Meet Jonathan Tuftee | Artist & Art Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Tuftee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, why did you pursue a creative career?

I pursued an artistic career because making things has always excited me. I’ve always loved the creative process. Whether it’s painting, writing a song, or short story, I truly enjoy the process. You almost never know how a project is going to end once you begin. Being able to teach that process to my students and help them develop their own work has been and continues to be very rewarding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I paint more now than anything. I use mostly oils and some acrylics. I also make my own canvas frames and stretch and gesso the cloth over the frame. This helps me get the size canvas I prefer to work with at a much cheaper cost than buying them. I don’t usually make prints of my work – I typically make a painting, sell it, and move on. This way I’m constantly involved in the process of the art. I’ve learned to make goals in my art – to have an end in mind – but I also to let those goals change as the work develops. I’ve found that if I try to hold on too tightly to an idea the work suffers. I try to teach my students this as well. It’s not an easy thing to do in the beginning. It took me many years to develop this flexibility in my ideas. Now that I have, it’s exciting to see the growth in my art. It’s a more honest reflection of the picture or vibe I’m trying to communicate.
I got where I am today by trusting myself to make decisions. Second guessing myself and worrying past ‘mistakes’ would only ever frustrate the process and the work itself. I have many pieces that reflect those second guesses and worry. They remind me to be bold, engaged, and energetic in my process.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

This is a fun question! I’m also going to assume I have unlimited money for my best friend’s visit.
At the beginning of the week we would go mostly to the museums and restaurants. Toward the end of the week we’d be at the bars and music venues. on Monday, we’d start at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and over the next few days we’d visit The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Asia Society, and The Menil Collection. I’d make sure we ate at Nippon and The Raven Grill a few times. We would absolutely get a burger at Rudyard’s. Then we’d hit Cecil’s Pub and Kenneally’s. Around Wednesday, we’d visit Darwin’s Pub, then The Art Car Museum. We’d go to Hando and Dinette, then Lei Low. Thursday and Friday we would eat at Onion Creek and Cedar Creek while looking for shows at White Oak Music Hall and/or Warehouse Live. Before the shows, we’d get a drink at The New Potato and East End Hardware. On Sunday, we’d go to the Zoo and Brasil followed closely by Saint Arnold’s Brewing Company. We would gain weight, but it would be well worth it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d dedicate my shoutout to my wife, Kayla. She’s been integral to any and all successes I’ve had in the 16 years we’ve been together. She’s loving, caring, a gifted problem-solver, and an amazing cook. I can’t image that I’d be where I am today without her. Luckily, I also have a supportive family and friends network. I’ve bartended, worked in I.T., been a technical writer, and now an artist and Art teacher, and I’ve meet some amazing people that wouldn’t hesitate to help in any way. Now working in H.I.S.D., I’ve continually felt supported by the faculty and staff at Alexander Hamilton Middle School and the H.I.S.D Fine Arts department.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathantufteeart/

Image Credits
Tasha Gorel