2 Dingos

Jonathan has lived with mental illness for 30 years, discovering his artistic talents the first time he got sick. He started painting in 1990, due mainly to isolation, boredom, and loneliness. Self taught, Jonathan initially copied Van Gogh, but once he met other artists he grew in confidence and developed his own painting and drawing style.

Once he had produced a few paintings of good quality, Jonathan exhibited in the Schizophrenia Fellowship Art Exhibition and had some success, selling six artworks. Jonathan has found a friendly art group, Art For All in the Mt Gravatt Community Centre, and his health and happiness have improved. He is now producing some beautiful works of art every week.

I describe myself and my art as Australian impressionist. I adore Australia's fauna and flora, and my work is an emotional impression of my love for this country. I'm inspired by Van Gough, Matisse, Gauguin, the Surrealists and Aboriginal art. My artwork is simple in style, but powerful in message.