J Steven Patton

Have you ever seen an animal in a cloud or a face in a rock formation? That’s Pareidolia!

“Pareidolia”, a psychological phenomenon known for prompting the mind to discern faces, figures, animals, and even extraterrestrial forms within random inanimate objects, is the focal point and inspiration behind Steven Patton’s remarkable collection. Patton invites art enthusiasts and viewers to embark on a journey through his artistic process, where patterns and subconscious connections form the foundation of his masterpieces.

Pareidolia is where the artistic process begins. Steven Patton’s method commences with creating intricately patterned underpaintings using delicate layers of oil paint. He sees this process as an exploration of his subconscious, anticipating the emergence of shapes and figures that guide the narrative of each completed painting. “Once I discover the outline of the story in the canvas it begins to tell its tale,” describes Patton. “ I let the canvas speak and guide my hand as I fill the chapters with color. The hues are applied by hand, not brush, making the process even more intimate and authentic.”

Patton invites viewers to explore their interpretations and conclusions within his visual tales. With each application of color and form, Patton weaves an intricate narrative that beckons viewers to delve deeper into the captivating worlds within his artwork.

J. Steven Patton a lifelong painter originally from Wyckoff, NJ now resides in West Orange, NJ. His studio is in the historic Manufacturers Village artist collective in East Orange, NJ. His art has been showcased in numerous group exhibitions throughout NJ and was recently part of the prestigious NJ State Museum Arts Annual: Reemergence.