venerdì 17 ottobre 2008

Interview with Vacon


q)What is your name?

a)I'm Vacon but my real name is Daniele Sartirani. Story: once I met a child who said to me: "That's you! Vacon" Vacon was his invisible friend. Now I stealed his identity, or maybe I used to be invisible all the time until then.


q) Where do you live and work?


a)Right now, in Milan. But I spend a lot of time of the year at Ravenna or Bergamo, where the people I care live.


q)What is your creative process like?


a)When I feel I have a good idea, I draw it, then scan it and color it. That's all. If I need sometimes I print it, but it's not necessary for all my artworks.


q)What is your favorite medium?


a)Paper. Everything is born on paper, at the beginning.


q)What is your current favorite subject?


a)heheh famous people. It' so amazing to see how we can regognize them even when there's no face to recognize, but just an "aura" that we have built around the image of the vip. I portray it, the "aura". You say: "hey, thats Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy!" just because you see a fat and a thin with a bowler hat. We don't really see what we think to see. Did you ever read "The man who mistook his wife for a hat"? Something like that.


q)How long does it take for you to finish a piece?


a)A day. I never go to bed until I have finished my artwork (that means I usually stay awake until late night). Sometimes I tried - to go to sleep - but always woke up in the middle of the night to continue drawing. I've got the "unfinished design" syndrome, I guess. The problem is to have a good idea. Not all subjects are good do be portraied as I do. To find a good one, and a suggestive way to portray it, is the real hard work.


q)What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?


a)Well, I just started doing art, less than a year so... to become an artist from real scratch, is the best things that professionally happened to me, until now.


q)Are there any contemporary artists that you love?


a)My flickr contacts. There's so much art in there, I think they can't imagine.


q)Can we buy your art anywhere?


a)Yes. You can buy it from me (sirtrain@gmail.com) or by my etsy shop. That's not so updated right now just because I haven't printed my new works, but it's just a matter of time. Stand by.


q)Anything that people should know about that we don’t??


a)I don't know if you heard about it, but the world is going to hell. Just to stay in argument: art and culture are in a sort of indian reservation. That's not good at all. We have to fight, before everything gets even worse.


q)What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?


a)To never be ashamed to ask for respect by art professionals. To pretend respect and acknowledgement for skills, merits, and talent, is not a privilege, is a right that every man has to fight for. But today it's even harder.


q)What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?


a)There's always somebody new who wants to work with me for something interesting. I need support, by other artists, not to feel alone, and luckly I have it.


q)How do you describe your work to those who are unfamiliar with it?


a)A mirror in which we can see ourselves as we are becoming.


q)What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?


a)Doing absolutely no drawings for nearly 6 years helped me to choose what I should draw. It's a lot of time, I admit, for the final result. :) But, seriously, before I was too confused. I think after the art school I had to stop and focus: what needs to be drawn? I could stay like that for the eternity waiting for the "satori". I favour good ideas, that's what I was always searching for.


q)Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?


a)No, but it could be paper. You know, I'm not so good with brushes: during the art school I just used to smoke hashish all the time.


q)Who are your influences?


a)That's a classic question. Ok, first: Luigi Serafini. I had his Codex as a present and he tought me that infinite alternative worlds are waiting to be illustrated. Second: Max Ernst. During the art school I really loved how he used to touch every new idea in art without losing himself. I think he did a great contribution in re-thinking every new visual art without being strictly classified. He was an idea-oriented man. If you scroll his catalogue, you can't find two similar pieces, that's absolutely great. And, last: Ernst Haeckel (I wish my name was Ernst ;D) i discovered him very late, after I started to draw what I draw, but since then my art can't be thought without him. And he even wasn't an artist!


q)What inspires you to create?


a)People around me, I mean in the streets or in the magazines. They're are waiting to be trasformed in something more slimy. I like to see, maybe, a family in the park and say: "so cute... they would be perfect monsters".


q)…your contacts…


a)Of course! sirtrain@gmail.com my one and only contact - don't doubt, I'm an e-mail addict I check it at every blink.

