Jesse Carkin

 My name is Jesse Carkin. My fascination for art ignited at the tender age of five, kindled in the most unexpected of locales - the bustling family atmosphere of our local Shoney's. Our family tradition was to gather at Grandpa's after church on Sundays, and this ritual of love invariably led us to the vibrant restaurant and their unforgettable mascot: the Shoney’s bear.

This  character was more than just a mascot to me, it was the embodiment of my family's unity and warmth. Yearning for a tangible keepsake, I began sketching the Shoney's bear from memory. The delightful resonance of pencil on paper bewitched me, and I've been under its spell ever since.

Like any journey, my artistic exploration has seen peaks and valleys, with my expression taking on different hues. It was about a decade ago when my wife began her artistic adventure, unfettered by the chains of perfection. I, on the other hand, was wrestling with photorealism, constantly chasing the elusive. Her art was unbridled, gleefully playful, and merrily carefree. The sight of her sheer joy was not only inspiring, but it also sparked a flicker of envy within me.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I had been missing the inherent joy of art, the spontaneous playfulness. It was a revelation and a call to revolutionize my style. After a whirlwind of stylistic trials, I found myself delighting in doodle infusions, the same that grace my portfolio today.

Now, my work embodies a liberated spirit, dancing on the thin line between playful surface and profound depth. It is in this duality where my art thrives, inviting viewers into a vibrant world of fun, yet challenging them to delve deeper, revealing layers beneath the seemingly carefree strokes."