Jesse Reno
Jesse Reno lives and works in his home studio in Portland, Oregon.
ARTIST STATEMENT
click here to watch my speech at the 2016 NAEA Convention in Chicago discussing my work.Jesse Reno lives and works in a converted church in Portland, Oregon where he usually has a dozen paintings in progress at any one time. He creates his work on canvas and wooden panels, using acrylic paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, and screen printing.
His work is best described as -
Contemporary Primitive - of the present, searching for understanding through introspection. A basic wisdom of things based on connection to one's ideas, ideals and dreams rather than institutional or technological knowledge based on intricacies.
Abstract Narrative - a visual narrative derived from the interpretation of creations made up of intuitive actions manifesting as abstract shapes, forms and emotions. A process without preconceived plans - just a thought and feeling following one after the other to become an idea. Changing directions as forms emerge to find an idea free from judgement, something true in and of itself. From this a world of personal myth, iconography, symbols, and beings are created. Observing these creations as they emerge as well as noting their transitions and final meaning, one learns to understand what has been stated. Through this understanding, we see the synchronicity of moments and coincidence in life. A visual narrative where environment, being, and understanding all come from the interpretation of this visual diary. A story of potential, growth, and self destiny.
in the artists own words -
i am a self taught mixed media painter. i've been supporting myself from my art for the last 20 years. in that time i've created over 4000 paintings. my prices have risen 1000%. i have sold almost 90% of everything i have created. i have been the sole manager of my career with no business background. i have shown in over 100 galleries. i have taught my techniques and ideas about painting extensively in the us, canada, australia, and mexico. i do not do commercial work. i only take on work where i am free to create as i wish and be myself. i have never pre planned or conceptualized a painting in my entire career. i could tell you alot of stories..
for me painting is - finding treasure - what it is - what it means - if you know what you are looking for you will find it - burying something in the ground and digging it up doesn't make it treasure - the best treasure is unknown - it is a lesson - this gold is like the sun - not a coin for sale - this is a story you truly don't know - you write from feeling rather than knowing - you understand it like joy and despair - the chaos of volcanoes, the collapse of an avalanche, the weight of an anchor. the idea of buoyancy over balance. some locks do not open with keys. this is a world where candy canes grow at the tops of mountains. freedom comes from choosing, and all things are connected jesse reno
as a teacher of art -
to create expressed and meaningful work it is important for us to engage our emotions in an unrestrained way an undefined way. this allows the work to posses emotion in a way that is open to people. to effect the viewer in undefined ways that are personally moving. allowing them to engage and be affected in there own terms.
when we view art it is a feeling that moves us.. to reduce art to a formula or equation would be to reduce our understanding. we are not math we are not logic this is what makes us human this is what makes us animal.. instinct gut feelings emotions. logic is for figuring out things that are sequential and repeatable.. emotions are individual or based on time circumstance and personal connection. these are things that can not be logistified so we should not use logic to engage emotions. this is corrupt and will not bring us truth or being. its is understanding our emotions for what they are that makes us whole and creates balance not an equation.
learning to move with mistakes rather than seeking to make the perfect move, this is what teaches us fluidity or boyancy.. this moves us away from equations that convince us of righteousness. this righteousness blinds us to our choices, it leaves us feeling low when we have not chosen as perfectly as we thought.. so in contrast by choosing to try things knowing we will later fix them leaves us to move from a position of thinking searching and overcomming learning each time from our mistakes, learning the value of our mistakes.
Past Statements & Ideas
shamanic depressive
magic is anxious - waiting isnt easy - the time between visions is slow - what will happen next - what will you tell me - dancing in the fire - there is a man inside the wood - smake ring - candy cane - whale bones - a horese with a hammer - a volcanoe inside - canoes - eyes like mirrors - geometry is not sacred - write a new spell - wish... this is never never land - you will know who you are when you are free - then you must choose - you are here now... this is hard to remember...
this is why we continue to chase - search for new vision - there is no glory in stopping - one wish greater then the last - hunt - this is the reward - ask gods not men - even kings can not grant the wishes of gods - you were born of stars wolves and fawns - lions eyes - the future is alive...
burn in the end - disolve the spells with ash - no king will take the mans work - the soil will be remembered by those who fed it
Press
Jesse Reno was voted Best Visual Artist 2018 by the readers of the Willamette Week newspaper.
Past Press
Full Bleed, Vol. 2 - 2018 - San Diego
Artension Magazine - 2014 - France
YRB Magazine - 2012 - New York
DPI Magazine June - 2009 - Taiwan
More Past Press...
