Sao Paulo 2013

Artist Statement:

“Art is driven by emotion. Lust. Anger. Envy. Pride. For me, art is healing. It is soothing. I started painting full-time in the aftermath of the tragic and unexpected death of my father in 1998. I had to turn to the brushes, acrylics, and canvas to unleash my sorrow and allow my spirit to be renewed by the strength and inspiration of creativity. Now fifteen years ago, I never would have imagined at that time that my artwork would provide me a full-time career, build a museum-quality art gallery in the Historic Houston Heights and allow me to travel to all corners of the globe, including this most recent adventure to São Paulo, Brazil. In my perfectly clear hindsight, I somehow surprised myself.

One of the most surprising circumstances of my career has been to learn that most artists do not think like me. They are victims. They feel trapped. They have been put in a cage by our society that tells them that they are destined to struggle. They are brimming over with talent, but, they lack key traits like confidence and a business mind to achieve success. I know that I am not perfect and I have flaws, but, I strive tirelessly every day to improve myself, to work harder, to conduct business more wisely, and to honor my collectors, friends, family, and spouse with even more zeal. I am a free man and I cherish, appreciate, and work hard to deserve the life that such freedom provides me.

My São Paulo 2013 art series fully embodies the concept of freedom. You will see lively, vibrant colors and imagery from my life: past, present and from this historic art escapade to Brazil. Each piece is enclosed in a monochromatic red box. It is closed. But, when you open the doors, you reveal me, and, you reveal my freedom. When you open the doors of São Paulo 2013, please know that you also unleash the artist spirit in all individuals that strive for a better life, success, and, above all else, freedom.”

John Ross Palmer

This entire series has gone into private collections.