painter

“Nelson’s exhibition focuses on the iconic theme of the west, but in true Nelson fashion creates a world all his own. In this story, Southwestern icons; Jackrabbits, rain drops, Peyote buttons and Narco Hip Hop are the obvious subject matter, it is a region where the summer resembles a thirsty desert trope and it’s shade that is sacred.” Nicole Royse for Arizona Foothills. Click here to read.

Gebert Contemporary features many abstract painters and has been displaying the work of Arizona artists since its 2001 opening. In March, don’t miss the impressive multimedia works of John Randall Nelson, who harnesses the power of icons and folk art to create simple, yet potent paintings. Nelson says, “In my work, carefully chosen iconic images and odd juxtapositions act as archetypes.” Amy Abrams for Art & Antiques. Click here to read.

“In “Release” a curtain of orderly raindrops was painted over a purple-black background. The piece brought to mind both tears and nourishing liquids and, like the best of Nelson’s works, was simultaneously smile-inducing and wistful. In addition to several corporate entities in the Bay area that regularly acquire his works, the gallery reported that young enthusiasts as well as more seasoned collectors acquired works from the recent show.” Doug McClemont for Art+Auction. Click here to read.

“A soaring, 35-foot-tall depiction of a beloved city councilman, 1970-78, and mayor, 1978-1994, as a stilt walker. Creator John R. Nelson intended the exaggerated dimensions of “Harry Above the Crowd” to represent Harry Mitchell’s “heightened sense of potential, performance and accomplishment.” Coincidentally, live stilt walkers regularly stroll the city’s Mill Avenue during spring and fall Tempe Festival of the Arts.” Lisa Polacheck for Where Magazine, 2015. Click here to read.

Working with Designer Don Steward, Paul Dahmen (Director of FP Contemporary in LA) places “March Hare” in John Legend’s art collection.   Click here to view video.

“Creating wood figures, some 14 feet high, the Tempe artist draws on the power of American Folk Art.”
Amy Abrams. Click here to read.

Q: If you look really closely, you can see words on the sculptures. What are those? A: They are screen-printed affirmations … each sculpture has its own affirmation, such as “Really amazing,” “Everything will be okay,” “Everything here is wonderful.” Kelly Huang for The Arizona Republic  Click here to read.

“When placed together these columns of various width, resemble a forest. they appear as 3D manifestations of his 2D works, almost as if they have stepped out of the paintings.” Jenna Duncan for JAVA Magazine.
Click here to read.

“These two works (one 2-d and one 3-d) conjure iconic folk art forms and imagery that touch on the sectarian and socially mish-mashed nature of the Arizona experience.” Click here to view exhibition.

Number 51 on the New Times “100 Creatives” list.
“Good work should always … have small isolated figures, fragmented heads, shadow play, words, flowers and small animals.”   Click here to read interview.