John Price
CAC Artist Interview:
Every artist has their catalyst which pushes them into the art world, and for John Price it was a change in perspective. “Several years ago, I read a book called The Business of Being an Artist and it changed my perspective about making a living as an artist. You are told so much that you can’t be an artist and make a living, and that changed my perspective.”
For John, it was the no. 2 pencil, and eventually, Bob Ross which fueled his artistic fire even further. “I grew up very poor and all I had to create art with were pencils.” It was in high school, after being exposed to new materials and techniques, where he learned to fine-tune his skills. “After graduating I discovered Bob Ross and it changed my game. He taught me how to enjoy painting and make it relatable. The greatest gift of [an] intellectual is being able to take something complex and break it down to simple terms.”
Now, several years and many paintings, later John is an accomplished artist often balancing time between large commissions and personal work. He believes art should be available to everyone and paints only what he is passionate about, rather than what he knows will sell. “Like my painting of Harriet Tubman, I even put soil in the painting that came from the land she grew up on, so the painting would tell a story. There is something so interesting about taking the soil, the lifeblood of that area, and putting it into a recreation.”
The motivation behind much of John’s work is fundraising for The Innocence Project, which aids in exonerating individuals who have been wrongly convicted. “This foundation is why I create what I do, and 10% of all painting proceeds go to this organization.” For John, it is knowing that he helped someone who couldn’t help themselves which continues to inspire his creative work.
John’s artistic journey has been one of self-discovery and earnest growth. He plans to continue experimenting with new subject matter and pushing his creative limits, for good. “Like Chuck Palahniuk, I believe the goal isn't to live forever, it is to create something that will.”
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Artist Bio:
Throughout my life I've been asked, “What do you want to do with your artwork?” My response has always been, “I want to be a household name.” It wasn’t until 2019 that I was challenged on my answer. “Well then,” Lynanne said, “to be a household name, you need to be in people’s houses.”
That is where you come in. How? I’m so glad you asked. An artist’s bio is generally written in third person, and the details of his or her accomplishments are laid out for everyone to read. This one will be no different. It’s you who will ultimately read a little about me and make the decision to be a part of my story. I want to be part of yours by being in your home. I hope you'll find my work compelling enough to invite me in. So, without further ado, here’s a little bit about the artist.
John Price grew up in Augusta, GA and spent six years in the Army before finally making his home in Richmond, VA. Most of his art centers around landscapes, Richmond locations, and portraiture in charcoal, graphite, and oil. Taking his inspiration from Maxfield Parrish, John's art has a realistic, but painterly feel that straddles the line of realism but also has a creative and authentic feel. One thing that distinguishes many of his landscape paintings is that he collects soil samples from the location and grinds it into the paint so collectors truly have a piece of the land in the painting. Soil is the lifeblood of the land, and what better way to immortalize it than in art.
John actively takes commissions, teaches painting classes, and can be seen from time to time on Richmond's side streets painting from life. He has artwork in the collection at VCUHealth and the former Museum of the Confederacy. He was also commissioned to do a portrait series for the New York Giants and recently published a book of fine art presidential portraits. While John has won various awards in fine art and pleinair competitions, he believes his art has a greater purpose and supports multiple organizations focused on social justice or art as a healing practice.
So...are you ready to invite me into your house? If you still aren't sure, please check out my work using any of the links below. Custom work is always an option so please feel free to reach out about what you envision in your space and let's make it happen.
Website: www.johnpricefineart.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/johnpriceart
