Artist Biography
Michael G. Jolin has been referred to as a "productive visionary," using his art as an excuse to relate to and enjoy people. He seeks to paint what is strong, beautiful and meaningful in life. As an abstract expressionist painter, he strives to express universal and timeless themes through a very personal format. The bold use of color and nonrepresentational forms in his paintings convey a deep emotional content that draws from religion, the power of nature, the strength of families and women.
One unique aspect of Mr. Jolin's style is that the title is an integral part of every work. As Kandinsky, who is often regarded as the originator of abstract art, explored the analogy between art and music, Jolin explores the relationship between art and language. By bringing both symbolism and language together he attempts to give his audience a sense of emotional direction.
Jolin focuses not so much on the technique of his work, but on telling a story and moving the viewer from one place or moment to another. He believes that art comes from a concept, idea or feeling and not the other way around. He strives to make people look inward and explore feelings evoked in his paintings.
As his audience, we try to analyze his work, but the artist sees it differently. Jolin says, "I believe that the purpose of art is the enjoyment of the audience. Each of my paintings is an expression of importance in my immediate world and conveys intense living. Painting allows me to communicate universally meaningful themes in color".
Michael G. Jolin recognizes two major influences in his work: philosophy and the "Die Brucke" ("The Bridge") art movement. He pursued his love of philosophy in college, received a degree in that subject and uses this lifelong passion as a wellspring for his work. The Die Brucke art movement serves as a stylistic influence. This group of the expressionist painter was formed circa 1905 in Dersden, Germany to seek the emotional and psychological reality hiding behind surface appearances.
Michael Gerald Jolin was born on August 25, 1943 in Appleton, Wisconsin USA. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin. In addition to rendering new works of art with his messages, he continues to study philosophy and his lifelong interest in the fields of metaphysics and the paranormal.
Jolin says, "Life is a journey to be enjoyed and savored as we explore our individual paths. In the end it all comes down to Love. Cherish the moments with your Loved Ones and share that Love with the World."
People Weekly July 30, 1984
The quintessential ladies' man, Marcello Mastroianni, 59, sauntered into the Madison Worldwide Art Galleries in Manhattan last month. Pausing before a painting called The Girls by Ohio expressionist Michael Jolin, he removed his sunglasses and regarded the work for several moments. "Mastroianni is a man of great artistic taste." says investment counselor John Vidaver, who helped with Marcello's selection. "He wasn't sure what the artist was trying to say but he liked the symbolism of the many attractive female forms rising from the mist. Without asking the price, he said, 'I'll take it.' It was my duty to inform him it cost $10,000. He nodded his head and said 'Fine.' " Told the story later, the artist thought he knew why the star had doffed his shades. "The central figure is based on my wife Susan, who I think is one of the world's greatest beauties. Perhaps Marcello and I have the same taste."
(From People Weekly magazine featuring
CHATTER by Michael Small - July 30, 1984)
In 1975, a Jolin original sold for around $1000. In less than one decade his paintings sold for between $10,000 and $15,000 each. Private collectors and celebrities have been buying Jolin's work. Among the celebs are Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, George Harrison, Lillian Carter, Raymond Burr, Julio Iglesias, Lee Majors, George Hamilton, Evander Holyfield, Dottie West, Marvin Mitchelson, Peter Ustinov as well as worldwide collectors.
(Photo: Michael G. Jolin circa 1984)
People Weekly July 30, 1984
CHATTER by Michael Small
The quintessential ladies' man, Marcello Mastroianni, 59, sauntered into the Madison Worldwide Art Galleries in Manhattan last month. Pausing before a painting called The Girls by Ohio expressionist Michael Jolin, he removed his sunglasses and regarded the work for several moments. "Mastroianni is a man of great artistic taste." says investment counselor John Vidaver, who helped with Marcello's selection. "He wasn't sure what the artist was trying to say but he liked the symbolism of the many attractive female forms rising from the mist. Without asking the price, he said, 'I'll take it.' It was my duty to inform him it cost $10,000. He nodded his head and said 'Fine.' " Told the story later, the artist thought he knew why the star had doffed his shades. "The central figure is based on my wife Susan, who I think is one of the world's greatest beauties. Perhaps Marcello and I have the same taste."
People Weekly July 30, 1984
This is the cover of People Weekly featuring CHATTER by Michael Small with the news that Marcello Mastroianni had purchased a
Michael G. Jolin painting for his renowned private collection of fine art!
In retrospect, Jolin says, "I was very thankful when Michael Small took an interest in my work after he heard about Marcello Mastroianni buying The Girls. The recognition brought my work to the attention of a broad new audience. Of course, we all miss the iconic Marcello, but I had many years of satisfaction knowing that he had my work, especially that particular piece, in his acclaimed art collection."