely tucked away by the current owner, whoever that is.
Determined to further test out the hypothesis, I chose to create an inspired larger, inexact version, in Bonegard Laboratory. In doing so, I let my eyes dissociate from the occulo-cerbral pathway, but instead, opt for the dexterity of my hands, a trio of paintbrushes, a protractor, a measure rule, and a ton of oil paint. In this post, with one of the six pieces revealed, I now consider the work complete. Knowing fully well that the completeness of a work of art is the prerogative of the observer, I finally chose to leave the pieces as they are, short of minimal touch-ups.
In this final state, the core of whiteness on earlier images were diluted to reveal the overall effect that each painting is meant to portray. In 'Bonegard Parlance' this process is described as 'Bonegard Shadowing'. With six versions of the same painting, I hope my eyes will stop playing tricks on me.
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The Gift (2021) | acrylic on canvas | 72"x 96"
An iconic work by the artist, it spells the beginning of a proprietary style - the grid-construct, an element of bonegardism, that renders geometric abstract art in ways that is way ahead of its time - an indication of the artist's creative ingenuity, creating an element of play without any disregard for the intellect that every great art deserves.
So aptly titled, the work is symbolic of the effect of the creative endeavor on the artist, and signifies what happens when nature rewards talent powered by sustained effort.
Inquiry
Leap of Faith (2021) | acrylic and oil on a 4-piece | 36" x 48"
There are moments in the life of every human, when the soul beckons to the spirit, asking him/her to shed the limitations that define humanity. For in our humanness, we are victims to our fears, insecurities, opinions of self and those of others. While the forces that scare one into submission are at their loudest, there is a quiet voice, penetrating in its intensity, and unrelenting in its instructions. That is, the soul, whatever that means to you, as an individual, asking of you, to do one thing, and one thing only, to take a definite leap of faith.
As an artist, it is more of a norm than rarity, that one's life and emotions are connected to one's artistic expression. This artwork is a message to myself, and to you, the beholder, whatever your circumstance, prompting you to listen to that silent voice, and rather than hearken to the dark rumblings of humanity, to take a bold step for yourself, your personal leap of faith.
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The Match (2023); acrylic on canvas; 48"× 60"
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'Grandma Elizabeth' (2021) | mixed media/acrylic on canvas | diptych; (48" x 96")
When did an abstract work become a person? 'Grandma Elizabeth' (2021)(ongoing work) (2021); by J.Bonegard; acrylic on canvas+++ (48" x 96"). Read the original poem in honor of grandma; titled, Grandma, written by artist:
No love can beat grandma love
The beats of her heart tick with love
No hug can rival grandma hug
The reach of her arms circles my world
No meal can trump grandma meal
The spice of her stew kindles my heart
Her wisdom is the counsel I long for
Her command is the call I revere
She stands in when life turns sour
She cheers aloud when no one cares
Her prayer is like a jet engine
Pushing me forward when she's long gone
Her presence is like an everlasting scent
Reminding one she is still here
Doing all she does all day long
There is no one like Grandma!
Inquiry
Happiness IV (2021) | collage/acrylic/gouache on canvas | 36” x 48”
"Happiness has a simple recipe. Cherish your dearest, welcome your nearest, admire the simplest, honor the littlest, ignore the meaningless." - Dr. O’
Happiness IV (2021)[part of a series] by J.Bonegard; an intersection with the artist's writing @3sqmeals This work, titled, Happiness IV (previously titled, 3SqMeals IV), is at the intersection of my interests, as a writer and as an artist. The work has the elements that touch on my journey in the ten years that preceded my becoming a full time artist. That story is told in the the paper collage component of this artwork. The small pieces of paper, affixed with glue to a segment of the canvas are actual original quotes by the artist, that I wrote, as part of what I once described as the 3SqMeals initiative.
With a big ambition to fill the world with words of optimism and of hope, on February 11, 2011, using the Twitter handle, @3SqMeals, I began writing, on a daily basis, three quotes, all filled with positive thoughts and meant to inspire others. The quotes, based on the limitation posed by Twitter, were exactly 140 characters long, although it changed later. Ten years later, I have written in excess of three thousand, with many of them referenced all over the world.