Video Demos and Interviews
Full Bleed, Vol. 2 - 2018 - San Diego
Artension Magazine - 2014 - France
YRB Magazine - 2012 - New York
DPI Magazine June - 2009 - Taiwan
RESUME
- Solo Exhibitions
- Lectures & Presentations
- Art Fairs
- Group Exhibitions
- Painting Workshops
- Commissions
- Publications
- Awards
- Representation
- Education
- Collections
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023
- Brassworks Gallery - "pay attention to your shadow" - Portland, OR
- Lynn Hanson Gallery - "secret magic" - Seattle, WA
- Communion - "golden like the sun" - Portland, OR
- Gallery Giuseppe - "truth myth extinction" - Eldorado, CO
- RiverSea Gallery - "Necessary Pictures" - Astoria ,OR
- Lynn Hanson Gallery - "Invisible Throne" - Seattle, WA
- Mills Station Arts & Culture Center - "Ascension" - Rancho Cordova, CA
- Communion - "Winter Collection" - Portland, OR
- True Measure Gallery - "Disassembled Rainbows" - Portland, OR
- Communion - "Broken Shapes" - Portland, OR
- Communion - "The Tops of Mountains" - Portland, OR
- True Measure Gallery - "Heroes and Icons" - Portland, OR
- Portland'5 - "Just Beyond The Mountain" - Portland, OR
- Jupiter Gallery - Portland, OR
- Portland5 center for the arts - Portland, OR
- Clymb - "The Land of Giants" - Portland, OR
- Coos Art Museum - Coos Bay, OR
- The Last Bookstore - Los Angeles, CA
- Parlor Gallery - Asbury Park, NJ
- Rotofugi - Chicago, IL
- In3Arts Gallery - Metz, France
- Galleria Dante - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- RiverSea Gallery - Astoria, OR
- Rotofugi Gallery, Chicago, IL "Wolves Tails Crossed Arrows and Canoes"
- Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery, La Jolla, CA
- Rougette Gallery - Rockland, Maine
- In3Arts Gallery - Metz, France
- Galeria Dante - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Galeria Dante- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Ayden Gallery - "When Free Will Becomes Destiny" - Vancouver, B.C.
- BLK/MRKT Gallery, Culver City, CA
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2007
ART FAIRS
2023
- Seattle ART FAIR - Lynn Hanson Gallery - Seattle, WA
- LA ART FAIR - Gallery Giuseppe - Berkley, CA
- Seattle Art Fair - Lynn Hanson Gallery - Seattle, WA
- Art in the Pearl - True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
2022
2021
SELECT GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
- Museum of Museums - inside outside - Seattle, WA
- Portland Art Museum - Rental Sales Gallery - Spring Members show - Portland, OR
- Curb Gallery - "the sun doesnt shine on your tv" - jesse reno and melissa monroe Portland, OR
- Davies Gilder Gallery - "Feeeelings" - Guildford, England
- Brassworks Gallery - "Reality Mistaken" - Portland, OR
- Rental Sales Gallery - "spring Show 2022" - Portland, OR
- ADX Gallery - "OL'SKOOL" - Portland, OR
- Rental Sales Gallery - "fall Show 2022" - Portland, OR
- Rental Sales Gallery - "Spring Show 2021" - Portland, OR
- Galeria Pez Gordo - "New Works" - los cabos, Mexico
- Lynn Hanson Gallery - "Art Walk and seasonal show" - Seattle, WA
- The Black Sheep Gallery - "Group Show" - Burbank, CA
- La Coopérative-Collection Cérès Franco - "Star Crunchers (Les Croqueurs d'Étoiles) show" - Carcassonne, France
- Rental Sales Gallery - Cannon Beach Exhibit - Cannon Beach, OR
- The Cave Gallery - Group Show featuring Jesse's first video installation piece - Vancouver, WA
- Idyllwild Arts - "Group Faculty Show" - Idyllwild, CA
- Galeria Pez Gordo - "New Works" - los cabos, Mexico
- Sarah Kay Gallery - "New Artists Show" - New York, NY
- Jesse Best Gallery - "Collective 23" - Pittsburgh, PA
- Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery - "New Artists Show" - Portland, OR
- Monster Drawing Rally IV at the Portland Art Museum - Portland, OR
- 19 Karen Gallery - Mermaid Beach, Australia
- bG Gallery - "Food Show" - Santa Monica, CA
- Monster Drawing Rally III at the Portland Art Museum - Portland, OR
- Idyllwild Arts - "Group Faculty Show" - Idyllwild, CA
- Keep Abreast - Portland, OR
- Portland 5 - OSU - Corvalis, OR
- True Measure Gallery - "Ghost Movements" - Portland, OR
- Idyllwild Arts - "Group Faculty Show" - Idyllwild, CA
- Rotofugi - 10th Anniversary - Chicago, IL
- AFK Gallery - Lisbon, Portugal
- Lequivive Gallery, "Neufolk Revival" - Oakland, CA
- Galeria Exodo - San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Artisti Galerie - France
- Lillie Art Fair - France
- Together Gallery- "LAX/PDX" curated by Thinkspace - Portland, OR
