When did you first begin painting?In August 2002 – right before I retired – I was given an opportunity to finish college. I’d never painted before in my life up until then, but I needed a humanities class, and that’s where I learned I could paint.

How did you figure it out?We had a class assignment. It was to make five canvases from scratch … “You’re going to paint anything you want and turn it in.” It’s been going strong ever since.

You have an exhibit here at the Warner Barracks Community Activities Center. What’s it called?It’s called “Hidden Faces.” I don’t put them (faces) in there intentionally … they just come out.

What do you mean when you say “hidden faces”?Usually the painting paints itself, believe it or not. Most of the time when I try to force something on [the canvas], it turns out differently.

So do you mean like that “magic eye” stuff where you squint real hard and try to see a sailboat?Not really. Like I said, different things just seem to come out as I paint.

You recently had a showing downtown (Bamberg)?Yes, since mid-January.

And how long will your art be here?Until mid-April.

So are you trying to sell your art?Right now it’s not so much about selling. It’s more about getting out there. One of my key goals is to have a show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

So you’d rather that people just come and see?Well, selling something is nice, but I really want people to come in and take a look at the art. The key thing is getting my artwork out and letting people see it.

From your earliest time, people ask you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I didn’t know what I wanted to be until I took that art class.

And how old are you now?I’m 47.

How does your wife (Oneita) feel about your painting?She’s my PR. I let her deal with the public. She’s a great supporter. She’s my best friend and the biggest supporter I have.

Do you ever have other artists look at your work?I carry a folder with some of my paintings. If I see an artist, I’ll ask them to critique it.

So where do you want all this to go?My ultimate goal is to eventually have my own art studio and become a professional.

Anything else you’d like to say?Yes. The military is giving me the opportunity to become an artist. Had I not joined, I’d probably never have gone to college.

Interview conducted by Mark St.Clair.

Randy JonesDay Job: Defense logistics agency technician for the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team

Claim: Painter

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