I
have lived in Houston, Texas, USA for over 20 years. I studied painting
and drawing in Michigan prior to moving to Texas. My interest in the
visual arts began at a very early age when my mother who painted landscapes
in oil paint taught me how to paint the same images. I was drawing and
painting from about age 11.
I have collected art in a serious way (not for decorative purposes)
for over 20 years. Currently I have a relatively large collection of
paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and photography representing works
from artists such as Keith Carter, Marc Chagall, Jacob Drachler, Ibsen
Espada, Joan Miro, Cindy Sherman, Jock Sturges, Joyce Tenneson, and
Gus Van Sant. I am attracted to, and inspired to create, imagery that
contains dramatic, spiritual, confrontational, or edgy elements. In
fine art I like works that can cause an emotional response (love or
hate). In fashion imagery, I prefer the edgy looks seen in International
Fashion magazines.
In photography I am primarily self-taught. I have had the opportunity
to meet and receive personal instruction and portfolio critiques from
several nationally recognized photographers. I have been influenced
by the works and through discussions with Andres Serrano, Joyce Tenneson,
and many lesser-known artists. The visual arts are a passion in my life,
not my business or career. They represent emotional and spiritual balance
in my life. When inspired l collect or create. When I am not inspired
I don't have any obligations to my art.
Future Exhibitions
November 2002
KGA Compound, Houston, Texas. Solo Exhibition titled "Head"
A Fire portrait series of 36 individual subjects including men, women,
and children. The series emphasizes the elements Fire and Water. The
subjects were shot chest deep in water holding 2 jugglers torches as
the only light source.
Solo Exhibitions
March 2002
KGA Compound, Houston, Texas. Exhibition titled "Fire"
Artist collaboration (Kelly Amen-sculpture, Jay Branson-photography)
images of Art on Fire to run con-current with "Fotofest 2002".
Title Image from show published in the "Fotofest 2002" exhibition
catalogue.
October 2001
DeFrog Gallery, Houston, Texas. Exhibition titled "Initiation"
Gold series. 27 pieces exhibited, photographs and mixed media collage.
Images of male and female nude figures in Gold representing an Egyptian
past life recalled in memory fragments. Inspired by the book "Initiation".
Group Exhibitions
October 2001
KGA Compound, Houston, Texas. Exhibition titled "Degrees
of Fire", 15 artists represented. 4 pieces exhibited from series
titled "Initiation by Fire". Images of female nude figures
in a Fire ceremony from an Egyptian past life. Inspired by the book
"Initiation".
FAQ:
Are Prints of the Fine Art images available?
Yes, either through the gallery or directly. Send me an e-mail with
the series or image you are interested in and I will send you a link
to a private webpage with a more comprehensive gallery with size and
pricing info.
Are you available for hire and what are your rates?
Yes, I am shooting regularly both producing Fine Art for upcoming exhibitions
and model portfolio updates. Send me a note with a description of your
interest and I will send you a link to a private page with specific
rates.
Jay W. Branson
3435 Westheimer #1616, Houston, Texas 77027
713.439.1554
webmaster@jwbfineart.com
