By: PR Fueled
Jason Brian Fox has carved a unique niche in contemporary art with his philosophy of Motionism, a concept that captures the fluidity and perpetual motion of life. By encouraging viewers to investigate and recognize the beauty in movement, this creative method portrays the invisible forces and ongoing change that define the world around us. Fox’s artistic and personal development, which started in his early years in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a major component in his journey to motionism.
Growing up, Fox’s mother was a significant influence on his artistic development, nurturing his creativity and encouraging his passion for art. His uncle Ralph, who studied art in college, also played a crucial role by giving him drawing lessons as a youngster. These early experiences laid the foundation for Fox’s artistic vision and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts.
After graduating from high school, Fox joined the United States Air Force, where he served during Operation Desert Storm. He was greatly influenced by the order and structure of military life, which gave him an adaptability and focus that would later inform his artistic approach. Readjusting to civilian life, however, was not without its difficulties. Diagnosed with PTSD and struggling to find a purpose, Fox turned to art for its therapeutic value. “Art became a pivotal moment in returning to a sense of normalcy,” he recalls. This therapeutic discovery marked the beginning of his journey towards Motionism.
Fox studied painting at the Art Students League of New York, where he was first exposed to the idea of using water as a medium to capture the fleeting essence of life. “Realizing how special water is for capturing motion and space in art was a turning point for me,” Fox explains. Experimenting with watercolor and acrylic paints, he was inspired by water’s fluidity and vitality, which became central motifs in his abstract expressionist work. This discovery strengthened his conviction in Motionism as a guiding philosophy, shaping his artistic path.
Motionism captures those intangible forces and ongoing fluidity that influence our reality by highlighting the dynamism and perpetual motion of life. Fox investigates the limits between the tangible and the abstract through the use of acrylic and watercolor mediums. He is able to portray not only the physical act of movement but also the emotional and mental flow that propels it because of the changing properties of water.
Each piece is alive with energy, a testament to the interplay between control and spontaneity. “Staying true to the Motionism fundamental principle while incorporating new ideas and techniques into my work requires constant experimenting with various mediums and approaches,” Fox notes. This method produces visually arresting and profoundly meaningful artwork that transports viewers on a color and form journey that escapes duplication.
The natural environment plays a significant role in Fox’s inspiration and artistic process. He draws a lot from the fluidity and unpredictability of natural elements, especially water. “The way water moves and interacts with its surroundings influences my approach to capturing motion and space in my work,” he says. Observing nature’s patterns, colors, and textures helps Fox infuse a sense of organic dynamism into his paintings, keeping his work vibrant and true to the philosophy of Motionism.
Fox’s work reflects the influence of abstract expressionists through its emphasis on spontaneity, emotional expression, and dynamic composition. He draws inspiration from their bold use of color, innovative techniques, and the way they convey movement and energy. This influence is evident in his commitment to capturing the essence of motion and space, blending traditional abstract expressionist elements with his unique approach to water and fluidity. “This creates pieces that resonate with the legacy of abstract expressionism while embodying my distinct artistic vision,” Fox explains.
Through his use of water and motion, Fox aims to evoke emotions and themes of fluidity, transformation, and the passage of time. The dynamic movement in his work captures the constant change and flow of life, reflecting both its beauty and unpredictability. “I strive to convey a sense of depth, tranquility, and sometimes turbulence, inviting viewers to experience a range of emotions and contemplate the ever-changing nature of their own experiences,” he shares.
One of Fox’s upcoming projects that he is particularly excited about is a new figurative series called “Song of the Feather.” This series celebrates birds in nature through pencil drawings, with each bird represented by a number that corresponds to a note in a song. The work aims to convey emotions of peace and tranquility, offering a counterbalance to his abstract pieces. “This upcoming project allows me to explore a different aspect of my artistic expression while staying true to the themes of motion and emotion that are central to my work,” Fox explains.
Balancing spontaneity and control in his creative process involves allowing room for unexpected, organic developments while also guiding the overall direction of the piece. Fox embraces the unpredictability of water and other mediums, letting them flow and interact naturally. At the same time, he makes deliberate choices about composition, color, and form to ensure that each piece aligns with his artistic vision. “This balance allows me to capture the dynamic essence of Motionism while maintaining coherence and intentionality in my work,” he notes.
For emerging artists looking to explore Motionism or similar philosophies, Fox advises embracing experimentation and trusting the creative process. “Focus on capturing the essence of motion and fluidity in your work, and don’t be afraid to let go of rigid control,” he advises. Allowing materials to guide and interact naturally can lead to unexpected and compelling results. He also encourages studying the work of abstract expressionists and other inspiring artists but emphasizes the importance of developing a unique approach. “Most importantly, stay true to your artistic vision and let your emotions and experiences shape your creations,” Fox concludes.
Motionism by Jason Brian Fox is a potent reminder of the beauty in movement and the distinct stories that every moment has in a world that is always changing. Through his artwork, Fox encourages us to embrace life’s fluidity, view the world through the prism of motion, and draw inspiration from the experiences that shape who we are and what we have been through.
Published by: Holy Minoza
