“Painting for me is a form of travel, with every picture a new adventure. Some are short trips near to home while others are distant or infinite. The mysterious ones interest me the most and often contain a lot of symbolism,” says artist John Philip Wagner.
His journey often begins with a small idea or concept that won’t resolve itself without clarification. Preliminary drawings and pencil studies help the artist organize the more complex compositions. Wagner’s subject matter is influenced by many years of travel in the Southwest and the myths and legends of Indigenous peoples that have lived there for thousands of years. “I found in these stories a respect for the earth and all living things and the need for prayer showing gratitude for these gifts,” he says.
Odyssey of the Cloud People, oil on canvas, 36 x 48"
Wagner continues, “When working on paintings with Native American themes I am reminded of my visits with Grandpa David in Hotevilla who was kind enough to put me up and share with me his deeper understandings of how it is and what we should do about it.I am reminded of him sitting in his living room gently rocking in his chair, chanting a tune while creating the string, which would be used to tie the prayer feathers left in the most sacred of places. Every element of creation has a sacred aspect to its formation and with it, thanksgiving for the gifts it has given. In this I am grateful for every little bit of success I may have when painting.”
Kokopelli and his katsina friends, oil on canvas, 24 x 48"
The cover of Wagner’s new book Journey to Spiritland.
Journey to Spiritland is the latest of the artist’s books, filled with Southwest artwork and paintings by Wagner including historic portraiture of the Old West, Hopi katsinas and landscapes. For more information, including a book preview and purchase options, visit www.johnphilipwagner.com.
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(970) 430-5416 | www.johnphilipwagner.com
Represented by Jay Jacoby
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