"Octopus of Nine Brains" Painting

Leaving much behind ... His life is consumed with a fascination of, and enthrallment with, the creative process. Well beyond artistic passion, J. lives the life of, and the ups and down (personally and professionally) of an artist. This is whom he is, stated simply. His every move is toward the furthering of his near-obsession with the creation of art via self-expression, at nearly all cost.

Widely regarded as colorful, completely original, and whimsical, the original works of J. Vincent Scarpace, represent, in his own words, “a personal journey through the use of basic of art elements: line, shape, and color - resulting in an arrival, just past experimentation, at unique works of art which purposely resemble fish.” Perhaps best known for his abstract fish art, he’s followed his passion for the creative process, discovering that therein may lay the true reason for his next work of art, and next step in life for him – the pursuit of one’s own creative potential.

J. Vincent knew from an early age exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Born to loving, creative, and supportive parents and family, he was encouraged from about age 2 to pursue line, shape, and color, and the creation of art. J’s mother, an artist in her own right, taught young J. Vincent how to enjoy drawing, painting, and sculpture very early on. Having a fundamental knowledge of the basic art elements (even before reading and writing, some say) helped J. Vincent to endure an upbringing often marked by his father's mental illness and his mother's subsequent, all too oft, and detrimental coping skills; building his own reasons and reality toward eventually deciding that his fate and future was held within the creative process.

J. Vincent’s works have evolved and grown over the years, and he’s paid his dues through a dedication to the pursuit of his passion and the creative process he so believes in. Having worked as an apprentice, production artist, and studio artist since his age of reason, he’s sacrificed many other worthwhile endeavors in the name of his journey. J. Vincent holds a BS in Education (Art and Education), and after several years of teaching in both private and public schools, he’s now a former teacher, "retired" very early, to his studio to continue his creative journey and drive toward the creation of unique works of abstract art, often within a 'fish' theme.

Today, J.