American artist Donald Wass, affectionately known as Don Wass, whose artistic career spans decades, is marked by a profound dedication to exploring the intricacies of painting and the boundless possibilities of abstraction. He stands as a testament to the unceasing quest to organize chaos on canvas, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into his artistic world.
Wass’s artistic odyssey commenced at the Hartford Art School in the mid-sixties, a time when the art scene was abuzz with the likes of Andy Warhol and the emergence of the next big art movement. In those formative years, he received a remarkably traditional training in the techniques of portrait, figure, and still life painting. Yet, even then, Wass harbored the awareness that this conventional path could be a dead-end if he were to truly define his chosen artistic journey.
Upon graduating, Wass embarked on a unique trajectory, realizing that he needed to delve deep into a series of images that would facilitate the in-depth exploration of a narrowing set of ideas. Simultaneously, he embarked on a career as an art instructor, guiding the next generation of artists at various levels. His pedagogical pursuits went hand in hand with his thematic approach to art-making, enhancing his own understanding while imparting knowledge to eager students.
For Don Wass, painting is a voyage to organize chaos. As an abstract painter, he’s constantly piecing together a mosaic of color, line, and shapes that can be arranged in countless ways. However, the true beauty of his art lies in the final, instinctive choice that feels right. This journey, the process of chasing that elusive feeling, is where the magic unfolds. It’s in these moments that Wass breathes life into his canvases, giving form to his thoughts and emotions.
His artistic repertoire is a testament to his versatility. Wass’s work spans a wide range of mediums, including acrylic, oil, and encaustic paintings, drawings, monoprints, compositions that intermingle stone with canvas or paper, computer animation, and photography. He navigates seamlessly between abstract compositions and the intricate study of figures, often amalgamating the two to create intriguing pieces.
Wass’s influence extends beyond the realm of canvas and paper. He has also ventured into animation, working on a children’s video for Crystal Productions and illustrating the companion book on Matisse. His dedication to education led him to create award-winning instructional videos, particularly focusing on teaching computer animation in the classroom. His work isn’t confined to the classroom, as he’s also lent his artistic talents to private companies, engaging in freelance animation projects.
Academically, Don Wass is a stalwart in his field. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) from Hartford Art School, his qualifications are solidified. His teaching career, spanning over four decades, included a spectrum of art-related subjects, from painting and drawing to jewelry and printmaking, as well as art theory. His profound influence was also felt in the development of one of the country’s earliest high school computer animation programs, initiated in 1987.
Wass’s students reaped the rewards of his guidance, winning numerous accolades at state, national, and international levels, both in traditional art forms and computer animation. He extended his pedagogical reach further, establishing and instructing a computer animation program at Northwestern CT Community College. His commitment to the art education community was underscored when he was recognized as an Adobe Master Teacher and became one of the original Adobe Education Leaders.
But Don Wass is more than just an artist and an educator; he’s a man of diverse interests. His life outside of the studio is marked by adventure and exploration. An avid skier and sailor, he and his wife spend most of their summers living aboard their sailboat, traversing the picturesque coastline of Maine. This connection to nature and the ocean inevitably seeps into his art, creating a unique blend of abstract expression and the serenity of natural landscapes.
In the world of contemporary art, Don Wass’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of abstraction and creativity. His ability to infuse traditional techniques with a modern artistic sensibility is a true testament to his adaptability and innovation. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, he invites us to embark on a journey with him, exploring the intricate puzzle of color, line, and shape that is the essence of his work.
His expansive body of work, spanning various media and subject matter, reflects an artist who is unafraid to push the boundaries of his creativity. In his paintings, he invites us to join him on a quest to organize chaos, where each stroke of the brush and choice of color is a piece of a grand puzzle, where only one solution feels right. It’s a journey that Don Wass continues to embark upon, and one that we, as viewers, are fortunate to witness and experience.
The mark of a true artist lies not only in their ability to create, but also in their capacity to inspire and educate others. Don Wass has been a beacon for countless aspiring artists and educators, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the arts. His dedication to nurturing the talents of the next generation is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of art.
