John Long

Colorado, United States •

Artist (Painting) •

Born unknown date •

John Long, a contemporary American artist, is a third-generation creative who has honed his skills across various art forms, including photography, filmmaking, poetry, and typesetting. Over the span of twenty-five years, he has produced nearly 2000 pieces of art spanning different mediums, showcasing his versatility and artistic range.

Among his diverse creations are 3-dimensional assemblages in painted boxes, 2-dimensional collages and woven photos, and Tape on Books, a unique technique involving wrapping discarded books and art magazines in colorful electricians tape. Additionally, John explores abstract painting with acrylics and calligraphy with Sumi ink, demonstrating his proficiency across traditional and unconventional mediums alike.

In his painting practice, John embraces spontaneity, likening his approach to jazz music. He employs various techniques to explore different ideas, often building up multiple layers of acrylic paint and manipulating the surface to reveal underlying textures and colors. This process imbues his artworks with a sense of geological history, reminiscent of the earth's layers or the weathered façade of old buildings.

John's aesthetic is characterized by a fascination with geometric order and pattern, juxtaposed against chaotic energy. His color palette spans from monotone black and gray to bold primary colors and warm pastel shades, reflecting the breadth of his artistic expression.

Throughout his career, John's artwork has garnered acclaim, winning awards in juried art shows and featuring in both solo and group exhibitions. Raised in Flint, Michigan, amidst the backdrop of a once-thriving factory town, John's artistic journey has taken him across various locales, including Houston, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; South Bend, Indiana; Washington, DC; Kabul, Afghanistan; and New Haven, Connecticut. In 2018, he made the decision to relocate to Estes Park, Colorado, drawn by the call of the mountains and the profound geography of the soul.