The King is Dancing is an oxymoron derived from when King David danced before the people of Israel. It serves to display the earthly reality of conflicting hierarchies. Those which J. has experienced. His work displays dichotomies within the psyche that are exposed as vulgar but beautiful, harsh but gentle, expressive yet confounding.

Artist Statement:
J. is an exciting, up and coming artist that paints without pretension.  His color palette and bold work arrest attention and evoke places many hesitate to go.  Much of his work is based loosely on moments he's experienced, dreams or subconscious emotions that bring up deeper discussions of his influences.  He portrays his figures honestly but in such a way that they can confound the viewer.  He seeks to reflect life's imperfect but beautiful ethos.  His work is brave, full of meaning and ripe for interpretation.  



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14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. 16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him. 17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes. 20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!”

2 Samuel 6:14-22

BIO:
J. grew up in several places, Northern California, Missouri, North Carolina, Arizona and Atlanta.  Throughout his life he has been a painter, writer, performer and poet.  As a freshman at East Carolina University he majored in fine art, dropped out 2 years later and pursued a career as a freestyle emcee amongst the other artists in San Francisco. His first painting was a full mural on his bedroom wall that he completed in 1 day and at that point, knew there was something speaking through him.  He got involved with street artists in the late 90's and spent time around the country wheat pasting art on rundown buildings and bridges. Later, he graduated from graphic design school and has been painting off and on for 15 years. He is heavily inspired by music, philosophy, and other artists.  He has a permanent collection hanging at Wellness Counseling Center who liken his style to improvisational jazz which aligns with their client approach.