Unbreakable /  by Jonathan Centeno

"Cie. Unbreakable"  2016, 56"x46" mixed media on wood panel.  Collection of C. Sanita

I am happy to say that I have survived a rather tumultuous period in my life in matters of health-truly the one real matter of critical importance in life.  We all pass through challenging phases and hopefully come out better, wiser, stronger.  Sometimes our lives are in sync with those of our heroes, those whose lives seem to soar above the mere human condition, and those from whom we derive inspiration ( Courage...it couldn't come at a worse time).

We are reminded of their humanity.  We are taught that it is how you deal with it that counts. You actually have no choice, do you?  You are in the here and now, and you must deal with it.

During the past few months, a pressing commission for a dear friend, mentor and source of inspiration kept me distracted enough, engaged enough so as to make my health issues seem almost secondary.  My trials appeared to become irrelevant when I thought of what she had been through in her life.  An auto accident had claimed the life of a soul mate, and had left her for dead.

She survived-only to be told that she would never walk again.  She was, literally and figuratively, in pieces.

Years passed, and she miraculously endured, and after walking again, and rebuilding her life as a successful designer, builder and business woman, a terrible illness took the life of a second soul mate.

She credits her family and friends for their support in keeping her focused and able to move forward again-but those who know her-they understand that her courage comes from deep within.  

I grappled with the notion of an unconventional portrait.  I toyed with the idea of a classical one.  I felt I needed to tell her story in an instant, at a glance, in a flash.  The type of life-changing instant that one cannot erase or alter.   The haunting image of a flash whose blinding glare stays with you throughout time.  I needed  to seize the terrifying beauty of such a moment.  The terrible truth, in all it's glory. 

Her telling trademarks had to be present- the freedom wings, the hauntingly beautiful gaze, poise and defiance.

The name of her enterprise is Cie.  Design and build is what Cie is concerned with.  Cie is her vision.  Defiant.  Poised. Elegant. Unrelenting.........  Unbreakable.

 

 

Trionfo /  by Jonathan Centeno

What's in a name?  What's in a title?  If I wanted to write novels to accompany my paintings, then perhaps I should have chosen to write or to paint with words, as it were. 

But there is something inherently dangerous about painting, especially abstract painting which distinguishes it from the process of creative writing.  The very nature of painting without a preordained direction or intent leaves the artist and his audience vulnerable. It is a record of action.  Sometimes it reveals subliminal thought through this record of action.

In the painting above, a 54x54 canvas (scale is important here) called "Trionfo", there was but one intention at the outset: to make a painting.  That's it.  Nothing more. That it tears a piece of my innermost conviction and hangs it out to dry is a by-product of the process of painting.

It's a chance one takes.  And then you give it a title, if a title becomes apparent.

See what you will see.  I can deny it all I want (after all, I am called Pietro), but there is no denying the art. It's all in there.

Enough said.

See what you will see.

/  by Jonathan Centeno

A very particular commission for a very particular lady.  The most interesting commissions involve personal storylines, whether from the past, or the present.  The models for these pieces represent a decade perhaps unique in outlook, as the economy seemed to know no limits, and events such as 9/11 were out in the distant future.  The 80's were akin to the roaring 20's, seemingly indestructible, and carefree, if not outright careless.  The soft tones, dominated by pinks, coral, grey and sea foam seemed to be everywhere.  Ah, if only we could go back-just for a moment, to relive it!  Don't be sad it's over- be glad it happened.

Tra Le Foglie /  by Jonathan Centeno

Title: Tra Le Fogliesize: 60" x 60" medium: acrylic and mixed media

A walk through the woods at this time of the year in Kleinburg can be inspiring as well as invigorating. Even on a gray day there is an astounding array of colour on the ground, among the leaves. This is the basis for the piece above. Enjoy the wonderful autumn as winter approaches.

Vino Bianco /  by Jonathan Centeno

I am often asked about titles.  Where do they come from?  In the case of Vino Bianco, (48x48, mixed media on canvas), I was enjoying a glass of Moscato while listening to Mascagni as I was painting.  A slight accident, spillage and- voila!  Vino Bianco- a canvas whose DNA actually contains organic residue-just in time to celebrate the end of the harvest.

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful Southern Ontario Autumn.

New York , New York /  by Jonathan Centeno

Is there no getting away from New York?  The Jays finish ahead of the Yankees only to miss out on the opportunity to face yet another NY team- the Mets!  The omnipresence of the Big Apple is something I wished to express in the above piece (New York Stories, 3x 60x48).  Larger than life itself, those who have been there know exactly what I mean.  From the moment you lay eyes on her, whether from the Hudson, Atlantic, or from the air, the sheer mass of the place is hard to forget.  

New York Stories, mixed media on canvas, 2015, available through Saatchi Online Gallery, $30,000. Click here

Summer in the City (Le Donne, gallery 133) /  by Jonathan Centeno

Summer in T.O. has been hot, congested, and crowded because of all the events taking place.  So it's been perfect!  Attitudes and styles are intriguing during our summers in this part of the world.  Beauty is everywhere, and the eyes of the beholders get a daily dose of different and cool, and funky and wild and so on....just like "Le Donne", above. Le Donne are available at Gallery 133 on Castlefield in the design district.
Ask for Vanessa, Janet or Christine.  They are outstanding in their knowledge and appreciation of art and design.  I am proud of my affiliation with Gallery 133.  I first entered their doors in the early 1980's when they were located at Bathurst and King.  Their longevity is a testimony to first-rate service and a deep understanding of the art market.
Drop in to view art in a truly world-class space.
Gallery 133.  Proprietor: Mr. Paul Wise
Enjoy La Dolce Vita (try an espresso on ice, followed by cold lemon water) in Toronto! Tiff and autumn colours are still weeks away!