Sedona, Arizona 2010

Artist's Statement

When I was a kid, my family spent many summers vacationing in New Mexico. From a young age, I was drawn to the bold, vibrant colors in the landscape and in the art of the Southwest.

As an adult, I've traveled as much as possible in the Southwestern United States, Mexico and the Pacific Northwest. All these areas have a rich cultural history and a living connection to their ancestral past, which shows through in their art. During these travels, I was absorbing ideas and inspiration for times to come.

Now I am producing works that draw on the inspirations from my travels. Although I admire Native American art (or pre-Hispanic or First Nations, if you're in Mexico or Canada), that is not my heritage. So, as a fourth generation Texan, I try to pay homage to my ancestral roots by creating images drawn from my own Texican heritage.

Artist's Bio

D.R. (Dennis) Jones was born in Waco, Texas and raised on the High Plains in Lubbock, Texas. As a fourth generation Texan, he has roots going deep in the Texas soil. Jones says, "My mother even told me that I had an ancestor at the Alamo… and I believe everything my mother tells me!"

Dennis' artistic bent showed up at an early age. From the first time he saw a "Can You Draw This?" matchbook cover, he was hooked. His mother, herself an accomplished painter, recognized his talent and encouraged his artistic growth. After many years traveling and photographing in the American Southwest and Mexico, he has taken up the brush and palette and is producing works influenced by his years of travel. Dennis' current work reflects his Texas background. As he says, "Although I admire Native American art, that is not my heritage. So, in my work, I try to pay homage to my ancestral roots by creating images drawn from my own Texican heritage."

D.R. Jones currently lives and works in Seabrook, Texas. His work has been shown at ArtoberFest in Galveston, Texas and at Blossom Street Gallery and KAXM Gallery, both in Houston. Information about upcoming shows is available here.

The hand print

Why Red Hand Art?. The hand print is the world's oldest form of art. In some ancient cave, a prehistoric hunter placed his bloody hand on the cave wall and left a print. His message was - Remember me. I once lived and loved and fought and died, but I was here for a little while and this is my mark.

The artist's message today is much the same.

Dennis Jones, Seabrook, Texas

drjones@red-hand-art.com