JP Nicolaides is an emerging artist who lives and works in Red Bank, NJ. I learned about his work from Nancy Keyes, a member of my installation team. I looked at JP’s work and loved it. JP and I met in person and I immediately knew I wanted to give him his first exhibit. I was drawn to the energy and color in his work as well as its slightly mid-century modern feel. I’m pleased to be introducing JP to the public and hope you’ll join us on Friday, July 16th from 6 – 8 p.m. for the opening.
JP’s statement: I was introduced to printmaking in May of 2020 by a very dear friend who is an artist in Ireland. During the darkest days of the pandemic this outlet for creative energy has been something of a salvation to me. With Covid losses very near and far viciously mounting, this process has provided joy and peace.
I make monoprints: each piece is an original and singular work of art. My shapes are hand cut. I like to watch the layers develop by using contrasting colors, values and shapes. I use household and found items, such as onion bags, packing materials, and plastic wrap, for texture and mark making. Upcycling these items gives multiple lives to environmentally unfriendly substances.
The result of my process are abstract paintings that reflect what is on my mind and what is happening around me. I name pieces only if they are obviously crying out for a title. I number most of them because I like numbers and because “untitled” feels overused.
My family and I enjoy many wonderful things as a result of my thirty years in a corporate career. We know how lucky we are. I feel even luckier having found this exploration of creativity and expression of imagination.
I find inspiration everywhere but am especially thrilled by the work of Miro, Klee, Klimt and Kahlo.
