Ross Jones

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Ten years ago, my partner Jo said we needed a dog in our lives. I wasn’t convinced, so we compromised and we got a dog. Alice, the labradoodle, arrived several weeks later by plane from Christchurch, a little ball of soft cuddly fur, she was the Energiser bunny in disguise.

She’s more Lab than Poodle, our dog is an industrial waste disposal unit. On the plus side we don’t need a robot vacuum as the floors are licked by Alice ‘just in case’ a morsel has fallen overboard.

Tennis balls are her favourite, she will worry at one spot until the green “fur” tears, and that’s game over for the ball. Its bouncy days are finished, and the ball will be in bits and pieces in no time. The most horrifying incident occurred when Alice ate one hand off of “Godzilla”, the prop for my “Follow me” painting. The monster didn’t stand a chance.

If you have a dog, then you may be familiar with “Kong” if not, then Kong is a rubber toy that holds treats. Alice will bring Kong to me when she hears the coffee machine. We have an understanding no more than three treats for her and three coffees for me (that’s single shots folks, any more and I’m off the chart).

I don’t intend to become a painter of animals; there are far better-skilled artists than me in that field. But now and then, Alice will present the perfect opportunity, and I’m happy to take up the challenge.

And yes, I’m happy the furry fool is part of the family. There is always some chaos about to unfold with her somewhere, although it is less likely to involve destruction nowadays. Never say never.

My favourite photo of Alice is her watching me paint Fetch.

Alice has appeared or has been the inspiration of five paintings over the years, they are Fetch, Dream Job, Obsession, Chilling Out and What Now?”

– Ross Jones

Image Size: 660 x 500 mm
Paper Size: 860 x 680 mm
Limited edition of: 49

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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