Just added all of the symbols you will see in my paintings along with their meaning to my site. Check out the “bio” page. Scroll to the bottom.

Friday, December 30, cocktails 6 pm to 10 pm

Jesse Reno – A Self taught,  mixed media painter. He has been drawing since age 5, exhibiting since 2001. Having exhibited extensively in USA, Canada, and more recently in Europe and Mexico.

In the latest series of paintings by Portland-based artist Jesse Reno, shamanic beings struggle to find their place in a world simultaneously on the verge of expanding and collapsing. Totem animals and Native American figures reverberate memories of people who once lived as one with nature. Marked by symbols, these figures seek their dreams in the growth of trees and the passing of spirits. on a quest to find their true selves, they collect feathers and relics left by past encounters and past lives. They learn to transcend the boundaries of the rational world evolving into a collage of what they have become and encountered. In this body of work, Reno presents us with a journey leading inward to ultimately expand outward: “If you have moved wisely your dreams will still grow when you are gone.” -Jesse Reno

Jesse’s works are best described as: A Primitive Abstract Narrative,  searching for understanding through introspection, a basic wisdom of things based on connection to ones ideas ideals and dreams. A visual narrative derived from the interpretation of creations made up of intuitive actions manifesting as abstract shapes, forms and emotions. A process without pre-conceived plans just a thought and feeling following one after the other to become an idea… changing directions as forms emerge to find an idea free from judgment, something true in and of itself. From this a world of personal myth, iconography, symbols and beings are created

In the latest series of paintings by Portland-based artist Jesse Reno, shamanic beings struggle to find their place in a world simultaneously on the verge of expanding and collapsing. Totem animals and Native American figures reverberate memories of people who once lived as one with nature. Marked by symbols, these figures seek their dreams in the growth of trees and the passing of spirits. On a quest to find their true selves, they collect feathers and relics left by past encounters and past lives. They learn to transcend the boundaries of the rational world evolving into a collage of what they have become and encountered. In this body of work, Reno presents us with a journey leading inward to ultimately expand outward: “If you have moved wisely your dreams will still grow when you are gone. My work acts for no reason other than to convey an inner struggle for expression – simple and direct. Open for interpretation. Always with purpose. Words mis-spelled, left out – just like real thinking, the disconnected string of thoughts that guides the day. This is my expression.”

http://www.galleriadante.com/Artists/Artists%20active/reno.htm

Miguel Angel Serrano Martin del Campo was born in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico. He currently lives and works in Guadalajara, Mexico. He studied Fine Arts at the Cabañas Cultural Instituto from 1992 to 1995, and specialized in wood and stone carving courses in 1996. During his studies at the Instituto Cabañas, he studied modeling, mold making and glazing tile under teacher Antonio Ramirez Ruiz. This period marks the beginning of his fascination with color in sculpture. Constant touring in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Michoacan and Oaxaca brought him closer to the magic of the original artisan crafts of those areas and the complexity of shapes, colors and narrative told in each piece.
“To observe the craftsmanship of the people we reach deep down to uncover their deepest feelings, their festivals, their customs, their thoughts. There is a phrase that says: “There does not exist a substantial difference between craftsman and artist, the artist is an inspired craftsman.” (Walter Gropios). And I believe that it’s a mix that never fully merges together. Each of my works represents a knot in the fabric that I forge day by day. For that reason, in each of my pieces I seek to make them unique, different from the rest. Each creation is the result of the past, present and future.“
In 1997, he traveled to the city of Florence, Italy, where he lived until 2007.  For four years, he directed the design area of ​​a ceramic factory “cotto” in the town of Strada in Chianti. For three years, he was professor of sculpture at ADA, art academy, also in Florence. During his stay in Italy he participated in competitions, two of which are awarded Internationally. He particpated in many exhibitions, both collectively and individually. He founded the “Asociación Cultural Arteria” in Florence. Between 2006 and 2011 he developed his work and participated in events in Mexico, Italy, Colombia and USA. Miguel Angel is a great admirer and lover of “art nouveau”, geometry, insects, animals and plants in general.

He admired and was influenced by artists susch as: Alberto Giacometti, Giuliano Vangi, Hundertwasser, Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, among others.

“My work revolves mainly around three elements: Metamorphosis, Change and Movement. I am currently developing a project called “Mixed Beings” –  A series of sculptures in which the botanical world, animals, minerals, insects, objects and the human being are intertwined.  I define it as “mixed beings”, but also as “beings of light” – Beings who are born of light and follow the light (born and reborn). As the plants (tropism toward light) Tropism: total or partial movement of organisms in response to a stimulus. Born as a man and be reborn as a cock “Rooster-Man.”

http://www.galleriadante.com/Artists/Artists%20active/del%20campo.htm

just wanted to share some pics from my recent class at hacienda mosaico.. this is by far my favorite place to teach and share what i do. the climate, atmosphere and studio are tops.. 5 days of painting with the best meals cooked for us each day on site, and margaritas waiting for us after class. not much more to want. 24hr studio access, a pool, open air it seriously does not get any better.. thanks to all that attended i had a great group this year and a sold out class within weeks of posting.. just getting ready to lock down dates for next year and it looks like the class will be about 3/4′s full with returning students so if you want in you but decide fast.. there will also be a second class here in the beginning of January from the 2nd – 6th, it will be 5 days half day work schedule, with all day studio access its geared towards locals but there are a few people flying in and staying at the hacienda there are a few spots left for anyone interested. here is the link – http://haciendamosaico.com/ws_28.html

its been just over two weeks since i arrived in mexico,i left one day after my exhibition at greater gallery in portland or.. since ive arrived ive given a 5 day lecture/demo/workshop at hacienda mosaico my favorite place to teach and explain my process it was a great class. thanks to everyone who attended and thanks to sam for being the best host..

ive since setup my studio and residence for the next 3 weeks here in puerta vallarta. since the class ive been painting away for an exhibition here at galleria dantes located in downtown vallarta. below are some images to give you a visual of my temporary studio.. so amped to be working in the sun and under the moon here in mexico.. i love you portland but right now im happy im in the sun..

I recently had a show opening at Graeter Gallery here in Portland. Graeter Gallery is owned by a long time friend and collector of mine, John Graeter. I’ve posted about it a few times, but the show and space are so amazing that  I just wanted to remind everyone that the show will be up all month. Be sure to stop by the gallery if you are in town! http://graeterartgallery.com/

I have a show at Galeria Dante in Puerto Vallarta with artists del Campo and Pintor opening December 30th. I will be in attendance for the opening, so if you happen to be in the area, be sure to stop by! http://www.galleriadante.com/

Hacienda Mosaico and I designed a 5 half-day workshop for locals, but due to the response we’ve gotten it is now open to travelers. The workshop runs from January 2nd-6th.
even though its a half day this is still a really ideal way to learn my process because you have breathing room. I think its as good if not better than a full three day workshop because you have more time to think about your work between classes.
The cost of the total package for 6 nights accommodation with breakfast daily and 5 days of 4 hours per day instruction is $1380.
Afternoons are free with 24 hour access to the studio which means even though I only teach for 4 hours, you have all day to work if you’d like. Here is the link for registration and more information on the class.. http://www.haciendamosaico.com/ws_28.html

Thursday night was the opening of my latest show here in Portland. The show is up all month at Graeter Gallery which is owned by my long time friend and collector John Graeter. Nothing better than working with friends. As you can see from the pics below the space and the show look amazing. Thanks to everyone that came to the opening, and a big thank you to John.