John Mellencamp began his career rocking listeners through blue collar America and brought to light the struggles of the Midwest farmer. The award-winning and chart-topping musician penned some of the most notable songs of the heartland, but this guy from the heartland does more than write music and encourage political awareness. Over the years, John Mellencamp has created some amazing paintings and connected with fans on a new level.
It seemed like a secret only Mellencamp should have access to: his paintings. A personal, intimate look at the gallery on his website revealed images that ventured perhaps more into the heart of John Mellencamp than his music. It was a moment of pause. Should these images really be seen by the public? Are they maybe too intimate, too close to the artist’s creative exploration that they show a part of him that needs to be protected? After the moment of pause, further exploration into the painting life of John Mellencamp showed he began painting in the studio for himself. He wasn’t really sure what he would do with them until Bob Dylan encouraged him to make them available to others (Artsy.com). The thought of selling the paintings prior to that moment never crossed his mind, but one thing lead to another and now the painting are available to the public.
Like his music, the paintings reveal the rough edges. The hard times. Not polished or perfect, his paintings show life without apologies. In a Billboard article about his NYC exhibit, Mellencamp said his paintings should “look like they were found in a garage. If they get a scratch or a hole in them, it just becomes part of the painting (Billboard.com).” The lyrics in his songs ring true, so, it would be no different on the canvas.
Whether on the canvas or through music, John Mellencamp’s focus has always been on the human condition. This focus has connected him to fans worldwide and now his paintings bring that connection to the next level. The artist admitted he can reveal a lot more on the canvas than in a song, however, both songs and paintings are interpreted by people differently, and this has brought him new insight into what he created (Artsy.net). Mellencamp is also adamant in his resolve, much like his music, that he isn’t concerned by critics of his work. His art, especially his paintings, are done for himself. That resolve resonates with the spirit of the heartland: strong and resilient with empathy for the fellow man.
John Mellencamp began his career empathizing and bringing to light the blue collar Midwest life. Award-winning and chart-topping, the musician has created more than music. He has also created some amazing paintings that connect with people on a new level. From Americana rocker to accomplished painter, John Mellencamp has always focused on the human condition. To view John Mellencamp’s paintings you can visit his gallery on his website.
~Jenna Jakes, WOGB
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