As I evolved, and became a full time artist, it is only natural that the messages of this literary endeavor will find its way into my art. In closing this description, I will mention my most famous quote of them all - the happiness quote:
“Happiness has a simple recipe. Cherish your dearest, welcome your nearest, admire the simplest, honor the littlest, ignore the meaningless.” - Dr. O’
Inquiry
Triumph (2022/2023) | acrylic/oil/ink/collage | diptych
This artwork, is truly a metaphor with multiple interpretations - the prayer of the saints, a state of mind, the image of a vision, the unfolding of a moment, the manifestation of a prophecy, a promise to thyself, and of a reality foretold. That this painting began quite late in the month of December is a reflection of the contemplative mindset that often precedes the start of a new year. The final evolution of the work however, was left to intuition and the play of the unconscious.
Deeply set within the vibrant borders of the complex shapes on the canvas, were multiple ink markings intentionally positioned to outline the numerous tiny paper collages that constituted one of the symbolic steps in its creation. Rather than break down the meanings of the intricate though subtle palette of this artwork, I implore you to dig deep into your spirit, and see how far it leads you. Sure of what lies ahead, let everyone remain steadfast in their march towards the future.
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Tapestry of Love | acrylic on canvas | 48 × 60" | no. 2 of 4
This work has little to do with its material construct, but more to do with the multi-faceted story that it portrays; this includes all the critical elements that go with a kind of love that is unconditional - freedom, sacrifice, joy, respect, meaning, resilience, and all that you ever desire.
In the words of the artist, "every human, at some point in their life deserves this level of affection, of unconditional love, in their relationship. This piece combines a strong visual elements which at varying light intensities yield many versions of itself, including a subtle power of illusion.
La Danse (No. 2) (2023); acrylic on canvas; 48"× 48"
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Intuition (No. 1/S.1) (2023); acrylic on canvas; 30"×42"
"To live a meaningful life, one must be in tune with that which is not so obvious." - J.Bonegard
You know it by how it summons your attention. Yet many choose to disregard the signal, and let it pass for a random thought. Except for the children among us, intuition is a reminder of the spirit that defines our innate power, one that surpasses our physical makeup and our intellect. Like any gift that is not put to good use, the gift of intuition begins to fade away from whoever chooses not to yield to its nudges. Next time, when you are out and about, and you sense an inner voice, pause for a minute, listen, then, contemplate, before moving forward.
This artwork reflects the depth required of the individual to access a force within, where a multitude of overlapping lines on the canvas signify the gentle stroke that acutely draws the senses to the moment.
This work signifies the emergence of the artist's unique style of abstraction, and a radical shift in style, having devoted the early part of his career to explore other dimensions of abstract art. In this work, the artist transitions toward minimalism and use of a limited palette. The artwork in this series stimulates a unique conversation with the observer, in a language that is only understandable between two people - in a sense, the artwork takes a human form.
Beneath the randomness that is evident on the canvas, is what seems like a purposeful gesture on the part of the artist. Behind the simplicity of the overlapping lines on the surface of the canvas is a powerful influence that draws the observer inward, passionate in its effort to nudge the individual toward that which is imminent.
Eternal No. 1 of 2; 48"× 48"; oil on canvas; J.Bonegard (2022)
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Steps I (2021) by J.Bonegard; acrylic on canvas.
Humans like to distill the not-so-defined aspects of life into cookie-cutter, prescription-style, advice for the masses to indiscriminately consume. Yet, the wise ones among us know that no amount of guiding steps can counter the evil of a lack of will.
In this painting, the artist is focused on a totally different but organic approach, where in a person's individualized steps lie the power, inherent in all of us, to change our narratives and to give meaning to life.
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Focus (The Vision)(2022) - 'Bonegard Art of Resilience' Series (Number Three); Acrylic on canvas; 30" x 42"
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I See You (2021) | acrylic on canvas | 34” x 36”