The Human Condition

Studio Shot...

2012-01-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a shot of my studio with in progress work on the walls. I generally have both works on canvas and paper stapled to the wall for most, if not all, of the working process.

New Work On The Way....

2012-01-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

I currently have a number of projects in the works and have been extremely busy this last year with others. I'll be posting some progress shots of work for my solo show at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco this May and have a new website plus other projects in the works.

ArtPadSF May 19-22

2011-05-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

I will be showing two paintings at this event with 111 Minna Gallery. Please come by!

I've been muraling lately....

2011-04-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 2nd, 2011 Gallery Heist benefit for Japan

2011-03-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Please come out this Saturday, April 2nd to Gallery Heist @ 679 Geary St. in SF for Rise Japan: A fundraising event for earthquake & tsunami victims of Japan.

I donated "Geometry of War", which was recently featured in a publication in France, to this cause. Please come and show your support.

Collaboration with Kelly Nicolaisen

2011-03-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

This is my collaborative photo with San Francisco based photographer Kelly Nicolaisen now showing at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco. The concept of the project was one photographer collaborating with 14 local artists to create a unique work of art using long exposure photography and light.

Each artist used a predetermined spot and was to use the area as part of the piece. These tanks were on Treasure Island and the concept we came up with was bombs since it is a prominent feature in my work. The camera was set in one spot and we discussed our ideas. It really became improvisation turning into choreography. The camera was open for 10-12 minutes and using an array of lights the bombs and sparks were drawn in and around the objects. It's quite difficult because you have to draw backwards and it's all kept in your memory. You don't get to see anything until you are done and if there are any mistakes then you have to do it all over again. This is the development of choreography. So I was standing on top of the these ten foot tankers and drawing in the air with flashlights in pitch black darkness. It was an extremely cold night and I felt like a blind bat.

I really enjoy the concept of the camera having a stationary point and the dynamics of the light creating the image. A camera is normally used to capture a moment in 1/32 of a second. With this you are seeing a longer passage of time and the recorded movements of the artists mind and body and the ephemeral quality of light is the medium. I hope to do more in the future.

Edition prints are available at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco. Call, stop by or visit them at 111 Minna Gallery to inquire about prices.

"Moment" @ 111 Minna Gallery-March 10, 2011...5pm-Late

2011-03-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Next Thursday, March 10 is the opening reception for "Moment" at 111 Minna Gallery. "Moment" is a photography collaboration where 14 artists individually collaborated with SF based photographer Kelly Nicolaisen to create long exposure photographic works of art. Each piece will represent the artist's own individual style mixed with the talent and skills of Nicolaisen.

Please come by! It's going to be a great show!

Interview with Agent Peach!

2011-01-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

I was recently interviewed by Agent Peach. Check it out at her blog

March 10, 2011 at 111 Minna Gallery

2011-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

I am very honored to be taking part in this collaborative group show at the 111 Minna Gallery. The concept: 1 photographer collaborates, individually, with 15 different artists to create an image using long exposure photography. Using any type of light, each artist brings to the work their own style/concepts mixed with Kelly Nicolaisen's vision and expertise. Don't miss out! This is going to be a great show.

More tests and experiments....

2011-01-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

New Project

2011-01-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I got some new projects in the works, the first of which will be a group show at 111 Minna Gallery in March. The show's concept is painting with light. There will be one photographer and 15 (I believe) artists using this long exposure process to create work in a specific setting.

Here are some experiments and techniques I've been trying out.

Hope everyone has a great and productive 2011!

"Geometry of War", 14"x11", Oil on Panel

2010-11-29T11:40:00.001-08:00

Finished and ready for 111 Minna this Thursday! I am very interested in recycling images and distorting them along with playing with juxtapositions with different images to create dialogue.

"War is Beautiful", 43.25"x30", Oil on Board

2010-11-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

Finished and ready for Brief Space this Thursday!

Agent PEACH and BriefSpace Present :: SKIN: Thursday, Dec. 2

2010-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

That's right! Two shows in one night.

