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Jack Dickerson was born in 1952 and grew up in Palisades Park, New Jersey. As an undergraduate at Rutgers University, Jack studied improvisational music
and psychology. In 1980 he earned a master's degree in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and in 1984 a doctorate
in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. While in school Jack performed as a guitarist and began developing his skills as a painter.
He enjoys painting abstract and representational subject matter. Each offers their own rewards and appeal. However, it is his abstract body of work that demands
most of his attention today.
"When composing abstract art I usually don't have any idea of what the outcome will be. The process is improvisational and requires trusting my curiosity. Initially I compose images on the computer. It requires being playful and willing to simply explore various directions as they occur. Generally the conversation in my head begins, "Let's try this, or I wonder what that will do." Somewhere along the way, however it begins to shift and I notice myself saying more frequently, "No, that's not it" or "yes, that's closer to IT. "Finally, I get to a place where a destination has been reached - "IT"- the image."
Finally the challenge shifts to hand painting the image and requires developing techniques to achieve the intriguing effects initially generated on the computer.
About "the image"
"My abstract paintings are intended to leave each viewer with room to engage their own imagination and creativity. I want these images to have a long shelf life, and continually yield surprises over time. It requires viewers to look closely and engage their own imaginations to interact with my work. I believe effective abstract art should not be easily or quickly digested. Hopefully it will grow over time as one is able to reflect upon it gradually and in their personal way."
"Finally an image can be further appreciated when placed in a meaningful context. That is why I am increasingly drawn to creating work that can be viewed as an improvisational series of images. Imagine a journey where certain stops along the way may be equally (or more) gratifying than the final destination. In these series of paintings, such as illustrated in the "Pegasus Process", a sequence of 60 images presented in chronological order, I want people to be free to decide for themselves where along my compositional path they might choose to linger."
Jack Dickerson currently resides in rural White Township, New Jersey.
Now I am delighted to offer my work on limited edition silk scarves.
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