My stuff on the web: www.myspace.com/vaconvacon for the myspace, vacon.etsy.com for the shop.That's all. Ah and the Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/vitadasosia

mercoledì 15 ottobre 2008

Interview with Patrick Jannin




q) What is your name and what do you do?

a)Well, I’m Patrick Jannin. And to try to be me, day after day and in every circumstances is perhaps my favourite activity. And to preserve myself, I paint and draw and dream. I eat sometimes too, but that’s depend of the success of my exhibitions, so I don’t often eat … More seriously, I really work about identity and how to preserve it in a world where all is done to make you a clone of your neighbour. I don’t really like my neighbours, neither the sheeps …


q)When did you really get into art?

a)5 years ago, I decided to stop to work ( for money ). It wasn’t a good period for me to stop working because I was just a new and young Daddy of a new and young baby. But, I had to choose between my own health and a life full of lies but comfortable, as can have little dogs. So I left my job – I was working with people suffering of mental disease, and very quickly, my girlfriend leave me. O freedom, O immorality !

q)How did you come to the realization that you should try your luck at art on a more serious level?

a)I had no choice. I understand that it could sound stupid to say that for most of people (non-artist). But, as I was saying before, it wasn’t a rational decision. I was feeling more bad and violent and depressed day after day. Every morning, waking up and going to work and trying to feel happy, and all that just to earn money? All that just to be a good boy? Oh shit! It was just the best way to Hell for me. I can’t stand to lie to myself. Life is too short to do things that you don’t like and that you don’t need to. And all I need now, is to express myself by the way of art. It’s the lone solution I found to not become mad. I finally refused to be a slave or a prostitute. I’m not agree with the way of life that people have nowadays. I refuse to obey. Conformism make me afraid. It’s an insult to the human intelligence.

q)How did you discover the particular style that you have?

a)I never discovered my style. I always search to express my feelings in THE best way. In this case, the style isn’t the most important. My feelings always evolve. It’s like when you are searching for the just word. I like that. Where is the truth, and what is it ? There isn’t only one answer to the problem when you try to understand something to our behaviours and to the nonsense of the life.

q)How would you describe your style?

a)“a blend of 1950's big eyed girls and german expressionism” This expression is not mine. I just found it on a blog about my last exhibition. So, why not ? Actually, that’s true.


q)Who or what influences your art?


a)German expressionism, surrealism. I like very much Renascence too. The masters of that period of history of art were so talented ! But in a more general way, I’m also influenced by philosophy, people faces, old tales, mythologies, comics, hard-core, erotism, stupidity, fears, movies ... all that can impress me ... and I’m very sensitive ...


q)How often do you create a new piece?


a)When I need to create, things appear to me as a necessity. Sometimes, I’ve already got the picture in my head, another times, I just have the desire to paint. Then I take my pencil and make sketches till I find something that could interest me. But it’s very rare that I follow my first idea. To paint is like a travel. On my canvas, I will meet people, ideas, feelings that will make me change my direction, the sense of my reflexion. And because I’m curious, I try to go the far I can, till I discover a magic thing, a land where I can sit down and breathe in peace with myself. But if I can’t create, for any reason, I become anxious, nervous. When I draw, or paint, when I create, I forget everything. I’m free, not there at all, for anybody. I can live in a total abstraction then. There is me and my colours and my characters: MY WORLD. I can create and destroy all I want. I’m allowed to kill if I want to. There are no limit, no limit at all. Is that megalomania?

q)What kind of success have you had with your art?