Agent PEACH & Brief Space present
SKIN
Celebrating Skin of all Kinds

ART
Darren Holmes
Adam Caldwell
Merkley???
John Wentz
John Paul Marcelo
Elle
Mark Elliot

LIVE TATTOO
Old Crow Tattoo and Gallery

SEXY DJ’s
Lobo
Genuine Kackle
Noah Orion

LIVE BODY ART featuring
Kyra Love
Denise Joy

Live Burlesque
and Other performances!

THURS. DEC 2, 2010
7pm | 21+ | $8
RSVP @ briefspaces.com

Brief Space
Metreon - 2nd Floor
101 4th St at Mission, SF

Again, I am honored to be invited by Kellie Peach to show in this exciting exhibit. Click the link for more details:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159080090795384

111 at 111 Thursday, Dec. 2

2010-11-15T16:56:00.001-08:00

I'm honored and super stoked to be a part of the year end group show at 111 Minna Gallery on Thursday, December 2!

2010-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a work in progress that I'm getting ready for a show on December 2nd at Briefspace in San Francisco. I'll post details later. This may be the last of this series. Newer works to be coming soon.

Back in the Saddle Again

2010-11-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Cue up your Aerosmith CDs.....yes, I am back in the saddle again. It's been just about a year since my last blog post. Why? Many, many HUGE life changes. I won't go into the details, but I will say that I'll hope to be posting on a regular basis from now on. I've relocated to a new spot in San Francisco and I also have a brand new studio of which I am very stoked. Let's take a look:

I've been producing work, but doing only a few shows this past year. I should have 2-3 lined up before 2011 and I'm currently working on producing a new body of paintings and getting shows lined up for the new year.

There is also a few side projects I have going on. I'll post some of that as well. Shots of new work coming later today......

Ps
Thanks for all the emails wondering where I've been, am I still painting, and everything inbetween.

"Now or Never!" Group show Nov. 14 @ Gallery Heist

2009-11-13T10:34:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow night is the opening reception for the inaugural exhibition of Gallery Heist. I got to see some of the work yesterday and it's going to be an amazing show

Located @ 679 Geary @ Leavenworth

7-11pm

Feature in "O & S"

2009-10-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

HCG Gallery Show

2009-09-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a video my good friend and fellow painter Steve Javiel made of the show we took part of in Dallas, TX. I got the flu the week of and could not attend. I am still hating myself. Looked like a great turnout and lots of fun. Great artwork all around.

For more info visit the HCG Gallery

"Study #2", Oil on Wood (Individual & link)

2009-08-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some stills from the process shots. To see the entire group of images just click here.

"Study #2", Oil on Wood

2009-08-09T09:07:00.001-07:00

I received some emails asking about triangulation and process. For this study I shot a step by step and will post the individual images later.

Clone Magazine Interview

2009-08-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

I scanned the article from Clone Magazine to post here. I am a bit curious to see how the article turned out. Anyone who can translate?

Study, Oil on Wood

2009-08-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of break so I decided to start experimenting with some stuff. Got a bunch of shows coming up this next year and I want to start changing up the work a bit. In this piece I was experimenting with the Golden Section and measuring using triangulation. I also wanted to experiment with brushwork and substrate. I had this piece of Bird's Eye Maple sitting around for a bit. I really like the surface and how it absorbs the oil so quickly. I didn't apply anything to the surface before painting. Sorry about the photo quality. These were taken with my iPhone.

Block in.

Here you can see the pencil marks left from the under drawing. I am experimenting with a new method of measuring referred to as "triangulation". I love the geometrical approach and how the lines more or less create a design with the sacred geometry in the background.

Continuing the block in. I have been using rounds for this body of work throughout the last year and I really like the mark making you can get. Somewhat of a mix between straight painting and cross-hatching.

About 90% done I think. I am going to leave all the pencil marks and golden section lines. I think I might outline the golden rectangle.

