David Jonason

David Jonason’s work draws upon a wide variety of inspirations, the austere beauty of the  American Southwest, the esthetics of cubism and deco, plus the crafts of the Southwest’s native tribes. 

His love of desert landscapes began in childhood on family rock hunting trips to the Mojave and Anza Borrego deserts in California.  Jonason’s early career as an artist started out in the home furnishing industry where he created designed wall covering, sheets and linens, and other products using repeating patterns. As a painter he incorporates the geometric motifs of the arts and crafts of the Southwest’s native tribes.  

"I love the way Navajo weavers or Pueblo potters portrayed the natural world though geometric motifs. This is something I incorporate into my own painting”. In addition, the paintings have the hard edge and graphic qualities of travel posters from the 20s, with a feeling that is more urban than sentimental. 

"I consider my work to be a continuation of the Taos Moderns like Dasburg, Higgins, and Bisttram".