Jac Deuss was born in 1945 in 's- Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, he moved to Antwerp in 1992. Although he did not embark on a painting career immediately after entering the workforce, Deuss transitioned to full-time painting after early retirement from his business career in 1996. While he attended numerous evening classes and received guidance from professional painters, he primarily considers himself self-taught. Drawing and painting is the common thread in his life. These artistic pursuits are of utmost importance to him, as he values them as essential for his well-being and overall functioning.
Like many artists, Deuss initially started with still lifes, landscapes, and various figurative paintings. However, he soon recognized the necessity of channeling his impulsive and intuitively creative sentiments, leading him to delve into abstract painting, which resonates with him the most. Abstract art always feels like a direct manifestation of his inner self. While his early works during that period were mostly an abstraction of reality, Deuss eventually evolved to be more experimental and expressionistic. Having resided in the south of France for numerous years, he developed a preference for vibrant colors and striking contrasts.
Currently, he navigates between geometrical - and pure abstraction, often with a comical and surrealistic twist. Depending on his mood and without preconceived notions, he creates a large body of work. Deuss paints with acrylic onto relatively small canvases and paper because he works in a small space in his apartment. Each new canvas presents a significant challenge for him, as he strives to create something satisfying for the viewer. He extensively experiments with colors, dimensions, surface textures and compositions. He works persistently until he achieves an harmonious balance. His goal is to establish a dynamic tension between viewer and canvas. The artist strives to bring joy and illumination into the lives of those who view it, leaving a lasting impact.
QUOTE:
“Drawing and painting is the common thread in my life, I cherish this greatly and wouldn’t function well without it. I became aware of my need to channel impulsive, intuitive and creative feelings, so I started to paint abstracts, which I like the most. It always feels like something coming directly from inside myself.”