“Spontaneous versus controlled. Decisions that are intentional versus ones that are not. Over the years, I have found much joy in embracing the spontaneity within my art and my life. This has helped to reveal the beauty around me. Adding and subtracting. Knowing when to highlight a shape, line, or texture and knowing when to let it speak for itself. These are always ongoing conversations as I create. Layering is an important part of my process. Working in mixed media helps me to create different textures and problem solve in order to discover what tool will work best for a particular line, shape, or texture. My process is cyclical. Most pieces start out as small paintings or collages that are photographed. These photographs are turned into a digital layering which is printed on paper. The process returns to how it started as I go back and add traditional painting, collage, and drawing techniques to the work. Each piece I create is unique because the process evolves as I embrace the balance between the spontaneous and the controlled. I hope to draw the viewer into my work and have them wonder and question how each section is made.” Brent Jackson received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He continued his education at Kendall College of Art and Design where he earned his Master of Art Education. In addition to being an abstract mixed media artist, Jackson is an art educator in Holland, Michigan.