A multiple of cut-and-pasted printed paper, cloth, rope, a Tennessee license plate, rope, cassette tapes, LP’s, collage, and mixed media on wood panel, 30 x 30 inches overall, 2023. All rights reserved ©2023 Wayne Brezinka.
Original art is available for purchase. For inquiries contact: info@waynebrezinka.com
PRESS
CBS Nashville, News Channel 5
The Nashville Sign / Billboard
Sunny Country 102.5 FM
Iconic Nashville Billboard Featured 2 Images of Brezinka's Jelly Roll Portrait October 23 – October 29, 2023. Photo of Brezinka next to billboard courtesy of Brian Bobel.
Special Edition art prints available HERE
“Wayne Brezinka has one of the most recognizable styles in Nashville’s contemporary art scene. His multimedia collages are a little like Vik Muniz-style optical illusions — Brezinka takes ephemeral materials like concert tickets, bits of fabric, vintage photos and newspaper clippings to create uncannily lifelike illustrations of icons . . .” - LAURA HUTSON HUNTER, Arts Editor for The Nashville Scene
Inspired by the man and his complex life story, I was a fan as soon as I heard ‘Save Me’ and was motivated to bring Jelly Roll to life through my mixed media art, unfolding his life story through found objects and ephemera.
Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally by his stage name Jelly Roll, was born in 1984. Featured in this portrait are a 1984 Tennessee license plate, and an original copy of The Nashville Banner newspaper dated June 6, 1984.
His chain is created from discarded silver and gold watch face plates that have been wired to his upper chest. Look a bit closer, and you’ll see farm rope that was frayed, using separated strands to construct his wild and unkempt hair.
An array of vintage cassette tapes have been incorporated as a nod to his selling mix tapes out of his trunk as a young up and coming artist. Also included, a vintage Ryman Auditorium Academy of Country Music ticket, and a vintage WSM Grand Ole Opry ticket stub referencing his recent appearance on the coveted Opry stage.
A pocket-sized Bible is affixed to his lower left chest. A closer look will reveal more unexpected discoveries.
Addiction and drug abuse left broad brushstrokes over Jelly Roll’s past. A prescription bottle and two imitation marijuana joints forming the V-neck of his chest symbolize substance abuse and the often-associated stigma attached.
I am now a forever fan of Jelly Roll!