Robert deJonge

Statement

“With the eyes of a child” is a predominant methodology in my work as an artist. Using a camera and computer, I try to build images that express a spirit of wonder.

I also enjoy drawing from the deep well of art history. I am especially inspired by the magical world of Paul Klee, the lyrical world of Chagall, and the natural connections of the Group of Seven.

A Short Bio

I am a native Michigander who has been working as a designer and photographer/digital imager for over forty years.

I graduated from Calvin University in Grand Rapids with a degree in art (1978).

I have studied with noted photographers, including Ernst Haas, Freeman Patterson, Stephen Johnson, and John Paul Caponigro. 

I have participated in five artist-in-residence programs — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Acadia National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and Isle Royale National Park.

Noteworthy Recognitions

• I was awarded a solo show at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, Michigan, in the Fall of 2013.

• The December 2014 issue of Traverse Magazine did a feature article on my work.

• In 2016, I published a hardcover coffee table book of my work that features Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — available in many Northwest Lower Michigan bookstores (including Crooked Tree Art Center, Somebody’s Gallery, and McLean and Eakin), and at robertdejonge.com.

• In 2019, I received both a juried award and People’s Choice Award at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts — 2019 West Michigan Area Fine Arts Show.

• I have been awarded many honorable mentions and top three artworks in regional fine art exhibits in the last ten years.

• My work can be found in many private and corporate collections.

• My work is currently being represented at the Uptown Gallery in Holland, Michigan and online at robertdejonge.com