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Brushstrokes & Steel: The Artistic Path of Jay Zinn
Art has always been a part of my life since I drew my first Mickey Mouse at five years old on a paper bag. My parents encouraged this “creative” side and enrolled me during my high school years for summer classes at the Dayton Art Institute in Ohio. After High School, I studied at the Central Academy of Commercial Arts in Cincinnati and also at the University of Cincinnati. During our annual visits with Roseann’s parents in Alaska, I became an understudy of their neighbor and famous Alaskan watercolorist, Byron Birdsall.
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In 1990, I became a part-time freelance “decorative” artist, first for Art’s Uniq’ in Tennessee and, later, Penny Lane Publishing in Ohio. Over 100 decorative images have been published and licensed for products since those years. I later fell in love with the medium of abstract art on rusted steel when I met Mike Elsass, an artist in Dayton, Ohio. As I did with Byron Birdsall, I spent days with Mike to observe and study his process.
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After returning home from my time with Mike Elsass, I rented a studio to begin creating my own line of artwork. My original pieces have since been showcased in galleries such as the Shain Gallery and Dunhill Hotel Gallery in Charlotte, NC, as well as the AVA Gallery in my hometown of Davidson, NC. My work has also been featured in North Carolina Arts, the Charlotte Observer (“Meet Your Neighbor”), and QC Exclusive Magazine.
In addition to my original pieces, select images are reproduced as metal giclée prints. These have found a home with individuals and businesses alike, including corporate offices, restaurants, and healthcare spaces. Many of my fans and collectors tell me that my art brings them joy and creates a deep emotional connection.
I see my art as a reflection of our life’s journey. By blending the organic, weathered textures of rust with vibrant acrylics and patina finishes, I create pieces that tell a story—one that honors how beauty can rise out of brokenness. Just as life’s highs and lows shape who we are, each piece holds a tension between erosion and vibrance, strength and softness.
Today, my work is displayed in banks, restaurants, coffee shops, and in the homes of more than 60 collectors across the U.S., China, and Indonesia. Art remains a part-time pursuit for me—one that complements my work in ministry, writing, and discipleship.
For commissioned pieces, I charge $2.80 per square inch, not including shipping and handling costs for out-of-state or international orders. You can explore more of my work on Instagram at @jayzinnart or visit our gallery on this website.
If you’re considering a commissioned piece, here’s how we can begin:
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Explore – Browse my Gallery page to get a feel for my style and past work.
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Reach Out – Use the Contact page on this site to start a conversation.
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Discuss Details – We’ll talk through size, color, and themes that resonate with your space and story.
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Consider Logistics – Framing and shipping are additional costs we’ll plan for together.
Are you drawn to the idea of incorporating artwork that reflects life’s journey into your space? I’d be honored to create something meaningful for your home or office.
Blessings!
