Jacques Pilon

Jacques was born in Montreal in 1961. He started painting at the age of 16. The family moved from Montreal to the Niagara region and Jacques was encouraged to enter his work in juried shows. Jacques was accepted in the Communications and Design department at OCADU (Ontario College of Arts and Design University) to study illustration and eventually switched over to advertising and editorial graphic design programs. Upon graduating with honours, he started a career in publishing.

Jacques has worked with clients in Canada’s leading publishing companies and won numerous awards. Among many others, Jacques has held the title of Art Director at Canadian House & Home, City & Country Home and Chatelaine. He is currently the Art Director of International Architecture & Design magazine published in association with Sotheby’s. Throughout his career in publishing, Jacques has kept up his interest in painting, evolving from figurative to non-objective expression.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Exploring two-dimensional spatial relationships with form and colour has always been my main interest. For myself, it was a natural progression from graphic design to fine art. Resolving a layout with typography, images and text is not much different than resolving space on a canvas with form, line and colour.

My intention with the work is to communicate a feeling, emotion, or energy that speaks to and engages the viewer. The challenge is in trying to maintain just the right combination of control and spontaneity to keep the work focused but not stifled. The process involves applying and removing paint and other media until I feel the composition is solid and expresses my original intent. I think of every painting as an adventure and I want viewers to feel that they have been along for the journey.