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Jon Strand

The Flaming Pearl of Infinite Wisdom, a Silvery Moon and Seven Hidden Dragon’s, Part I | 29.5″ x 41.5″ | Ink painting | 2019


Artist Statement

I have been making art for over 56 years, 46 years full time in four different studios in downtown Detroit over that span of time. While I was a 4th year art student/Senior in high school one class was devoted to using different kinds of techniques, in different ways. That was my introduction to pointillism, with crow quill pen and Higgins black India ink instead of its more traditional application with paint, brush and canvas. And from 1966 until 1978 that’s how I worked. In 1978 I began using Koh-I-Noor Rapidograh’s/pens which allowed me to greatly expand what I was doing.
My life and career as an artist started early. I often say I’m one of the luckiest artists/men in the world…I found my artistic voice early on with pointillism, followed my heart and trusted my instincts. I added patience, perseverance, discipline and dedication to the equation.
Soon after I rented my 1st studio I read in a book that if you are good at one thing, then you need to be better at it than anyone else, push it further than anyone has. Upon reading that, I knew that.

Artwork/s at the following locations:
Collected Detroit
Detroit Artist Market

Artist Website + Social Media:
https://jonstrandart.com/
Instagram @jonstrandart

MR/QD Is Made Possible BY

Artists stipends made possible by Kresge Arts in Detroit

For details and more info on making a contribution to Mighty Real/Queer Detroit, please contact us at info@mrqd.org

About MR/QD

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is an art exhibition in June 2022 devoted to 77 years (1945-2022) of Detroit LGBTQ+ art 

The exhibition presents a month-long historical examination of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and its longtime allies, featuring established & emerging Detroit artists, as well as artists whose careers were shortened by HIV/AIDS.

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting positive and meaningful images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through artistic and intellectual means. © 2023. All Rights Reserved.