J. Richard Briggs paints in a visual language he calls Mythical Realism. This language is fusion of sacred iconography, emotional realism, and surrealist atmosphere that explores the collision between the transcendent and the human. His work spans figural compositions, still life, and vibrant landscapes, all as shared expressions of spiritual longing. Whether depicting Cain’s defiant gaze or a storm-swept coastline, his paintings serve as visual liturgies. They are crafted to hold space for grief, mystery, tenderness, and the hope of transcendence in a disenchanted world.

My creative approach is driven by the desire to balance traditional principles of painting, contemporary design, and personal identity. This series of still life paintings draw inspiration from two artistic genres: 17th Century Dutch Still Life paintings and 19th and 20th  century American Realism.
In my effort to combine traditional and contemporary design practices, I strive to create works of art that retain a timeless quality while incorporating contemporary subject matter. In doing so, it is my resolve to provide viewers with visual explanations of emotion that will hopefully make for a lasting impression.