Marvin Jones (1940-2005)
The Sherbrook Series
Pictured, from left:
- Sherbrook #26, undated
- Sherbrook #15, undated
- Sherbrook #3, undated
Materials: Acrylic on Masonite, collage, 24" x 18" (left and right); 24" x 30" (center)
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower on the Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, second floor, Ernest R. and Bonnie L. Estep Labor and Delivery Waiting Room
About the Artwork
Selected for its whimsical, lighthearted spirit, this trio of paintings by the late Cleveland State University art professor Marvin Jones invites curiosity, humor, and open-ended interpretation. Each piece is part of Jones’ Sherbrook series—named for Sherbrook Road in South Euclid, where he lived for many years. Created on Masonite rather than canvas, the works are rich with abstracted figures and forms that suggest both human and animal presences, while leaving room for the imagination to wander.
In the central piece, Sherbrook #15, Jones arranges six simplified figures across the surface like cutout pattern pieces. Some are constructed from fine-grade sandpaper, adhered to the surface and accented with painted details. On the left, a humanoid figure with raised arms—perhaps in awe, or signaling—features small dots for eyes and a square shape hovering above its head, giving it an ambiguous but expressive presence. To the right, we encounter a standing snake or eel, a fish with a gaping mouth, and a larger, blocky figure with upraised appendages. Together, these figures create a scene that is both curious and humorous, their wide-set eyes and gestural forms conveying a sense of surprise, playfulness, or even the uncanny.
On the left panel, Sherbrook #26, a textured, pink-hued figure in motion dominates the space, its front-facing torso contrasted by side-facing limbs. The effect is both dynamic and amusing, as the oversized body and spindly limbs create a visual tension—where is this character running to? Meanwhile, on the right panel, Sherbrook #3, a static figure faces forward against a mottled background, mirroring the left panel. Its simplified, abstracted form is open to interpretation—does it welcome us or issue a warning? With its minimal features and subdued expression, it offers a moment of quiet contemplation amid the lively energy of the surrounding works.
Viewed together, these three paintings create an engaging conversation, with the two side panels acting as bookends that frame the central composition. Their arrangement encourages the viewer to construct their own narrative—who or what are these creatures, and what might they be doing? Through simple yet evocative forms, Jones offers a window into his unique artistic vision, balancing abstraction with humor and ambiguity.
Untitled, Undated
Materials: Mixed media monoprint, 37 3/8" x 24 5/8"
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower on the Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, fifth floor, hallway outside patient rooms H5-117 and H5-118
About the Artwork
This striking monoprint by Marvin Jones draws the viewer in with its layered textures, bold colors, and expressive, abstracted figures. By incorporating the natural weave of the dyed paper into the composition, Jones creates areas of rich textural contrast, particularly visible in the red and blue tones that define the heads.
Despite their simplified, almost fragmented forms, the figures remain instantly recognizable. Profile views allow for essential facial features to emerge with clarity, while body language and gestures suggest movement and emotion. On the left, two figures appear engaged in urgent communication—their wide-open mouths evoking speech, or perhaps shouting. In contrast, the figure on the right stands silent yet expressive, its wide eyes and raised arms suggesting alarm or surprise. The long, vertical form of this figure contrasts with the curved, dynamic posture of the central figure, whose forward-tilted head and off-balance stance convey motion, as if running. Together, these elements create a sense of urgency and tension, drawing the eye toward an unseen focal point beyond the left edge of the composition. The cumulative effect of these figures—their gestures, expressions, and directional movement—suggests an unseen presence or event, possibly ominous, just outside our view.
About the Monoprint Process
Unlike traditional printmaking, which allows for multiple identical impressions, a monoprint is a one-of-a-kind artwork. Jones created this piece by manipulating form, color, and texture on a matrix—such as a glass plate or other firm surface—and then pressing it onto paper using either hand pressure or a printing press. This process reverses the image from the original matrix and introduces variations that make each print unique. The monoprint technique allowed Jones to experiment freely, blending elements of painting and printmaking to produce a singular, expressive composition.
Through this dynamic and evocative work, Jones once again showcases his ability to balance abstraction with emotional depth, inviting the viewer to interpret the figures, their movement, and the unseen forces that seem to propel them forward.
About the Artist
Marvin Jones was a deeply respected artist and educator whose impact on the art world extended far beyond his own creative practice. As a professor of printmaking and painting at Cleveland State University from 1974 until his passing in 2005, Jones shaped generations of students with his expertise, encouragement, and dedication to fostering a strong artistic community. From 1985 onward, he led the university’s printmaking program, earning the admiration of students, colleagues, and peers in the broader art world.
A true multidisciplinary artist, Jones explored not only printmaking and painting but also jewelry, sculpture, and ceramics. His career took him to numerous teaching positions across the United States, Canada, and Germany, and he was honored as an artist-in-residence at several prestigious institutions—an esteemed recognition that underscored his contributions to contemporary art. His work was widely exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, with a notable presence in international printmaking showcases. Over the years, he earned numerous awards in states across the U.S. and in Alberta, Canada.
Jones’ artistic vision was enriched by his passion for global artistic traditions. An avid collector, he found inspiration in Inuit, African, Mexican folk, Australian Aboriginal, and Outsider art. He saw these artistic traditions not as relics of the past, but as vital, living practices with deep relevance to contemporary expression. This perspective infused his own work, where playful abstraction, humor, and a profound engagement with the human experience came together in a distinctive visual language.
His legacy endures in the many students he mentored, the artworks he created, and the lasting impact he had on the cultural landscape. Through his teaching, his art, and his advocacy for diverse artistic traditions, Marvin Jones remains a celebrated figure whose influence continues to resonate.
Where to See More
Jones’ legacy lives on through his works, which continue to be represented by galleries in Akron and Cleveland. His prints and paintings are also held in collections nationwide. Additional insights into his life and artistic contributions can be found through the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, which maintains information on his body of work (oeuvre).