In Line With Charles Jupiter Hamilton
Charles "Jupiter" Hamilton used to be outraged by coloring books. The West Virginia artist thought the idea of teaching children to color within the lines was some sort of absurd right wing conspiracy. "I used to rant and rave about it," says Hamilton, grinning, "but with wood cuts I have to keep in line."
Hamilton may paint along the designs he carves, but there is nothing conventional or restrained about his intricate wood cuts, paintings, sculptures and prints. Known for his mosaic patterns, his hand breathes uninhibited life, laced with vivid colors and satirical humor into every creation. "I want people to think I have a sense of life. I definitely have a humor. I want them to feel happy with it, pleased," he says.
Since 1985, this son of a Hungarian immigrant and Yankee farmer has made a living off his talent-not an easy feat for an artist. Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Hamilton says he wanted to be a poet or even a football star, but that did not work out. "Because I grew up in the country, all of my poems sounded like country western songs," he laughs.
As a child he would draw battle scenes, farmlands, adventures and cartoons-themes that would remain in 57 years of life and art. His warm and gentle manner makes it hard to believe that he once fought in Vietnam.
His grey t-shirt splattered with paint matches the soft curls on his head. As he walks through Lucky Dog Studio where he lives with his dog, Reason, he gestures toward his work pasted on colorful walls. Anyone watching Hamilton can see why he likes his life.
"I probably work longer than other people, 16 hours a day sometimes. It's fun for me," he says. "I constantly get excited about what I'm doing."
Hamilton's journey to West Virginia was a mix of happenstance and spontaneity. A friend of Hamilton's, who is now his neighbor in South Hills, was driving through West Virginia in the early 1970s when his truck broke down. The friend decided to stay here, and Hamilton soon followed. At that time Hamilton was working in Raleigh, North Carolina as an artist and not making any money. "I'm one of the only people who came here for a job, and I hitchhiked here for a job," Hamilton jokes. "I've been all over the place but the people are so nice to me here."
In 1985, Hamilton was at a crossroads: start a home remodeling business or try to make a living as an artist. "I said I'm not going to do it; I'm just going to sell paintings."
In every wood cut and painting, Hamilton tries to pull in his audience. His experiences, surroundings and American pop-culture cartoons heavily influence his work. He shapes and etches wood free-hand with a carpenter's router and then brightly paints in bursts of hot and cold colors. "I try to think of things around me or that are affecting me," he says.
"I had problems drinking, so I put a lot drinking in my work; not because drinking is a good thing, but I think you live your life and paint your life and you're not embarrassed about it," he adds.
Beneath the surface, his captivating images reveal animated figures, mythological creatures and satirical beasts. And much like his art, Hamilton defines complexity. Paintings and woodcuts of fleas line nearly every wall of his home. He says he likes to use fleas because "they're not supposed to be artified."
Hamilton's work has spread beyond West Virginia's borders. It has been exhibited in galleries and museums in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Tampa and Washington, D.C. He has also won numerous prizes and awards. He has sold countless pieces. But to him, it is more about respect than money.
"When I have enough money, I say, 'No, maybe later.' When I'm making it, I make it for myself. I would do artwork anyway. It's what I'm meant to do. I haven't wanted the big house on the hill. I wanted to be an artist, and I think that's really cool."
