Jeff Faust, a self-taught California painter, has been immersed in the world of art since childhood. Describing his artistic journey, Faust reflects, “I tend to want to retreat to a simple view and I get strength in that.” This desire for simplicity serves as a driving force in his artistic expression.
By ninth grade, Faust was deeply engrossed in art books and biographies, particularly influenced by the works of Joan Miro, Magritte, and Dali. Despite his early passion for art, Faust chose to forgo formal education in the field, driven by a "strong sense of wanting to do it on my own." His father's reservations about the stifling nature of art colleges further reinforced this decision.
Over time, Faust developed his distinctive style, which he describes as "subtle surrealism" or "visual forms of the written word." His paintings often feature peculiar juxtapositions, incorporating elements like clouds, ropes, leaves, and eggs, hinting at underlying narratives. Faust explains, "The paintings, or the images, can be simplistic, but they have that gentle surrealistic thing in there, too."
Despite the complexity in his paintings, Faust is drawn to simplicity, expressing his affinity for images like a bird with a twig or a bowl of leaves. When starting a new painting, he embraces the unknown, allowing the composition to reveal itself rather than adhering to a predetermined idea. Using acrylics for their flexibility, Faust emphasizes the freedom they provide, stating, "They offer me tremendous freedom."
Faust's creative process is dynamic and thought-provoking. Through his art, Faust aims to create windows that offer viewers a respite from the loudness of the world, encouraging them to re-center themselves and find solace in the simplicity and complexity of his visual narratives. Faust’s works have been showcased in numerous private and corporate collections worldwide.