Argot & Ochre

2009-07-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Lainya Magana's blog Argot & Ochre? If not then get to it!

Upcoming show at HCG Gallery in Texas

2009-07-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in a group show at the HCG Gallery in August thru October. Details here.

Clone Magazine

2009-07-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

I spent most of June and some of July teaching a landscape painting class in Italy. What a blast! While I was there, I was fortunate enough to do an interview with Clone Magazine out of Spain. Great publication focusing on art and subculture. Check it out!

Posthuman Blues

2009-07-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

Mac Tonnies at one of my favorite blogs "Posthuman Blues" posted a little blurb about my work here. Visit his blog daily!

Arteaser Interview

2009-07-03T01:15:00.000-07:00

I recently met up with Dormain Geyer of Arteaser and chatted over a drink. Check out the interview.

"Venus", 20"x48", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-05-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

"(g)Host of Death", 52"x20", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-05-10T10:33:00.001-07:00

"Mysterium Fascinans", 30"x30", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-05-10T10:32:00.001-07:00

"The Gleaming", 36"x36", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-05-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

D-Structure Bio/Edit

2009-04-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Check out here at the D-Structure blog for a short Bio/Edit about the "Adaptive Radiation" show. I want to extend my thanks again for all they have done.
A couple of tentative shows are on the horizon. Check back for more news!

Art Battery Group

2009-03-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Great blog and website. They put some of my work on their blog.

Fecal Face!

2009-03-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

Article on Fecal Face here!

111 Minna Gallery

2009-03-19T10:39:00.003-07:00

Recently I was fortunate enough to be added to 111 Minna Gallery's list of artists. Check it out here.

Check it out!

2009-03-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Adaptive Radiation

"Adaptive Radiation" set up & opening night

2009-03-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

The opening reception was a week and one day ago. The turn out was great and the response overwhelmingly positive. I'd like to thank everyone who came out and made it quite an amazing evening!
I don't want this to sound like some kind of award acceptance speech, but there are a few people whom I'd like to thank and without whose help this show would not of happened.
First I'd like to thank curator, Lainya Magana. She has a bunch of cool projects coming up so make sure and check her blog frequently.
Second, I'd like to thank local artists Ryan Grossman and Alphonzo Solorzano for the help in putting the installation together. We put in quite a few hours (all nighter) the first night. We began around 8pm and left the building somewhere around 7am.
I was lucky to have more hands on the second night. With me were my talented friends Janet Ji Song, Daniel J. Valadez ("Rosebud" left early), Steve Javiel, Hana Ihaya, and Allen Aliangan. We arrived for setup at about 7pm and left at 7:30am. Bleary-eyed and satisfied, we headed home when the city was just waking up. Only a few hours of sleep until the opening.

"Energizing" and getting ready for a long night.

Steve Javiel

Janet Ji Song

Allen Aliangan

Allen & I

Janet Ji Song

Me finishing up Superman

Allen putting up the bombs.

Closeup

Alphonzo & I

Daniel Valadez

Final touches

Janet utilizing that "eagle eye".

There are plenty of more pics so I will post more soon. Thanks again to all that came out. Looking forward to the next one!

Photo credits: Hana Ihaya, Janet Ji Song, John Wentz, Rachel Gillen

Day 1 of welding AKA Cutting it damn close!

2009-02-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

We started welding the supports yesterday. Of course, we ran into difficulties right of the bat. This is my cousin, bad-ass welder and all around great guy, Justin Fickes doing all of the work. He figured out a way to bypass problems and we were on our way. I really cannot say he was "helping" me because I really didn't do a damned thing. Kudos to Justin for doing all of the work! And a thanks to my cousin Gary for letting us crash his driveway.

"The Nine Sisters", 27"x6", Acrylic paint on Acrylic

2009-02-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

A piece from the upcoming installation at D-Structure on March 6. There will be 9 of these bombs at 3 different sizes.

RSVP!

