Artist John (Jack) H. Morris Jr. compares himself to a poet.

Where a poet expresses feelings through words, Morris conveys emotions through a variety of materials and layers of colorful paint.

Inspired by Hans Hoffman, Jackson Pollock and Van Gogh, the local artist describes his painting as “pushing and pulling color to heighten interest in my paintings. I love to see spontaneous color patterns develop.”

He said his paintings take on a “sculpture feel” because of chicken wire, twine, neon lights, pine cones, lace curtains, canvas and sticks that he often selects for his creations.

“Anything I can get my hands on,” added Morris.

Morris is the first to admit that his art is wild. “It’s full of emotion and spirit,” he said. He encourages viewers to touch paintings for a hands-on experience.

Eight of his paintings decorate the hallways of Palisades Business Center, 16930 E. Palisades Blvd. The paintings are available for purchase. Prices can be obtained at the reception desk. Morris also will accept commissions upon request.

When Brokers Alliance president and CEO David Racich bought the property to develop into a business center, Racich said he believed the building was “an external art piece here in Fountain Hills.”

“I wanted to embrace the local art community by displaying its unique art here inside the building.”

“We all work so hard to be creative in selling, negotiating, servicing and planning for our futures, and do the best that we can to provide for ourselves and our families. I wanted to give the local artists that same outlet to display their creative, beautiful and hard work here in our community where it will receive maximum exposure,” said Racich.

Morris recalls he wanted to paint since he was in 10th grade. He earned a bachelor of science degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a major in art education. He received a masters of fine arts, majoring in painting, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

During and after college, he taught at several schools, including his alma maters, as well as the University of Colorado, University of Wisconsin-Marshfield, and the Sheboygan Area School District in Sheboygan, WI.

He has gained recognition and awards locally and in international shows. He participated in the Tri-International Invitational (United States, Italy and Japan) in Numazu City, Japan. He has organized a number of one-man and group shows.

His work can be viewed by visiting www.jhmorrisjr.com. He can be contacted by email at info@jhmorrisjr. com or 816-9940.