It's always good seeing Jimmy. He's a great artist with a unique story like others I've wrote about. I have kept up with Jimmy's shows since early summer- learning more about his work, watching him rise among Houston's finest artists and mature in his craft. At this particular show (Monkey Men In Tin Town) I learned that each of his paintings has a story. He told me that the mood of his work spans the last five years of his life. Starting from his earlier work and making the obvious transition from darker and more serious toned pieces to the fun, daring, and exciting works. His current work reflects a lightness of being that his earlier worked lacked in sense of color, hope, and the portrayal of happiness. The direction of his work has taken a bold and more fun turn. The most apparent changes in his work from earlier years are the scale in which the work is produced and the focus that has been placed on the character's personality and detail of appearance. These changes helped to give life to his characters and has given us an imaginative story without the use of words. Besides... How could you hate a Monkey in an Evel Knievel suit?
Monkey Man (left) & Jimmy Houston (right) outside of ZEN Art Gallery.
Good seeing you Jimmy and best of luck in your shows to come!
-Brain