Jonathan Green (Finding Aid)

Jonathan Green

1955 -

Favorite Color: Yellow

Favorite Food: Sweet Potatoes

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: New York City

Interview Length: 119 minutes

Interview Date(s): April 16, 2002

Interview Location(s): Miami, Florida

Abstract

Artist and painter, Jonathan Green details his difficult childhood in Gardens Corner South Carolina. Born to an unwed mother who was excommunicated from her church because of her marital status, Green was raised by his maternal grandmother. Artist and painter Jonathan Green details his life in the tiny, population 50, Gardens Corners, South Carolina. He recalls a sense of alienation due to his homosexuality. Using those feelings of apartness, as a child Green began to use it to fuel his art. Green also richly details Gullah life and language and some history of South Carolina. Artist and painter, Jonathan Green, details his arts education at the Art Institute of Chicago and his slow and steady rise in Chicago's arts world. He recalls friendships with the city's movers and shakers and how they supported his art. Artist and painter, Jonathan Green, discusses the inspiration behind his works, the Gullah and Cubist influences. He also discusses his patron and later, boyfriend, Richard Weedman and his influence on his career. Green also details that creating art is also maintining a business and shares how that goal is achieved. Artist and painter, Jonathan Green shares his hopes of racial unity and hopes his body of work is representative of his legacy.

44 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)