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 throughout Texas, including ArtoberFest in Galveston and at Watson
Galleries, KAXM Gallery and Sculptures by Design, all
in Houston. Information about upcoming shows is available .
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.
d.r.jones, Seabrook, Texas