Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Winthrop.
Hi Jack, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It feels as though I’ve lived many lifetimes at this point. I have been through hell and back again. I was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN and from an early age creating art was a necessity for me. It was a distraction, an escape from reality and I found solace within the solitude and imagination of it all. Basically, since I was 12 years old, I have struggled with addiction and through that journey/suffering, I ultimately became a person who was alive but not living. I’ve died multiple times and been brought back to life. I have been in and out of hospitals, treatments and institutions and I have recovered from a total hopeless state of mind and existence. Who I am currently is unrecognizable to not only myself but most people in my life who have seen me come from that. When I moved from NYC to Los Angeles my problems followed me, I thought I could run from myself and my environment but in the end, I always brought myself which was the true issue I couldn’t face.
During this time, I didn’t really make art or paint at all, my entire world fits in the palm of my hand. I wound up in the same situations I put myself in my entire life and found myself on skid row within a year of living here. I want to give a background on this all not to romanticize it but to give context to the work I create. I believe the cornerstone of all growth is suffering and in some twisted way, I needed it to happen in order to be where I am at now. I have a little over two years sober now. My life is totally different. I approach each day as a blessing with humility and gratitude. Last week I had the biggest exhibition of my life, the exhibition was at UTA artist space. It was truly a profound moment in my life to be standing in a gallery as reputable as UTA’s witnessing people ultimately appreciate the paintings and the entirety of my life leading up to that moment. Lifes a trip man! My current series entitled “totems” dives into my narrative and story. They represent something vulnerable and true to me and the human condition. based on this spiritual journey and awakening I’ve had that was the catalyst to my overcoming my own demons and addictions. They represent principles, virtues, states of being, perception, energy and frequency. with titles like “hope”, “courage”, “kindness”, “serenity”, “love”, “Gratitude”, and “humility” I have tried to capture in the artwork an idea that can reverberate within its final resting place or environment, sharing a piece of my history with someone else. I want to specifically detail that we are all capable of anything, we just need to believe and have faith in ourselves. The most powerful thing I’ve learned through all this is that no one is disposable and everyone is worthy of a life worth living filled with joy and happiness.
Can you or your team share more about TOTEMS?
Jack’s current and ongoing series entitled “TOTEMS” delves into a spiritually guided journey. Depicting meaning from these symbolic representations as it pertains to his particular experience/narrative. Composing context around virtues, principles, states of being, perception, energy, and vibration he transcribes these characteristics with paint. Each piece is created by setting an intention before beginning that is manifested during the painting process. This intention becomes the paintings title.
Jack is exploring the conceptual significance of presenting art within a space and its experiential meaning with the audience. Conceptually each totem created becomes its own energy and frequency that reverberates within its final environment. highlighting this idea the “TOTEM” series attempts to capture a moment in time, a feeling, or emotional response that becomes sentimental to its collector and final resting place. Jacks ode to spirituality and growth comes from his own introspective breakthrough or awakening.
This series documents that story, and critiques reality deconstructing human form through abstraction, vibrant colors, and hierarchy of compositional tools which draws upon a focal point of speculation and wonder.
“I believe that the artist and work becomes a time capsule, eventually it’s absorbed into the ether and timeline of our history. Hopefully, all I achieve is an accurate representation of my experience here”. – Jack Winthrop
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a painter, designer, and visual artist.
I mostly work in large-scale paintings on canvas.
I’m most proud of my current series “TOTEMS” and my current art show that is exhibiting them at United Talent Agencies gallery UTA artist space. from august 19th – Sept. 10th.
I think one thing that sets me apart is my ability to fail while always staying diligent to my passion and obsession to keep creating art.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Love.
Contact Info:
- Website: jackwinthrop.com
- Instagram: @paintbyjack
- Other: TikTok – @paintbyjack
