ARTIST STATEMENT:
Art is a story and painting is my way of telling the story.
Art is the most profound means of storytelling - a single painting can speak personally to as many people who view it - it has the ability to communicate exactly what the Viewer needs whether it be inspiration, introspection or the simple joy of looking upon something pleasing to the eye.
We share our stories with others to communicate, to form connections and show our capacity for empathy and good will - every story carries within it a part of the author of that story as an assurance of their sincerity in the effort - every story has meaning, and the stories told with art allow the Viewer to create their own meaning in addition to that which inspired the Artist to create their work.
I have been storytelling (painting) for over 50 years and experienced in many mediums, working currently in the traditional medium of oils, and my subject matter has always been primarily wildlife and how we as human beings connect spiritually with that subject.
BIOGRAPHY:
J W Baker’s journey as an artist is as dynamic and layered as his mixed media works. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1953 to American parents—his father serving in the military—Baker’s early years were marked by movement and adaptation. After two years abroad, his family returned to the United States, first settling in New Jersey and then, at age four, moving to Clearwater, Florida.
As a child, Baker spent every summer in the Ozarks of Arkansas on his grandparents’ farm. It was there, immersed in the rhythms of rural life, that he developed a deep appreciation for nature and indigenous wildlife—a passion that would become the foundation of his life’s work.
Entirely self-taught, Baker’s artistic education began with a resourceful twist: unable to afford comic books as a child, he would study them in the store and then recreate the images from memory at home. This early practice not only honed his observational skills but also instilled a discipline and determination that would define his career. As he grew, Baker taught himself to airbrush, dedicating over a decade to creating wearable wildlife art. His work supported wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts across the country, reflecting a commitment to conservation that remains central to his practice.
Eventually, Baker set aside airbrushing to master oil painting, once again teaching himself through persistent exploration and experimentation. Over the years, his art has evolved to seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary techniques, capturing the energy and spirit of wildlife with both technical mastery and emotional depth.
Today, J W Baker continues to create from his studio, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and creatures that have shaped his life. His work has been exhibited in galleries nationwide and is held in private collections by wildlife enthusiasts and art collectors alike. Each piece stands as a testament to a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and a profound connection to the wild.
RESUME:
Selected Group Exhibitions
2024 Raising Roots group show Hickory NC
2022 Raising Roots group show Hickory NC
2020 Artist Spotlight Show Trade Alley Art Gallery Hickory,NC
2018 Group Show TFA Gallery at the Mart Hickory, NC
2018 Artists Live Salinity Hickory NC
2014 Four Person Show TFB Gallery Hickory NC
2013 Aphrodite Rising Warehouse 18 Hickory NC
2012 Group Show Hickory Furniture Mart Hickory NC
2012 Fundraiser Warehouse 18 Hickory NC
2011 Group Show Hickory Furniture Mart Hickory NC
2011 AOA TFB Gallery Hickory NC
2010 Group Show Hickory Furniture Mart Hickory NC
2010 Heart in Hand Gallery Hickory, NC
2010 AOA TFB Gallery Hickory, NC
2009 Wolf Creek Rendezvous Banner Elk NC
2009 Front Room TFB Gallery Hickory NC
2009 AOA TFB Gallery Hickory NC
2008 Wolf Creek Rendezvous Banner Elk NC
2008 AOA TFB Gallery Hickory, NC
2007 A Carolina Christmas Show, Metro Center Hickory, NC
2007 Octoberfest Hickory NC
2006 Artful Living Gallery Hickory NC
2005 Barnes & Noble Hickory NC
2005 Bird Nest Gallery Taylorsville NC
2004 Thornebrook Art Show Gainesville FL
2004 Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Gainesville Fine Art Association Group Show Gainesville FL
2003 Atlanta Folk Fest Atlanta GA
2002 Zoofari Lowery Park Zoo Tampa FL
