I believe my work exists in a liminal zone between, on the one hand, joyful, occasionally cacophonous explorations of different types of color and mark-making; and, on the other, an ongoing investigation of the subconscious psychological states of mind. I am fascinated by culture and mythology, and increasingly incorporate themes such as crosses, pin-ups, peace signs, Buddhist-influenced iconography, and other pop symbols.
In a broader sense, my instinct is to use a deeply personal, stylistically layered approach that has, to some degree, been influenced by my own personal psychological struggles. I want people who look at my art to be shaken, moved, and entertained. I hope my work creates a more personal form of pop art with spiritual and personal relevance.
Artist's Biography
Jed Williams was born in Philadelphia in 1975 and raised in Paris, France. Williams comes from an artistic background -- his father, the celebrated poet C.K Williams and his mother, Catherine Mauger, a jeweler. He attended the University of the Arts (BFA, Painting and Drawing, 2000) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (Certificate in Painting, 2005).
Jed has exhibited widely in both solo and group exhibitions across the country. He has been reviewed by media outlets and blogs in Philadelphia, such as DonArtNews, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the City Paper. His work is in private collections in the US, France, Eastern Europe, and the Ruttenberg Center for Autism collection. From 2010 to 2021, he owned and directed the studio gallery off of South Street, the Jed Williams Gallery, that showcased the work of local artists. The studio (now named Jed Williams Studio) focuses on his artwork and hosts workshops/classes by local crafters and designers.
Education
2005 Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA Certificate, Painting
2000 University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA BFA, Painting and Drawing
Bibliography
Publications
From Hell to Highwater, vol.2 issue 5, 2014
2013 Fall/Winter “Dream” issue of SNAX Magazine, 2013
