Jonathon Romain's Life is a Portrait of Perseverance
By D. Kevin McNeir
| |
| |
| |
| Jonathon Romain, 43, is an acclaimed painter, photographer and entrepreneur whose latest series of paintings "Reconstruction: After the Civil War," brilliantly showcases the challenges that confronted the newly-freed slaves in America.
But this proud African-American father has had his own personal struggles - from skirmishes with the law as a youth to time in prison. Refusing to become another statistic, he turned his life around with blood, sweat, tears and plenty of hard work - a process that began during his incarceration.
|
| |
| Today he is a highly sought after speaker, advocate and the owner of a new and impressive art gallery located in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois. And when he talks to young people in schools or to organizations across the country he is frank about his life and passionate about his work.
"When I look at the obstacles I have faced and overcome sometimes I am led to say if I could do it you can do it too," he said. "At the end of the day that's the only answer I can give - you have to do it or it won't get done.
We only get one life and I was not willing to whither away in mediocrity. Of course there is a larger problem that exists within society - some things are just too much for us to tackle. People often get stuck because they misdiagnose the problems they're facing.
|
Even after we properly diagnose the situation before us, it takes a sustained effort to move forward."
Romain adds that his art is one way that he engages people in conversations about touchy, complicated -even controversial subjects.
His new series of paintings reflects years of study and reflection about being a black man in America.
"I have been an avid reader on African-American history for over 20 years but this new project was the first time I actually sat down and did something that speaks to what I have been studying. I am often overwhelmed with how little we know about our past and that knowledge is crucial to understanding where and who we are today.
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
My art is meant to be entertaining but it is also a way of educating people."
From paintings like "The Meeting Place," which examines the importance of the black church as a political force and center the education of African Americans to "Darkness Covered the Land," which exposes the ugly side of white America with organizations like the Ku Klux Klan that were fueled by white resentment and anger, Romain's art forces us to look at our own prejudices, fears and the often tragic reality of man's inhumanity to man.
"In the recent lectures I have given at colleges and universities I sometimes talk about Jonathon the artist but other times I am more concerned with talking about Jonathon the man - his life, struggles and triumphs," he said. "
It just depends on the needs of the group. But when asked about my work, I tend to describe my art as electric because it is all over the place. I get bored if I stick to just one style or subject, so I continue to explore and to have fun.
|
| |
| I am constantly exploring new mediums and subjects and I really like the process. Even though this is my profession, I consider myself to be a student and I know I will keep learning for the rest of my entire life."
Romain has worked in a quaint shop on Chicago's Northside for many years but recently opened a 15,000 square foot gallery in his hometown of Peoria where he is active in giving back to and making his voice heard, sitting on several non-profit boards.
He says that the first reason he returned to Peoria was so that he could be closer to his two sons who are growing up and need him in their lives. But he also felt that it was his duty to leverage his talents so that he could be of service to his community.
"I have been blessed to have my work showcased in museums, galleries and exhibitions throughout the country," he said.
|
|
|
| |
| "And I have had the privilege of receiving commissions from some impressive organizations - the most exciting project being the National Black Prosecutors Association commissioning me to paint President Bill Clinton.
But there is still so much more I want to do. Life is not long enough to do all of the things that I dream about. I would love to travel the globe and share my art and my life story while at the same time absorbing the art and the stories of others. Art is more than just me painting a picture and selling it. Art is experiencing life in all of its abundance - that's the well from which my creativity evolves.
For more about Jonathon Romain go to his website at www.jromain.com. He can be reached at romainart@aol.com or 708/829-9578.
|
|
|
