Being a part of the local music and art scene has allowed me
to cross paths several times with artist, John Cannon. Formally in the Factory at Franklin, John has
a studio/gallery at the historic Five Points in East Nashville at The Idea
Hatchery. His walls are full of an
eclectic mix of art that is full of color and life.
I sat down with John recently to talk art, which lead to
additional topics of music, writing, philosophy, and just life experience in
general. “Your art form is what you’re not afraid of,” John said. “We’re all fearful about certain things. I would be afraid of a lion’s den or hang
gliding, but putting paint on a canvas shouldn’t be something to be afraid of. “ He goes on to say that many people are not
only afraid of painting, they are afraid of liking art and do not understand
the process. John teaches art, and, when
his students say they do not like what they have created, John says, “Somebody
will.” As he gets older, he tries not to
be too judgmental. He knows that, even
if he is not a fan of something, there are others that like it. John makes the point that Van Gogh only sold
two paintings, while he was alive, and both were to his brother. Just recently, one of Van Gogh’s paintings
sold for $147million dollars. “Paint
what you like and wait for others to like it,” John said. “If you’re painting what you like, you are
true to your art.”
Something that I have really enjoyed, while getting to know
John, is his sense of humor that he infuses into his art. One of my favorite pieces is his “BLT-Beagle
Lettuce and Tomato”. Like much of his
work, it is inspired by his love for dogs and, like many East Nashvillians, his
enthusiasm for tomato art. I experienced
the Tomato Art Fest for the first time this year, and I am now a tomato art
enthusiast, myself. In addition to the
“BLT”, John has many funny and creative tomato paintings. As for the aforementioned love for dogs, John
does a lot of paintings of dogs, especially commission work. Part of the proceeds of all dog art goes to
Frankie’s Friends, a non-profit foundation dedicated to finding cures and
saving pets with cancer and other serious pet diseases.
Even though John’s work can often be seen in art shows
around Williamson County, I strongly encourage you to make the quick trip to
East Nashville to see his studio/gallery and get the full experience. “There’s so much good visual art in Nashville
right now,” John Said. “ It kind of
takes ‘second fiddle’ to the music scene.
People should get out and experience it and definitely support local
artists.”
To find out more about John Cannon, go to
www.johncannonart.com. Also, check out www.frankiesfriends.com and
www.tomatoartfest.com.
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