- Artisti Galerie - "New York" - France
- Illiterate Gallery - Denver, Colorado
- L'Art Partage - "Self Taught Artist Festival" - Rives,France
- Art contemporain - "Exposition Au-dessous des Volcans" - Muriac, France
- Grand Baz'Art à Bézu - "Outsider Art International Festival" - Bézu St Eloi, France
- Strychnin Gallery - "Edge of Love" - Berlin,Germany
- Gallery Roth - San Diego, CA
- Giant Robot Gallery - San Francisco, CA, "One Hundred Beasts"
- Grand Baz'Art à Bézu, Bézu St Eloi, France, "Outsider Art International Festival"
- Chateau Corbin, Salle Gallilée, Liverdun, France, "Delicieusement Singuliers"
- Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary Benefit Art Show, Los Angeles, CA
- Galleria Artevistas, Barcelona, Spain
- Montanaro Gallery, Newport, RI
- Fifty24SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA
- BLK/MRKT Gallery, Culver City, CA, "BMG Artists Annual"
- Cinders Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, "These Bagels are Gnarly"
- Bell & Wissell, Seattle, WA, "Beast Show"
- BLK/MRKT Gallery, Culver City, CA, "BMG Artists Annual"
- Sikkema Jenkins & Co., Chelsea, NY, Visual AIDS "Postcards From the Edge" Benefit
- Upper Playground PDX and FIFTY 24PDX Gallery, Portland, OR, "New Scenery"
- Alberta College of Art and Design, Alberta, Canada, "Said and Done"
- Telus Ski & Snowboard Festival, Whistler, BC, "Brave Art"
- Jack Fischer Gallery, San Francisco, CA
- Ayden Gallery, Vancouver, BC, "Integrate"
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
2023
- Directors Park Paint off – painting demo and Q and A – Portland, OR
2021
- ArtConnectED – virtual presentation painting demo and Q and A – Chicago, IL
2019
- Portland Open Studios – showed over 400 works and gave demonstrations – Portland, OR
2018
- Portland Open Studios – 2 weekends of showing work and technique demos – Portland, OR
- Live paint - Neuehouse - Hollywood, CA
2016
- Portland Open Studios – lectures and demonstration of techniques – Portland, OR
- NEAE - Keynote Speaker - Chicago, IL
2015
- Portland Open Studios – lectures and demonstration of techniques – Portland, OR
- Lecture on murals – for PNCA students – True Measure Gallery – Portland OR
- expression and creativity lecture - Idyllwild Arts – Idyllwild, CA
2014
- Portland Open Studios – lectures and demonstration of techniques – Portland, OR
2013
- Live Paint - Collage Art Store - Portland, OR
- Live Paint - North Coast Seed - Portland, OR
- Live Paint - The Hollow Gallery - Portland, OR
2012
- Key note speaker - "The Purpose Of Art" - Artfest - Port Townsend, WA
2011
- My work was presented by Marianne Coble & Young At Art to students of Pacific School - Manhattan Beach, CA
2010
- Portland open studios - demo and open discussion - Portland, OR
- Portland Fashion Week - artist installation - Portland, OR
- Live paint demo - Hawthorne street fair - Portland, OR
- Live paint demo - Grand Bezu Art Bazar - Bezu, France
2007
- Mural Fest, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, "Connection through Creating"
2006
- Portland Community College, Portland, OR, "Becoming A Self-Supporting Artist"
PAINTING WORKSHOPS
2023
- 5 day studio workshop - my personal studio - Portland, OR
- 3 day studio workshop - my personal studio - Portland, OR
- 3 day workshop "freedom to create"- ART and Soul - Portland, OR
- 1 day workshop - Art and Soul "Primitave Print Making" - Portland, OR
- 4 day workshop - Sedona Arts Center - Sedona, Arizona
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2022
- 3 day mixed media painting workshop - ArtWorks - Edmonds, WA
- 1 day workshop - Experimental Printing - Art & Soul Retreat - Portland, OR
- 3 day workshop - Freedom to create - Art & Soul Retreat - Portland, OR
2021
- 5 day studio workshop - Pinocchio's Temple - Portland, OR
- 3 day mixed media painting workshop - ArtWorks - Edmonds, WA
- 1 day workshop - Experimental Printing - Art & Soul Retreat - Portland, OR
- 3 day workshop - Freedom to create - Art & Soul Retreat - Portland, OR
2019
- 1 day free workshop - The MACC - Rancho Cordova, CA
- 4 day workshop - Sedona Arts Center Sedona, AZ
- 3 day workshop - Freedom to create - Art and Soul - Portland, OR
- 1 day workshop - Abstract Landscapes - Art and Soul - Portland, OR
2018
- 3 day workshop – Donna Downey Studios – Lincolnton, NC
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico – Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
