At Her Mercy

All the artwork I picked up in San Diego this year came from unexpected sources. What made that even more unusual than in past years is that this is one of the very few years I can remember when I had specific pieces in my mind that I thought I would end up with. These were pieces that I had seen with the same seller year after year, and every year I would tell myself “if this piece is still here next year, I’m going to get it”. But always, for one reason or another, I would end up not getting it. So THIS year, I had two specific targets in mind. I knew where the pieces were, I knew how much they cost, and I knew I had the money. The plan was still in place up until the morning of Preview Night when, while driving to San Diego, my friend Jonathan (Mueller) happened to mention that our artist friend Jonathan Wayshak was going to be at the con this year. Now what’s that line about the best laid plans?

So I’ve been a big fan of Jonathan W. since Jonathan M. first showed me his work at San Diego some years back. I was especially thrilled to discover he was a local fellow who lived only about 30 minutes south of me. Not that this necessarily made it easier for me to pick up art from him. At least it HAS made it easier for me to have him as a guest in my home for several visits. Jon is as knowledgeable and opinionated as he is talented, so we always have the most fun and interesting conversations. He’s so cool and down to earth, just an all around great guy.

In the past, I’ve usually referred to Jonathan’s work and artistic vision as either dark or disturbing. Then, something occurred to me. Whenever I look at his work, I’m always amazed, astounded, and blown away. The last thing I am is disturbed by it. So to say that it’s disturbing really makes no sense. And while I may have run out of complements and accolades to give him, I will pay him this one final ultimate complement. Of all the artists I have featured in my collection/gallery (including the likes of Art Adams, Kevin Nowlan, and Barry Windsor-Smith), there is more in Jonathan’s work that gets lost in scanning than any other artist. That’s probably the only thing about his work that is truly disturbing. His art not only DESERVES to be seen in person, it DEMANDS to be seen in person.