Join us at Themes+Projects for the opening night reception of John Bucklin: Paintings 2016-2021 with guest curator, Maria DiGrande of MDG Art Advisory.
Artist Statement
Painting is my life’s purpose; it’s where I find joy and peace. When I feel the creative flow and energy going through my work, I have the experience of being whole. It is the language I am most comfortable using to express who I am; I speak with my brushstrokes.
In my ocean wavescapes, I strive to capture the mystery and power of the ocean, the complexity of its currents and riptides. In my landscapes, I hope to recreate the incredible beauty I find in the natural world- a constant source of inspiration for me. I am also drawn to finding beauty in the simplicity of ordinary objects: an avocado, pair of red cowboy boots, straw hat.
Color, patterns, lines, shape and movement play a part in my creations, all of which I hope convey some aspect of beauty in our world. For me, painting- creating a surface with the intent to instill meaning- is all about language and beauty, and the way I express the joy of being an artist.
About the Artist
A fourth generation San Franciscan, John Bucklin has been painting, drawing and sculpting since he was a young age. Trained in the classical tradition at the Florence Academy of Art, he continued his studies in New York City, earning a BFA from the School of Visual Arts. His work has been shown in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. John shows his work at craft festivals and across the nation in store installations for Serena & Lily. He also exhibited his work at the SFMOMA Artists Gallery. He lives and works in San Rafael, CA.
Since 1990, John has been spending summers in Montana. An avid fly fisherman, he loves to hike and camp in the Great Outdoors where he finds his inspiration. He captures the beauty and wonder of this wilderness. He sees it everywhere- rivers, oceans, deserts, sunsets, mountains- and also in simple objects like river rocks and wildflowers. He loves the unknown possibilities and physical challenges that he experiences outdoors, whether he’s hiking to 14,000 ft. on Mount Shasta, or rafting the Grand Canyon. “All these adventures push me further, and are a metaphor for my creative process.”
Open to the public; on view from October 1, 2021 to October 30, 2021