- 5 day workshop – Idyllwild Arts – Idyllwild, CA
- 5 day open level workshop - True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop - True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop - True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 3 day and 1 day workshops - Art and Soul - Portland, OR
2017
- 5 day open level workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico – Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
- 3 day and 1 day workshops - Art and Soul - Portland, OR
2016
- 5 day workshop – Idyllwild Arts – Idyllwild, CA
- 5 day open level workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- Workshop at Coos Art Museum - Coos Bay, OR
- 2 day and 1 day workshops - Art and soul - Portland, OR
- 6 half-day workshops over 3 days - Artfest rising - Port Townsend, WA
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico – Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
2015
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico – Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
- 3 day workshop – the Space – Austin, TX
- 5 day open level workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 1 day workshop – P:ear Gallery – Portland, OR
- 2 day workshop – Art and soul retreat – Portland, OR
- 3 day workshop – Art Unraveled – Phoenix, AZ
- 5 day advanced workshop – True Measure Gallery – Portland. OR
- 3 day workshop – Into the Heart – Vancouver, BC Canada
- 5 day workshop – Idyllwild Arts – Idyllwild, CA
2014
- 4 week workshop tour – Melbourne, Sydney, Huskisson, Brisbane, Australia
- 5 day workshop – Pacific Northwest Art School – Widbey, WA
- 2 day workshop – Collage Art Store – Portland, OR
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- 5 day open level workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
2013
- 2 day and 1 day workshop - Art & Soul - Virginia Beach, VA
- 5 day workshop at home studio - Portland, OR
- 5 day open level workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop True Measure Gallery - Portland, OR
2012
- 3 day workshop - Zinnias - Pasadena, CA
- 2 day and 1 day workshop - Art&Soul - Virginia Beach, VA
- 2 day and 1 day workshop - Artfest - Port Townsend, WA
- 5 day open level workshop – In Studio - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop – In Studio - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop – In Studio - Portland, OR
- 2 five day workshops - In Studio - Portland, OR
- 3 day workshop - Teahouse Studio - Berkeley, CA
- 2 day and 1 day workshop - Art&Soul - Portland, OR
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2011
- 3 one day workshops - Artfest - Port Townsend, WA
- 5 day open level workshop – In Studio - Portland, OR
- 5 day level II workshop – In Studio - Portland, OR
- 5 day advanced workshop – In Studio - Portland, OR
- 3 one day workshops - Art&Soul - Hampton, VA
- 5 day in studio workshop - Portland , OR
- 2 one workshops - Art&Soul - Portland, OR
- 5 day workshop - Hacienda Mosaico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2010
- Workshop series at Art and Soul - Portland, OR
- 2 day workshop/lecture at Freedom to Create - Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Workshop series at Artfest - Port Townsend, WA
2009
- 3 day workshop at Carol Parks Studio in Burbank, CA
- 3 day workshop at Off Center Arts in Albuquerque, NM
2008
- 1 day workshop in Reno, NV
- 3 day workshop at Carol Parks Studio in Burbank, CA
COMMISSIONS
2018
- Mural (8x12 ft, Public Mural) - Burnside Skate Park -- Portland, OR
- T-shirt design - Adventureland Ballroom -- Portland, OR
2017
- Mural (12x8 ft, Permanent Installation) - Collage Art Store -- Portland, OR
- Album Artwork - Being Empty and Being Full - album cover
- Album Artwork - Listener - 7" records (set of 4 covers)
- Album Artwork - Small Leaks Sink Ships - 7" record cover
- 19x24" Concert Poster - Adventureland Ballroom -- Portland, OR
2016
- Skateboard and T-shirt design, Calskate 40th anniversary -- Portland, OR
2011
- Paramount Theatre - Permanent installation - Huntington, NY
- Arbor Skateboards - Skateboard Design- Venice, CA
- Armada Skis -Ski design - Costa Mesa, CA
2010
- Cal Sk8 - skateboard design - Portland, OR
- Armanda Skis - ski design - Costa Mesa, CA
- Sitka Surfboards - T-shirt design - Victoria, BC, Canada
- Arbor Skateboards - T-shirt & skateboard design - Venice, CA
2008
- Grenade Gloves - Mamoth Lakes, CA, G.A.S. Coat & Glove Design
- Merde Skateboards - Portlnd, OR, 2 skateboard designs.
