Meet our supporter: John Aitken

John became RUSART’s customer in 2018, when RUSART shop was much smaller and represented mostly manufacturers from Russia. John was always open to try new products, from artist’s and professional point of view. 

In 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown, when all non-essential businesses got closed, Elena, RUSART Owner, started working on oil painting mediums, watercolour paints and oil paint recipes. John was (and still is) one of the main testers of experiments outcomes. His professional feedback, support, and reliable honest advice helped Elena more than a lot.

Elena is very grateful for John’s input and contribution in her product lines development. 

What “Being an Artist” Means for John

Apart from crafts, which should move towards being “perfect”, art at its most basic is “making special”, but not perfect. For John, art is the special that comes with a perverted ways of seeing. 

“I’ve always seen things… in ways others may not. But it’s not just personal catharsis. It’s an intersection that mediates my minds and a viewer. It’s also a compulsion.  The world is awash in art. But I need make my art  to feel like..to cut thru the shit.”

The Science of Arts

Apart many other artists, John came to art from science.  And as such he felt, as he said “humbled by technically gifted maker”. He often felt he was making his stuff to better feel for “real” artists and not presume to be one himself.

And it’s hard these days, as art as an art and art as a business are different. As history shows, good art may not bring any rewards for years or decades. Or it may even never happen. There were and are so many really talented artists whose names we’ve never heard, but they deserve that.  

John joined an artist run centre. “In a hard spot of life finding a home. – he said. – ”Come stay with me..you are one of us” screw galleries, critics. When some says that it resonates always.”

John as an Artist

John made conceptual art, designed furniture, made a lot of photography, sound art, books. He sees that as his retirement fun game of high end business that he affords himself: the Churchill’s aspect of playing with paint, and have the money to explore pigments, think of pigments and history. 

So, for Join painting is not about the results; it’s about The thinking, intent, the doing.

“Most painters fade with age..as I do…but it’s not like singing or playing an instrument…I can fool myself and fake it..without hurting anyone!”

Most artists will fade, but let’s shine today to inspire the others tomorrow!