From our October 5, 2000, edition.

Local artist accepted in Taos Art Gallery 

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Rarely is an artist discovered with the varied and eye-catching abilities of Jimmy Vonn Carter, aka J’Vonn of Amarillo.  Here is an artist who can pour himself into any environment, from western to old world to contemporary, and produce works of outstanding quality.

“It is both a thrill and a challenge,” says J’Vonn of his recent acceptance into the Taos art community. 

According to the Summer 2000 issue of High Country magazine, “Taos is where art began in New Mexico some 100 years ago.  Today there are over 80 galleries showing the works of more than 1000 artists,” Mr. Carter adds.  “Competition is fierce, especially when you look at those numbers.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to show there.  After all, Taos is one of the top five art destinations in the United States.”

Jimmy is the son of Clarendon resident, Mrs. Clara Mae Carter.  Born and raised locally, he has always expressed himself through works of art since a small child.  His interest and talent was apparent at an early age.  He sketched literally everything he saw on every type of paper he could find.  The son of a farmer, he was often discouraged to “quit wasting his time and get to work.”  But farm life managed only to show him more of the wonder and beauty of God’s creation and deepened his longing to share that with others.  This was his calling.

After graduating from Clarendon High School and attending Clarendon College, he received his BS in Art at West Texas State University and continued developing and refining unique techniques for expressing his passion for art.  His professional life provided him with extensive US and international travel and additional creative challenges to turn into successes.

While managing and/or supporting internationally known musical artists Red Stegall, Reba McEntire, Johnny Duncan, Neal McCoy, and Charley Pride for almost 20 years, he was also establishing himself as an artist of noteworthy respect through commercial art, advertising, (winner of several Addy Awards), specialty designs, and private commissions. 

He has garnered art awards at jured events over the years and was cited for excellence by the National Fair Buyers Association.  In fact, the consensus of Fair Managers across the country regarding his representations of musicians was that, “Mr. Carter should clone himself and represent every entertainer in the industry.”  He has always given everything in his being to the project at hand.  And that is certainly true of his art.

Through extensive study of a particular subject and sincere empathy, he is able to immerse himself in the subject’s environment, mingle, and emerge with a greater understanding of its purpose, direction, and personality, all of which is poured out onto his canvas and beyond.  J’Vonn holds back nothing and realizes no boundaries.  You will find his unusual trademark – art overflowing the frame – intriguing.  This is a deeper expression of his yearning to unite subject with observer.  His artwork “steps” into your life.  This is definitive of his entire life, which he has always embraced with great enthusiasm.  When in his presence, his enthusiasm becomes yours.

His paintings and specialty finishes can be found on residential and commercial doors, fireplaces, walls, floors, ceilings, carvings, furniture, almost any surface.  His first love is for furniture that becomes not only a beautiful work of art, but maintains it functionality. 

While his life has always been very structured and disciplined, his art definitely is not.  Art is the one area where he maintains complete freedom and makes good use of it.  All types of mediums are used; a canvas is literally anything that doesn’t move.  Depth, texture, and antiquity are combined with a dimensional quality to bring about full involvement of all the senses.  You experience his work.  Not only does it express emotion; you are compelled to reach out and touch it, feel it, connect with it, and sense it.

Yet, while he is a highly respected artist, genuine humility permeates his persona.  He considers his talents and creativity on loan from God; he is His tool.  His art expresses his love for God’s marvelous creation and ingenious inventiveness.  Jimmy is astounded by the simple beauty of such things as a stone up close, the grain in wood, the colors of life and death of the forest, plus breathtaking sunsets.  God has shown His love for mankind by providing such beauty in natures and Jimmy’s only desire is to be a worthy representative of God’s attention to detail.  J’Vonn just brings it closer to us.

You can experience his art at Treasures of Taos Art Gallery, as well as exhibits in the historic LaFonda Hotel Lobby, both on the Plaza in downtown Taos. 

His work is also on display at the Taos Country Club and locally at Arden’s of Amarillo in Wolflin Plaza. 

If you would like more information on where to find additional works, you may call (806) 355-1204.