- Nike - Mexico City, Mexico - Exterior Mural
- Upper Playground - San Francisco, CA, T-shirt Design
2007
- Mural Fest, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 1000 sq. ft. mural
2006
- Local 35, Portland, OR, Dressing room installation and exterior mural
2005
- Laughing Horse Political Bookstore, Portland, OR, exterior mural
- Pigwood Skateboards, Los Angeles, CA, Ragdoll deck art
2004
- NAC, Portland, OR, exterior mural
PUBLICATIONS
2018
- "Full Bleed - The Comics and Culture Quarterly" - Volume 2 - Artist Feature - IDW
- OPB - "Intuitive Voices" (15 minute TV segment) - Oregon Public Broadcasting
2017
- Gram Mag feature
- "Two American Artists..." - Gold Coast Magazine feature - Australia
- You Will Know When You Are Free - Art Book - Self Published
- Collecting Stars And Wands - Art Book - Self Published
- Fracture - Art Book - Self Published
2016
- You Will Know When You Are Free - Art Book - Self Published
- Collecting Stars And Wands - Art Book - Self Published
- Fracture - Art Book - Self Published
2015
- Art and Makers - Summer 2015 - artist profile - England
2014
- Artension Magazine May-June 2014 - Artist Feature - France
- Coast Magazine - Autumn 2014 - Artist Feature - Australia
2013
- "14 Artist Journals" book - Feature Artist
- Gather Clouds Magazine Issue #3 - Feature Artist
2012
- YRB Magazine - Artist Profile - New York, NY
2011
- Destination Creativity, The Life Altering Journey Of The Art Retreat - Artist Spotlight
- Contemporary Primitive Abstract Narrative- Self Published Catalog
2010
- Vallarta Tribune December Issue - show spotlight - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Somerset Studio Nov/Dec 2010 edition - artist portfolio - Laguna Hills, CA
- Truth Myth Extinction - artist catalog
2009
- DPI Magazine - Taiwan - Featured artist.
2008
- Front for You vol. #9 - Belgium - Featured Artist
2007
- Jesse Reno at BLK/MRKT Gallery, Palo Alto, CA, Artweek, July/August Vol 38, Issue 6
- DPI Magazine vol. # 99 - Taiwan - Featured Artist page 78.
- BLK/MRKT Two, Los Angeles, CA, Published by BMG and Die Gestalten Verlag
2006
- Juxtapoz, San Francisco, CA, April, Issue 63
- BLK/MRKT One, Los Angeles, CA, published by BMG and Die Gestalten Verlag
- Beasts, Seattle, WA, Fantagraphics Publishing
- Artension, Paris, France, September - October issue n?31
2004
- RAWVISION, Radlet, Herts, UK, Issue 51
AWARDS
2018
- "Best Visual Artist" - Willamette Weekly Best of Portland Reader's Poll - Portland, OR
2011
- "Jury Award" - Portland Open Studios - Portland, OR
2010
- Nomination for Pacific Northwest Artist of the Year
2009
- "Most Expressive Artist In Show" - Outsider Art Festival - St. Eloi, France
2007
- "Winning Muralist Representing USA" - International Mural Festival - Winnipeg, Canada
COLLECTIONS
- Jordan Schnitzer collection - Portland OR
- Fredrick Lux - Thionville, France
- Kerry and ayisha King - NY, NY
- Self taught - mixed media painter - no formal education
- Drawing since age 5, exhibiting since 2001
- over 4000 paintings created to date