2001 Zoofari Lowery Park Zoo Tampa FL
2000 Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn Art in the Garden, The Artists Strike Back Group Show Gainesville FL
1999 Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn Art in the Garden, Group Show Gainesville FL
1995 MADD fundraiser Gainesville FL
1981 Art in the House Volume II - 2-man show, Clearwater FL
1980 Art in the House 2-man show, Clearwater FL
Solo Exhibitions
2001 Wearable Wildlife Art by JW Baker Sacramento Zoo Sacramento CA
1973 JW Baker SPJC Junior College Clearwater FL
Selected Publications
Airbrush Step by Step Magazine issue #67 2023 pp. 48-55 Germany, Published Internationally. (Print)
Airbrush Step by Step Magazine 1/2009 (Cover) pp. 6-13 English and German, Germany, Published Internationally. (Print)
Airbrush Technique Magazine Issue #17 2005, pp. 10-13 USA - Published Internationally (Print)
Airbrush Art+Action Magazine issue #43 6/2002 (Cover, Editorial and Feature) pp. 3-15, pp.20-26 Germany, Published Internationally (Print)
Airbrush Art + Action Magazine issue #38 3/2001 (Cover) pp. pp.61 Germany, Published Internationally (Print)
Airbrush Art + Action Magazine issue #30 1/2000 pp. 36-39 Germany, Published Internationally (Print)
Airbrush Action Magazine 12/1998 pp.41 USA, Published Internationally (Print)
Airbrush Action Magazine 12/1997 pp.96 USA, Published Internationally (Print)
Licensed Publications
Ironton Middle School Yearbook (Cover) front and back (2011-2012)
Captive Audience (Cover Art) (Book ISBN: 1461066476) ©️ William Hatfield
Duel Roles (Cover Art) (Book ISBN: 1453758941) ©️ William Hatfield
Tough Crowd (Cover Art) (Book ISBN: 1517235448) ©️ William Hatfield
Grandmother Sweet Sheild’s Life (Cover Art Front and Back) (book ISBN# 1-890808-22-9) ©️2018 Marilyn and Thomas Twintreess USA (Print)
Endore the Wizard (Cover Art Front and Back and pp.120) (book ISBN# 978-0-557-27556-4) ©️2010 John R. Garland USA (Print)
Dr. Steven Greer Medicine Tarot Card - Hay House Publishing
Licensing Representation
Self Representing - International (1991- current)
iCanvas Illinois USA Worldwide Market (2018-2023)
JQ Licensing (2014-2016)
Art Licensing International Inc. (2012-2014)
Gallery Representation
Taste Full Arts Gallery at the Mart Hickory, NC (2018)
The Light Place - Hickory Furniture Mart - Hickory, NC (2018-2019)
Rabbit Hole Gallery - Cedar Key Florida (2016 - 2018)
The Twisted Laurel Gallery - Spruce Pine NC (2006-2016)
Oak & Elm NY, New York (2015-2016)
Wolf Creek Traders - Banner Elk, NC (2008-2010)
Artful Living Art Gallery at the Mart - Hickory, NC (2006-2007)
Collections
Harder & Steenbeck GmbH und Co. KG Hamburg Germany
Airbrush Step by Step Magazine Hamburg Germany
Private Collections in Australia, Austria, Germany, Belgium, England, Switzerland, Canada, Cypress, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, France, Scotland, Mexico, Brazil, Japan and throughout all of the USA.
Previous Clients Include
Walt Disney World Orlando, FL
Hay House
Shambala Preserve
C.A.R.E. Foundation
Sierra Endangered Cat Haven
Paws of the Planet
Safari West
The BEAR League
Bear with Us
The Flying Noguere Brothers
City of Clearwater Little Theatre
Stormbringer
The Headlights
Hit & Run
Deep South
Tricast
Paid Endorsements
Dr. PH Martins Inks (Print Ads)
Olympus Airbrush
Harder & Steenbeck Germany and US (video and print ads worldwide)
Golden Acrylics (print ads Japan)
Hansa Pro Colors (Europe)
Kolobri Brushes (Germany)
Education
Self Educated Autodidact - Self Educating - (Current)
Experience/Qualifications
(1991 - present) 34 years solely professional fine artist
(1973 - present) 52 years creating art for clients
Online web presence since 1998
Collector Base - Worldwide
Graphic Design
Set design
Murals
Acrylics
Oils
Oil Pastels
Enamels
Airbrush - Expert
Building and Preparing Supports - Canvas, wood panel, metals, leather, textiles, experimental etc.
Wood Finishing - Stain, distress, specialty finishes
Wood working
Art Shows - concepts, creation, curation, hanging, signage, catering, copy writing, advertising materials, posters, ads etc.
Contract Writing and Negotiation
Licensing
Copyright Awareness and Endorsement
Print proofing and production
Framing
Web Sales
Worldwide art packing and shipping
All Facets of Self Employment - Accounting, Taxes, Sales, Public Relations, Advertising, Legal, Collection etc.
Endorsements
