Ross Jones

“I was the kid in class who often doodled and stared out the window. The teacher usually called me out for not paying attention, but I assumed everyone daydreamed like I did.

I remember a sixth-form biology class on a hot spring afternoon. The sun streamed into the room, and the students next to the windows would slowly roast; the drone of the teacher’s voice, the warm sun and mid-afternoon created the perfect environment to daydream. According to my exam marks, I retained about half of the curriculum, it was a dreary subject. I looked out to the market garden next door; the earth had just been turned over, waiting for the spring crop to be planted. For the first time, I noticed a tree in full blossom. It was an amazing pop of colour from a landscape dominated by greens and browns. It was a visual revelation.

Why do we daydream? Daydreaming allows us to uncover thoughts and ideas that we might not realise we have, helping us to look deeper beneath the surface of our thoughts. It frees our minds, allowing them to roam. While some daydreams are mundane, others could be extravagant. What all daydreams have in common is that they are always centred around us.

Daydreaming is very common, yet people tend to have negative perceptions of it. Terms such as “off with the fairies” and “zoning out” label daydreaming as futile and daydreamers as lazy and inattentive. When we daydream, our minds wander to faraway places, putting us in a dream-like state even while fully awake. Allowing our thoughts to roam can be revitalising.

Daydreaming is an excellent mental exercise because it lets us imagine scenarios without risks or real consequences. During daydreaming, we can forge new associations and connections between our conscious and unconscious thoughts, which can be helpful when dealing with a situation we’ve been pondering.

We can enhance our creativity by escaping reality, even for a brief moment. While there are times when attention is crucial, everyone needs a break, making it essential to allow our minds to daydream.

Does Alice dream? I’ve watched her fall asleep, followed shortly by adorable noises, twitches, and movements. We might think of these behaviours as “puppy dreams.” But do dogs dream? Apparently, they do.

I wonder if she counts tennis balls to fall asleep.”

– Ross Jones

Image Size: 500 x 940 mm
Paper Size: 800 x 1180 mm
Limited edition of: 49

Limited edition of 49, with 5 Artist Proofs.

Ross Jones is a contemporary painter creating works that evoke a heady sense of nostalgia and elevated playfulness.

Working from his studio overlooking the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland, Jones’ fusion of playful realism incorporates elements of the surreal. Each meticulously devised painting offers hints at various narratives as the artist invites the viewer to engage with his role as storyteller.

“I love the phrase “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story,” so as you view my paintings, don’t let your imagination stop you from seeing the bigger picture. How far the journey takes you is entirely up to you.” – Ross Jones

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