about Jay Bastian
Though my work has an abstract quality, I am a serious draftsman, devoting hours each day to the study of drawing. I ran across a quote the other day that amused me very much. Jean Michel Basquiat said, “Believe it or not, I can actually draw.”
I teach art in a variety of venues. My full time job is teaching art to individuals with developmental disabilities at L.I.F.E. Adult Day Academy. My students at the academy live with disabilities such as mental retardation, Down Syndrome and traumatic brain injuries. They are creative and affectionate and I love them as my own family. In addition to teaching at the academy, I teach an introductory drawing class at Indiana University – Purdue University, Fort Wayne on Saturdays. I have a strong bond with my students, who inspire me and feed me creatively. I’ve taught at IPFW on Saturdays for five years.
I’ve studied art and painting in Bloomington, Indiana with William Itter, Nancy Harris and Martha Armstrong, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in graphic design, in Fort Wayne at the old Berry Street location with Norman Bradley, and at IPFW’s new Fine Arts Center with Audrey Ushenko and John Hrehov. My inspiration in not academic it is found in love for my fellow man and our connection through the natural world. As Van Gogh said, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” I paint and draw every day. Thank you for your interest and your patronage which is more encouraging than you know.
You may email me at Jay_Bastian@mac.com
December 22, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Jay:
Your self portrait reminds me of a mosaic at San Vitale. It’s the eyes. You have Justinian eyes.
http://z.about.com/d/ancienthistory/1/0/1/S/2/Justinian.jpg
I mean this as a compliment.
– Robie
February 2, 2009 at 5:39 am
I knew you once.
February 2, 2009 at 7:54 am
February 11, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Jay. Digging the new self portrait.
-Robie
May 11, 2009 at 12:45 pm
The Coolest Uncle EVER……..
May 11, 2009 at 1:09 pm
loves writing stuff on here. we should get together this wed 5-13 we’re with mom
August 13, 2009 at 8:13 am
I THINK YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS IN ALL THAT YOU DO! WHETHER IT BE PAINTING A PORTRAIT OR PAINTING MY HOUSE, YOU PUT YOUR HEART IN EACH AND EVERY PROJECT THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED WITH. IT IS A PLEASURE AND HONOR TO KNOW YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND….
MARY BETH
March 31, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Thank-you for leaving a comment on my blog.
I very much like your work. You seem to put down the paint in a fresh & quite loose manner which works well-I can see there is an underlying structure & thought to the composition. Your drawing ability & way of seeing is evident in the paintings.
Who do you teach art to?
June 8, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I enjoy your watercolors very much, reminiscent of Turner on a calm day. Don’t know if you’re the Jay Bastian I knew in another life, but how many could there be in Ft. Wayne?
If you are/were “Byron” know this, I live a decadent life style in Las Vegas NV and would welcome a visit from my long lost partner in debauchery. I’ll actually be in Indiana 6-13-10/6-19-10. If this IS the legendary Bastian email me-soon
September 19, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Hey Jay! This is Carla from your Saturday art class last spring. When and where is your upcoming art show? I love your work!
September 22, 2011 at 6:54 am
Hi Carla, thanks for the nice compliment. My show starts Oct. 15th at the Langhenrich’s gallery on Old Mill Rd. I’ll be posting more about that later. How are you? Where are you working? Are you about to graduate?