“I’ve reevaluated myself and my work. I see that continually calling people jerks can never be a solution. Furthermore, I’m not too certain that political statements, credos, or philosophies solve anything.”
— Philip Burke
Evilution
collage catharsis by J A Dixon
8 x 9.5 inches
“My father told me when I was a little boy that people in authority lie and the job in a democracy is to remain skeptical. I’ve been science-based since I was a kid. Show me the evidence and I’ll believe you, but I’m not going to take the word of official narratives. The way you do research is not by asking authoritative figures what they think. Trusting experts is not a feature of science, and it’s not a feature of democracy.”
— Robert F Kennedy Jr
When I indulge the impulse to have a collage catharsis, the Fred Otnes influence of my editorial past often bubbles to the surface. So be it. Wishing everybody a new year brimming with creativity, marked by discernment, and devoid of fear!
American Janus
collage catharsis by J A Dixon
11 x 10 inches
Noise Maker
collage experiment by J A Dixon
6.5 x 8.75 inches
Nine segments from 2024 artworks of which I am still fond — aesthetic beauty within the Merz tradition continues to wrestle pictorial collage for my attention. Which approach do you favor in the coming year?
CLOCKWISE TO CENTER:
La Monda’s Refuge, Wind Harbor, Our Lady of the Cheap Shot, April Burst, Down Side Up, Unprotected Speech, War and Peace, Maybeland, Up the Channel
“Sometimes a man humbles himself in his heart, submits the visible to the power to see, and seeks to return to his source.”
— René Daumal
This small landscape found its start a year ago during one of my library demonstrations. I finished it from imagination in the studio this past week after a season of “painting in papers” outside.
La Monda’s Refuge
collage on canvas by J A Dixon
8 x 10 inches
“Dixon hopes his students will share the belief that Kentucky’s landscapes need its inhabitants’ care and attention to preserve the space for generations to come.”
— Lilly Keith
What a surprise to have something happen with which I had no initiating role! Students at the University of Kentucky’s lifestyle magazine made an editorial decision to include my LITTER-ALLY KENTUCKY traveling exhibition in an article to showcase artwork created from repurposed material. Much appreciation to Lilly Keith and Alexis Baker for their contributions! (And thanks again to the PAACK member who provided this image of me “painting in papers” on location.)
K R N L – Lifestyle + Fashion
featuring the LKY theme: seeing our landscape in a new light
Dozens of collage miniatures are available for you to buy directly through this website, all in standard formats for framing. ~ click here ~
Let me know if you have any questions about these original artworks!
The most unique shop in downtown Danville will be open all Mondays before Christmas. ’Tis the season to visit. You’ll find my wood engravings, collage landscapes, and many other distinctive discoveries!
Up the Channel
collage en plein air by J A Dixon
art size: 9.25 x 7.375 inches
framed: 16.75 x 13.75 inches
available to collectors
Mindful of small pleasures,
Gave thanks for life’s treasures.
Thankful Ode (to Merz)
holiday collage by J A Dixon
13 x 15 inches
available for purchase
“Say thank you in advance for what is already yours.”
— Denzel Washington
As the holiday nears, gratitude is in the hearts of all who silently look inside and attune, especially those with circumstances in flux between sweetness and sorrow — for those of us less tempted to take things for granted — as a tide of adversity and bounty reminds us that thankfulness must be present in the midst of both suffering and grace.
A long practice of making crafted cards for others, the wellspring of my concentration on the art of collage, occasionally sparks an unexpected commission based, more often than not, on the traditional photo montage. These works may not be destined for a museum, but the response makes them a most rewarding experience, as I participate vicariously in an apex of family joy. The type of “legacy collage” featured below is an ideal gift because it is highly meaningful to the recipient, of course, but everyone also relates to the inherent “cut and paste” technique, accessible to all, with its deep heritage in the domestic and applied arts.
Bouquet of Memories
legacy collage by J A Dixon
11 x 14 inches
