Julian Jollon

Image © Julian Jollon

Artist Statement

While enrolled in graduate studies in Eugene, in fine arts, and now, decades later, I have been pursuing motifs related to the Human Condition, sometimes Spirituality, and often Indigenous Mythology. I was fortunate enough to study painting under the auspices of Fred Mitchell, a member of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. Fred tagged me as a Master of Symbolism, a recurring moniker of the last few years. I also had the fortunate opportunity to study photography under the tutelage of Willie Osterman and Ted Orland, former assistants to Ansel Adams. But purely by accident, I have fallen into a worldly domain of abstraction in my photography.

My images are shot outdoors, while walking dirt roads in "Indian Country"; while discovering hidden gems in papers posted on city telephone poles or as graffiti. I try simply interpret the earth in an abstract manner. brilliant color and form. As a niche in symbolism, my subject matter is frozen with a unique Painterly-Photography style. The Rock images are close ups of cliffs and rock formations. These are images of old, ancient cliffs, 50-100 million years old. If you look closely, you might see figures and faces, recognizable forms or perhaps pre-existing species. Indigenous peoples? Maybe, as they certainly inhabited these areas. On second thought, the rock cliffs predate the human habitation by millions of years. So any interpretation is possible. That's up to you!

Julian Jollon | Olympia, WA