2009-02-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

My upcoming show on March 6 requires that you RSVP @

www.going.com/adrad

This is because there will be an open bar so there is a need to control traffic. It only takes a few seconds.

Hoping to post new pics soon. I have been spending the majority of my time planning the installation.

"Adaptive Radiation" information.

2009-02-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

D-Structure SF
520 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-252-8601
www.d-structuresf.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Wentz: Adaptive Radiation
March 6 – April 1, 2009
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, March 6, 8-11 PM

GALLERY/STORE HOURS:
Monday – Saturday 11am – 8 pm
Sunday 12pm – 6pm

Contact: lainya.magana@gmail.com

FEBRUARY 1, 2009 – D-Structure SF and curator, Lainya Magaña, are pleased to present Adaptive Radiation – a collection of new works by San Francisco-based artist, John Wentz. The show will include installation, works in oil on aluminum panel, and a selection of works on paper. For Adaptive Radiation, Wentz continues his exploration of the human condition, weaving elements of mysticism and mythology into his pieces. Tightly rendered portraits representative of today’s youth interact on the canvas with Superheroes – the modern-day hero archetype and symbol of Wentz’s own, personal, childhood. These subjects are placed in the midst of a vast negative space amongst under paintings of Sacred Geometry and Golden Section imagery as a way to explain the subjects’ existence on a psychological plane and to further develop a sense of mysticism in the work.

JOHN WENTZ is a contemporary realist striving to understand the human condition through the lens of psychology and mythology. Inspired by the writings of psychologist Carl Jung, Wentz’s work explores how the archetype of the hero – and specifically the superhero – influences the human experience. Wentz was born and raised in the Bay Area and graduated with distinction from the Academy of Art University, where he won multiple awards. His work has been shown in national and international publications and resides in numerous private collections. John currently teaches at his alma mater focusing on painting, drawing, human anatomy, color theory, and composition.

"(g)Host of Death" (detail), 52"x20", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-01-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

"Mysterium Fascinans" (detail), 30"x30", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-01-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

I will be posting detail shots that I take with my own camera. Thus, the poor quality. However, I kind of like the idea of posting "raw" pictures, which may show more process here and polished slides on my main site. I would be interested in any input on this idea. I will post the entire paintings when I get slides done.

"Mask" (Detail), 15"x25", Oil on Aluminum Panel

2009-01-17T23:18:00.000-08:00

Close up of what I thought was finished. Needs a little more detail work, but I will post anyhow. Still on the easel. That is my palette to the left. I have been painting with the palette vertical lately. I think I prefer it this way.

New Website

2009-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

I have just got a new website up and running. You can view it at:

www.wentzart.net

I will be uploading and tweaking quite frequently. Thanks for stopping by!

"Stella Martis", 40"x40", oil on aluminum

2009-01-12T16:36:00.001-08:00

"Apsis", 25"x40", oil on aluminum

2009-01-12T16:35:00.001-08:00

"Luna", 32"x48", oil on aluminum

2009-01-12T16:32:00.001-08:00

I love Almac Camera Store in San Francisco.

"Helios", 32"x48", oil on aluminum

2009-01-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

I finally got slides done so I deleted the old pics and posted these better ones.

Solo Show March 6, 2009@ D-Structure

2008-10-22T21:40:00.001-07:00

March 6, 2009 I will have a solo exhibition at San Francisco's D-Structure in the lower Haight. The working title is "Adaptive Radiation" and will feature all new works and an installation. Please check back for more/definitive info. I will be posting some paintings as they are completed. Please come!!

"Shiva", 36"x48", o/c

2008-09-03T22:58:00.002-07:00

This is a commission that I just finished up for "The Painted Lady Tattoo" in San Francisco. The shop is located at:
491-A Guerrero St. in San Francisco
or
http://www.thepaintedladytattoo.com/

Great place, great artists, great tattoos.

