Eugene Delacroix observed, "What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough." This sentiment resonates deeply with Michigan based fine artist Joshua Adam Risner, who readily admits to feeling like an artist misplaced in time.
"I've always felt a profound connection with past masters like Delacroix, Raphael, and Rembrandt," Risner explains. "These artists built upon the vast knowledge of those who came before, each adding their unique contribution. In our contemporary rush for novelty, I believe we often undervalue the rich insights gained from understanding established ideas."
Embracing his lineage as an oil painter, Risner meticulously researches traditional techniques, not merely to replicate them, but as a foundation for his own experimentation. He embodies this dedication by mixing his own paints, crafting his frames, and frequently preparing his canvases using age-old methods. "Emulating the styles of master artists allows me to grasp not only their techniques but also their artistic intentions," he notes.
While Risner's paintings possess a timeless quality, he firmly believes they hold relevance for the present. "Before modernity," he explains, "artistic symbols were understood through shared cultural and religious conventions. My work, however, layers contemporary personal meaning onto these traditional symbols, creating a more complex and holistic interpretation of reality.
"My aim as an artist is to contribute to the ongoing artistic dialogue, not to discard the past," Risner states. He contrasts this approach with a perceived contemporary trend in art where irony, skepticism and deconstruction often drive the work, often serving political agendas. Risner consciously avoids these "destructive" paths, choosing instead to follow the tradition of artists who sought to enrich their artistic heritage rather than dismantle it, artists that sought beauty with the hope of inspiring others toward it.