Art Reception: Jonathan Eckel’s “Blackberry Winter”

We invite you to the galleries of the Francis Cope House to see “Blackberry Winter – select paintings 2014-2020” by Jonathan Eckel.

This exhibition will be on display April 20th through June 30th, with an Opening & Artist’s Reception on June 6th, 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

Tickets are FREE but limited.  Timed tickets are required; please register using the form below.

Location: the Cope House, 1 Awbury Rd, Philadelphia, PA

About the Artist:

Jonathan Eckel was born in Glenside, Pennsylvania in 1980. He received a BFA from Tyler School of Art in 2003 during which time he spent one year studying abroad in Rome, Italy. Before, during and after his fine arts studies he traveled extensively in North and Central America, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia and Africa; spending one full year living in the Great Rift Valley. In 2010, he spent three months as an artist in residence at the Vermont Studio Center which greatly impacted his creative practice and painting style. Most recently, he spent another three months as an artist in residence at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation
located on the sea coast of North County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland. Eckel is primarily focused on painting and drawing, exploring new subject matter and styles, often blurring the line between abstraction and representation. This constantly inviting and developing approach to art-making allows for experimentation, reconsideration and action; giving the artist the freedom needed to make an honest mark. The diversity of his imagery is strongly influenced by his world travels along with his deep interests in the history of art, anthropology, philosophy and music. Eckel’s work is included in many public and private collections including the permanent collection of the Woodmere Art Museum, the U.S. State Department Art Bank Program and the Ballinglen Contemporary Museum of Art in County Mayo, Ireland. The artist currently lives and works at Greene Street Artists Cooperative located in the historic section of Germantown, Philadelphia.

Artist’s Statement:
“Coming out of a long, long winter, this exhibition celebrates spring in the arboretum, where wild berries bloom. After a year of pandemic-induced isolation, we are thirsting for the sun, trees, our loved ones, and a return to nature. Although the hope of spring is imminent, the reality of the longest winter’s impact remains.

Joie de Vivre! I’m in love with the act of painting – the entire process of starting from nothing, creating, problem-solving and resolving. These works reflect themes of ritual, metamorphosis, vernal phenomenon and personal mythology. Walking the line between figuration and abstraction. I’m trying to tap into the vital force. The impulse of life.

Survival requires adaptation. Like the berry blossom breaking through early-spring snowfall, we persevere. I choose to emulate this model in my studio practice and daily life.”