Arts & Entertainment

June Gallery 2011 Artist Embraces Abstract Impressionism

Seattle painter David Jayne says this current exhibit at Enumclaw City Hall is as close as he's come to realism in the last 15 to 20 years.

David Jayne recalls on his personal website the first time he was introduced to abstract art: "I took an immediate dislike to abstract art."

Jayne was in high school at the time, and art instructor Ron Adams was trying to encourage a method of experimentation in his students that included trying lots of different media including paint, watercolor, chalk, pencil and even pastel. "I had a hard time," he said but still credits Adams with opening his eyes to this style of art. 

The thing was that Jayne's introduction to art came via private lessons from instructor Sally Armstrong back in 1963, before he started high school. Back then, he was drawing still lifes with pencil and paper. "My early upbringing in art, like a lot of people, happened to be in realism. ... I really didn't have much understanding in abstract work and I didn't like it."

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Fast forward to his undergraduate experience at Washington State University, and his horizons didn't exactly expand either -- at least not at first. Jayne said in college, he struggled with finding himself and that translated into his decision to not major in history, his other professed passion. He even dropped out at one point before resuming his studies in the college's art program under instructors that included Andrew Hofmiester, who he described as a good watercolor teacher. "He stressed the freedom to use paint to experiment," Jayne recalls.

Since then, Jayne has continued to nurture his desire to create and learn about art. Now, “Painting is a process of capturing what one sees and absorbs," he said. "Being a painter, I abstract what I perceive. When I do so, I’m concerned with the little things, the simple things, the seemingly insignificant things, the not- so-obvious things - the subliminal elements of life."

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Unlike when he first began to learn about art, Jayne now says, "I like the surprise, the 'why not,' and the completely outrageous in art."

He has had the opportunity to travel overseas and learn about the French Impressionists; he admires Georges Seurat, the post-Impressionist painter.
Closer to home, he admires artists like Alden Mason, an instructor he had while earning a masters in art history from the University of Washington. Mason himself recently said, “David Jayne’s paintings are joyous, intimate markings about life.”

At one point, due to financial restraints, Jayne was just a few credits shy of earning his UW degree. Then, personal issues prevented him from completing the degree; and when he was both personally and financially able to support himself to complete the program, too much time had passed and the school did not allow him to finish.

Now at 58, that doesn't faze him. "Quite frankly, I know how to paint," he said with a smile.

To help pay the bills, Jayne has worked as a King County Metro bus driver for the last 11 years though he hopes to one day be able to support himself as a full-time artist.

Meanwhile, art lovers in Enumclaw will likely continue to come across Jayne's work thanks to his appreciation for this area as well as his ties to the city's cultural programs manager Gary LaTurner, who he calls a mentor from his days as a student at Tyee Junior High School.

Jayne's work has been featured in past art events including Base Camp, Art in the Garden and Arts Walk. He also frequents the area with his family who enjoy spending time in the outdoors camping, hiking and backpacking at nearby Mount Rainier National Park.

City Hall Entryway Display Case

Enumclaw High School jewelry and glass art student’s artwork are currently in the entryway display case at City Hall from June 2 to August 3, 2011. A selection of items will be available for purchase.

Enumclaw High School is one of very few schools in Washington to house a hot shop for glass blowing and a studio space for other glass art manufacturing techniques. The high school also has a jewelry fabrication area. Stop by to see what these skilled young artists can do.

Gallery 2011 is located in the Council Chambers at Enumclaw City Hall. 1339 Griffin Ave. Enumclaw, WA 98022. Hours for the exhibition space are 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enumclaw City Hall is closed on national holidays. The gallery is closed to the public on Tuesday of each week for municipal court proceedings. For More Information, please call Enumclaw Cultural Programs office at (360) 802-0239.


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