Assemblage Artwork (free, sort of)

The art world categorizes my art as mixed media, assemblage or "outsider art" - terms that reflect my path as a self-taught artist who began this creative journey at age 70. While these labels are useful, I call my creations "art boxes" – ideas, dreams and worlds built from forgotten treasures.

My creative process begins with discovery. I spend countless hours hunting through junkyards, thrift shops and yard sales searching for found ephemera, salvage and reclaimed objects that speak to me. Items that are deserving of redemption.

By giving new life and meaning to discarded objects, my work challenges us to reconsider what we deem worthless versus precious. Each box is a story of possibility.

My artwork honors my father who worked with his hands throughout his life, teaching me the dignity of craftsmanship and the poetry of hard work. Today, my art boxes can be found in 72 private collections.

My aesthetic interest in art boxes was first awakened by Joseph Cornell's constructions which I encountered over 35 years ago at the Chicago Art Institute. El Anatsui's transformative use of discarded materials and Jeff Koons' elevation of the mundane also inspire me. In the 1980s, within walking distance of the California State Capitol, I founded City Gallery surrounding myself with emerging contemporary California artists.

My artistic practice represents a natural evolution of my previous careers as a public servant in the California Legislature, social justice advocate and author (The Unfinished Social Entrepreneur). Today, art—my art and all art--protects me from our turbulent politics and I hope creates moments of connection for the viewer.

These days, I think of myself as a Distinguished Artist-in-Residence which only means that my studio is inside my home 😊.

To own one of my artworks for free, here’s what to do:

Select the artwork (from the images below ) that you want to have in your home. Note: new artworks added frequently.
Donate a $100.00 or more to the Pence Gallery, a community museum in Davis, California. The Pence proudly showcases local and regional artists who inspire my art.
Drop me an email with your donation receipt and amount, your artwork selection and shipping information. Then the piece is yours free of charge as my Thank You gift. (Of course, shipping costs not included, but I will get the estimate for your approval).

That’s it. Enjoy.

Davis Art Center Exhibition

Inside the Artist's Studio

The Artist

Microfiction, micro-fiction, microfiction, travel, traveling, flashfiction, short story, holiday, vacation, trip, journey, sightseeing, story, storytelling, travelblog, travel blog, slow travel, tourism, tourist, food, foodie, art, assemblage art. — **Smokestacks**

“I could spend all day staring at your masterpieces. Pipedream makes me think about getting lost in one’s head, dreaming of fanciful things. Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.”

— Rachel Georges, artist

Microfiction, micro-fiction, microfiction, travel, traveling, flashfiction, fiction, short story, holiday, vacation, trip, journey, sightseeing, story, storytelling, travelblog, travel, tourism, tourist, food, foodie, art, voyages. — Artbox Altar

“Your art is like archaeology. Imagine an archaeologist uncovering one of your pieces 500 years from now and piecing together what they say about our culture.”

— Karen Ansara, President, Ansara Foundation

Assemblage Art by Jonathan C. Lewis — **On The Shelf**

“I have been sitting this morning with what about the boxes moved me. The word is JOYFUL. The boxes evoke an intelligence that I resonate with deeply: quirky, original, contradictory, colorful, sparkling, laughing, imaginative, whimsical, rebellious...ALIVE. A perfection of unexpected symmetry. ”

— Ashwini Narayanan, author & art collector

“Your show is still humming in my heart and mind. I loved seeing people stare, marvel, puzzle and delight over the genius of the work, its madness, the obsession and total play that comes through.

Truly an explosion of wit, intelligence and creative freedom. So flipping joyful and free.”

— Paula Kravitz, artist

“Many of the boxes are infused with his quick wit and humor — others are somber with the juxtaposition of objects forcing one to question the historic roles played by culture, politics and society.”

— Newspaper art review

“A significant portion of my art-making is spent rummaging through junkyards, thrift shops or yard sales. Dusty and disheveled, I look the part of the starving artist.

I think of myself as a Distinguished Artist-in-Residence because, uh, er, my studio is in my house.”

— The Artist