JEFFREY WEEKES "Finding Peace Within Psyche's Chaos"

$2,500.00

18 x 24 inches

Graphite on Stonehenge paper

2018

"Finding Peace within Psyche’s Chaos"

The imagery here started out with intentions to layout a portrait of my wife Kelly while in this contemplative posture. The photo I referenced was taken on a beach we have frequented on many occasions on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is a place we seek out as solitude from a heavy paced life we lead together to get back to a spirit within us that is calm and peaceful. A place that allows us to listen to the water and feel the universe of sand beneath us while opening ourselves up to seeing all we have to be grateful for. With the wonders of the universe always at play in moments like these, I wanted to challenge myself with the task of recording what may well be an experience in the Psyche's Chaos, merging and morphing the varying scenes between contemplation, freedom and the wormhole between.

The experiences that have occurred for our family having a teenage boy with Autism, over this Pandemic has pushed me and my family to new depths of struggle to find our balance and keep our optimism. Especially for my wife, depicted here in the throws of the chaos that is ever circling her thoughts and inevitably settling into her body in many ways that are not therapeutic… I wanted to show the efforts that she makes to balance this turmoil with time spent in meditation, sun bathing, forest bathing and listening to healing sounds of nature to tame the incessant chatter and the external circumstances that come with the life that she and I often have to navigate. You can see the hands putting the effort out to holding her up and keeping her strong, combined with the softness of her intentions and the warmth of the sun setting. Through the harsh and troubling times spent and uncertainties that lay ahead she remains...Resilient.

Artist Bio:

Jeffrey Weekes is a Toronto-based artist whose work explores light, nature, and the human form. Using a wide range of mediums such as graphite, charcoal, ink, oils, watercolour, and acrylics, he creates in styles ranging from still life to figurative, landscapes, and abstract surrealism.Many of his figurative and surrealist pieces mix traditional techniques with a playful, whimsical touch, allowing each artwork to tell its own story. This blend invites viewers to engage with the narrative and explore their own imagination.After raising his children, Jeffrey pursued part-time studies at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto. His work has earned recognition worldwide, including awards from the Art Renewal Center and exhibitions at Sotheby’s New York. His art is also part of private collections and the Polaris Collection on the moon.Inspired by the details of nature, antique craftsmanship, and the beauty of the human body, Jeffrey aims to create art that sparks awe, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world.

Artist Statement:

As a visual artist, I am captivated by the interplay of light within the natural world and the inherent beauty of the human body and sexuality. My work, created primarily with graphite, charcoal, colored chalk, and oil paint, reflects an eclectic range of inspirations, resulting in unique and varied imagery. I find allure in the textures of gnarled wood, the history of antiquities, and the character of old tools, which often weave their way into my pieces. The softness of the female nude juxtaposed with the strength of the male nude serves as a powerful exploration of form and presence. I embrace spontaneity in my creative process, allowing each piece to develop organically, letting the narrative unfold intuitively. This fluid approach enables me to capture the essence of my subjects in a way that is both personal and universal, inviting viewers to engage with the stories embedded in each artwork.