"Angels & Demons", 27"x29", Graphite on Paper

2008-09-03T22:52:00.001-07:00

"Adjust", 16"x17", Graphite on Paper

2008-09-03T22:51:00.003-07:00

"Accretion", 21"x28", Watercolor & Graphite on Paper

2008-09-03T22:50:00.003-07:00

"Entropy", 35"x45", Graphite on Paper

2008-09-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Common Descent (cont.) part 2

2008-09-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

All together.

"All the Saints Sing Melodies" and "Paradigm Shift"

Common Descent (cont.)

2008-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

The show has ended and it was a success. Here are some more pics of the event and the work.

Photo Credit: Hana Ihaya

"Common Descent" Opening Reception

2008-08-10T09:03:00.003-07:00

The opening last Thursday was amazing! Thanks to everybody who came out. Loads of people, great artwork (at least the other three guys), and drinks.
I'll post more pics and words later.
Photo credit: Hana Ihaya

Sketch Tuesdays at 111 Minna Gallery, July 29th.

2008-08-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

"Sketch Tuesdays" is the most fun you can have with booze and art. I highly urge everyone to check it out when it happens. It's not every Tuesday so you have to check. I believe it's once a month. Art made on the spot and so affordable it's truly criminal.

"King-Kill/33", 36"x40", Graphite on Paper

2008-07-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

"Requiem", Diptych 30"x40"/30"x30", o/p

2008-07-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the poor photo quality. I haven't had a chance to get slides done so I am shooting them myself.

"Undulate", 24"x24", o/p

2008-07-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Requiem", 30"x40", o/p (detail)

2008-07-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

"All the Saints Sing Melodies", 24"x36", o/p

2008-07-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to finish up my work for the upcoming "Common Descent" show at Minna Gallery. Here's one just finished.

Group Show in August!

2008-06-25T21:36:00.001-07:00

I'll be posting some work for this show soon.

Posthumous Portrait

2008-04-08T21:41:00.001-07:00

This was a rush job so I didn't have time to get a decent slide. Bad glare and the teeth don't really look like that. The subtleties got bleached out. Thanks for all the emails reminding me to update. I will! I got a big batch of stuff coming soon.

"Apples", Oil on Canvas, 16"x20"

2007-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

"Paper", Oil on Canvas, 12"x12"

2007-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

"Karina" (wip), Oil on Canvas

2007-12-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

"Study", Oil on Canvas, 12"x12"

2007-08-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is a study for a larger piece and it is not quite finished yet. The final painting is 36"x36". I'm hoping to finish it within the next couple of weeks.

"After Staprans", Oil on Canvas, 20"x24"

2007-08-16T10:33:00.001-07:00

"Lemon/Lime", Oil on Canvas, "9"x12"

2007-08-12T23:31:00.001-07:00

"Glass", Oil on Canvas, 11"x14"

2007-08-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

"Composition of Three Objects", Oil on Canvas, 12"x16"

2007-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

"Apple", Oil on Canvas, 8"x8"

2007-08-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

All of these still life paintings are for an upcoming auction.

New Realists show

2007-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

"Industrial Composition #3", Oil on Canvas, 12"x12"

2007-04-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

"Industrial Composition #1", Oil on Canvas, 12"x12"

2007-03-15T01:20:00.003-07:00

"Industrial Composition 2", Oil on Canvas, 8"x8"

2007-03-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

This is part of a new series I have been working on highlighting composition. I often walk around San Francisco photographing anything that catches my eye. For some reason it is usually shadow shapes and odd compositions, like this, which are comprised of pipes, pipes, and other odd industrial type things.

"Untitled", Oil on Canvas, 48"x48"

2006-04-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

This is part of another series that I have been working on for the last couple of years. At first they were pretty loose and less graphic-like. Somewhere along the line I took a class in semiotics. This completely changed my approach to these paintings. I began making them more graphic to not only emphasize the inherent design that occurs from this point of view, but also to emphasize that even though walking about the city feels very free, we are actually guided and directed-almost controlled on some level-by the multitude of signs, references, and guide posts around us.