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The Next Artspace Artist: Round 2

In Round 2 of the Next Artspace Artist contest, three semifinalists slowly emerged after a tight race to the finish. Though all works and styles are distinctly different, it was the use of color that grabbed the attention of the votes. From the bright lavender and pops of fuschia in Jack Hardwicke’s abstracted digital photograph to the streaks of paint dripping down the work of Jonni Cheatwood or the multicolored brushstrokes in Aaron Smith’s portrait of a bearded man, this week proved to be a rainbow of winners. (And if you’re interested in joining the contest yourself, be sure to submit.)

Jonni Cheatwood

Unsure of what he wanted to do for his career, Jonni took a chance on an Intro to Painting course in college. After completing an assignment to remake a Jackson Pollack painting, he was hooked as an artist. Constantly inspired by his surroundings and pop culture, he keeps a notebook on him at all times in order to record his ideas as they occur.

Where do you look for inspiration? How do you get your creative juices flowing?

I read a lot, watch films, and listen to music from people much more creative than me just to surround myself with creativity. The core of my thought process is dedicated to deconstruction, making mistakes, and finding truths in the abstract. I am deeply interested in the process of creating an aesthetic piece and how one gets there, so I try to get there by just trying. I carry a notebook with me everywhere, so if I have a thought or an idea, it is always on paper.

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(via untitled18)