I am an Artist: Jeffrey Locke Lemert

1. Why are you an artist?
I am an artist because I have always been creative, it has never occurred to me to be and do anything else.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.
Yes, but not always. For years I was just drawing almost anything. Until I bought 3 canvases put them on the floor and asked myself "what do I see"? The first thing that came to mind was a tree trunk, so I started drawing a tree trunk on 1 of the canvases, 9 months later I had a triptych of this amazing tree. So since 1990 I have been drawing and painting trees.


3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
I use pen & ink and oil pastels. The ink allows me to draw the details and control of the tree. The Oil pastels give me the vibrancy and POP of an area of the tree I want to highlight. Painting allows me to bring in texture and a different palette of color as well as a larger scale of tree.'


4. How do you decide on subject matter for your work?
Since all of my work are trees, I am inspired to do new trees based on what is going on in my life and always trying to stretch my abilities.

5. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Nevada?
I believe the role of any artist is to be true to themselves and to create and express their vision. It is an artist role to interpret what they see, feel and hear to inspire & encourage others.
As far as the role here in Nevada I feel it would be to bridge the imaginary gap between art and the gaming industry.The amount of artist and vision it takes to manifest just one of these casinos is astounding.
it take someone with vision to imagine it
it takes an architect to interpret that
it takes an contractor to build it
it takes an interior designer to bring color and design
it takes the art of finance to bring in profit
and of course the imagination of winning to go inside
Art isn't just a painting in the galleries.


6. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
Within the next 5 years I see myself as having several galleries through-out the country. These galleries are in smaller cities & towns. They will be showcasing the local artist, giving them a chance to showcase there work and giving exposure of art to the surrounding communities.

7. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
Just to be know as the "TREE ARTIST"

8. What does art mean to you?
Simply put, ART It is the moment something is created.

Artist's Website: http://www.jlockedesigns.com/