Welcome to the Artist Portfolio of J.L. Williams "Capasso"

Enjoy the work of the Northwest's favorite small town artist. Capasso's current art is the culmination of over 45 years of painting and drawing experience. His journeys have taken him from a small midwestern town in Illinois to the farthest reaches of the -world. He currently lives and works in the beautiful town of Sandpoint, Idaho but has traveled extensively in exotic destinations such as Hawaii, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. His art reflects the influences from these many diverse cultures and the rich experiences of his life.

His current series titled "Dystopian Americana" is based on his Manifesto for a new art movement of the same name. Although the series is still in development, several paintings are in the final stages and are presented on the web site for per-viewing.

Dystopian Americana reflects the fractures within American society—the widening gulf between ideals and reality, the innocence lost, and the darkness that has crept into the American Dream. But this movement doesn’t stop at critique. Instead, it seeks to remind us of a forgotten promise, a vision of America that once felt within reach and can still guide us toward a brighter future.

By uncovering both the beauty and the decay, Dystopian Americana holds up a mirror to America’s soul. It invites artists and viewers alike to confront uncomfortable truths, but also to rediscover the values that made America’s promise so powerful: liberty, opportunity, unity, and the strength of the common man. This movement aims to shine light on the path back to these foundational principles, envisioning an America that emerges from darkness, renewed and resilient.


All images in this website are the property of Capasso Galleries and may not be used without written permission.
© 2025, Jeffrey L. Williams “Capasso”




Tachina Eva - Writer of the Paralleled Series

Capasso's daughter Tachina Eva is an accomplished writer who often contributes short stories about his work. A link to her work can be found here.
To view an example of her work, click here.

Tachina.jpg

Dystopian Americana

Works In Progress

The "Dystopian Americana" series by Jeffrey Williams presents a compelling exploration of America's cultural and societal landscape through a dystopian lens. This collection delves into themes of decay, transformation, and the juxtaposition of past ideals with present realities.

In "The New World Disorder," Williams portrays a scene that reflects the chaos and fragmentation of contemporary society, inviting viewers to contemplate the forces disrupting traditional American values.

"Where Do We Go From Here?" captures a moment of uncertainty and introspection, symbolizing the nation's search for direction amidst turmoil and change.

"American Lament" serves as a poignant commentary on loss and nostalgia, evoking a sense of mourning for a bygone era while questioning the path forward.

Finally, "The Follies at the Panida" offers a satirical take on entertainment and escapism, highlighting the distractions that divert attention from pressing societal issues.

Through "Dystopian Americana," Jeffrey Williams challenges viewers to reflect on the current state of the nation, using dystopian imagery to underscore the complexities and contradictions inherent in the American experience.

 

Rust Never Sleeps

Have you ever passed an old junkyard and pondered the stories behind the rusting heaps of metal and glass? Was the worn out, weathered truck something of a shell or shadow left behind from the old farmer that used it every day of his working life to support his family. What about the battered family station wagon from the 50s? How many amazing vacations and adventures did it carry its family to? The mad rush to the hospital to bring a new child into the world or perhaps even death in a tragic last ride.

My work in this series starts with these thoughts and tries to go even deeper into the many metaphors between old and new, junk and treasure.  Growing old gracefully and retaining hidden beauty in the rust, dents and broken windows of a well lived life. The old cars and trucks symbolize the journey we all take, from the showroom to the junkyard! What remains are a thousand stories, countless layers of faded paint and hollow shells of our once proud frames.   

“There’s more to the picture than meets the eye…”
(Neil Young, My My, Hey, Hey (Out of the Blue), 1979)
Abstract
Italian