Before the Colors, There Is Silence: The Ritual Behind My Art

By John Obafemi Jones, Afro-Diasporic Expressionist | Cultural Storyteller | Legacy Builder

Before the colors. Before the canvas. “There is silence” my process starts not with paint, but breath. Each of my works is a form of meditation, a ritual. I listen for voices before me—those who could not paint or speak freely, yet passed down the “spirit”. I mix colors like family recipes—some from the South, others with Caribbean light. Underpainting becomes a form of memory, each layer laid in conversation with the past, until something breaks through. Some days, I find joy. Other days, I’ll feel grief. However, I will always seek the truth. This process isn’t about trends; it’s about creating something timeless. In a fast world, I paint slowly. Each stroke is deliberate. Each layer shows the depth of my experience. Collectors say my work breathes, shifts with light, and holds silence.

Why the Process Matters to You

When you buy my work, you aren’t just buying a painting—you inherit a living document of spirit and endurance. My art is made with reverence and presence—not haste. If you want a piece with story, soul, and truth—one that remembers—you’re in the right place.

Invest in Process. Invest in Legacy.

Ready to experience the depth of my work? Visit www.johnobafemijones.net to explore the catalog or schedule a private viewing at

https://www.johnobafemijones.net/artist-statement

What does silence mean to you before you create?

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