a)Not all the success I would like to have! But, it’s normal. People, in my country, need to be reassured. They don’t like to be criticized for there way of life or there way of thinking. And even if they aren’t always conscious of that when they are in front of my paintings, I guess they feel I’m not there best friend. They can accept violence in art, if it’s “good” for them, because violence is cool. But to think isn’t fashionable. To think is definitively too violent! Most of people don’t really need to have a brain you know. The latest car is more useful. Further more, they often agree to say that they couldn’t live with my paintings in their living-room. Some of them even ask me if I can sleep! Finally, all of them always prove me that I am on the best way to not be like them. It’s a good thing for me, even if more money could help me!

q)What would be the ultimate goal for you and your art?

a)In a general way, if people try to understand that if we change the way we think, we can change our world, I guess I could be happy. But become rich and famous would also be a good goal …


q)What do you see as an accomplishment in the way of art?


a)Robert Filiou said : Art is what make life more interesting than art. I don’t know if I well translated what he said, but I totally agree with him.

q)What kind of message, if any, do you try to convey through your art?

a)Wake up! Stop to obey! Cultivate yourself! SURPASS YOURSELVES!

q)Sum up your art in one word.

a)Urgency

q)Any additional comments?

a)Or emergency

q)…your contacts…

a) http://www.patrickjannin.com/


www.flickr.com/photos/pjannin


http://www.universensualiens.com/ (about my philosophy, and what I try to do with some friends)


e-mail: pjannin@aliceadsl.fr

lunedì 13 ottobre 2008

Interview with Chris Brett





q)What is your name?

a)Chris Brett

q) Where do you live and work?

a)Greater Toronto Area

q)What is your creative process like?

a)It varies, I like to try new things each and every piece, but it always starts with doodles and notes I make when an idea pops in my head. From there its a mix of happy accidents, and on the fly pattern, texture, and color selections.

q)What is your favorite medium?

a)Acrylic, SprayPaint and Collage is primarily how I work. Other mediums make their way into my pieces when called for, but I always use acrylic, spraypaint and collage elements.

q)What is your current favorite subject?

a)At this point I have just been focusing on characters and pushing different mediums around together. I recently did a series of paintings dealing with hybrid creatures. Delicious summer treats coming to life, masked critters, and unidentified flying objects. The seasons always play a role in what subjects I want focus on. The Canadian seasons are all very distinct, and watching these transitions in colors, vegetation and life cycles, alongside the holidays associated with these seasons, always provides new ideas and subjects to draw from.

q)How long does it take for you to finish a piece?

a)It varies, but once I have a drawing ready to go, it will take somewhere between, 5-15 hours...

q)What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

a)My recent show at NewEra Toronto during Nuit Blanche was a very gratifying experience. I spent weeks getting a new body of work together for the show, and had a terrific turnout with so many kind words of appreciation and encouragement from total strangers. It was a great opportunity to share my work with the city, and meet so many hardworking, creative people along the way.

q)Are there any contemporary artists that you love?

a)Most definately. Most are right here in Canada. Rick Sealock, Dave Barnes, Jeff Garcia, Jon Todd, Erin and Kelly Carter, Ben Tour, Martin Wittfooth, and Ted Zourntous. Just to name a few. Canada is overflowing with talented people, there are so many to choose from.
Internationally im really into Damon Soule, Jeff Soto, Greg Simkins, Camille Rose Garcia, Doze Green, Oliver Vernon.....and many more...

q)Can we buy your art anywhere?

a)You sure can, you can buy directly from me, or keep up to date on upcoming exhibitions, on my website www.ChrisBrett.ca

q)Anything that people should know about that we don't??

a)Aside from cash, cheque and credit card, I also except payments in the form of Beer, Hockey Tickets, Large quantites of SunChips and New Hats.

q)What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?

a)Best advice I ever received was to always have Fun and Never be Boring... keep drawing and stay thirsty.

q)What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?

a)The above advice handed down to me.....Have fun with it, dont be boring... when I’m straining for ideas or getting frustrated I just take a step back... hangout with friends, go for a walk, watch a movie, take a nap... then I get back to it with some fresh eyes and things usually start rolling again.

q)How do you describe your work to those who are unfamiliar with it?

a)A colorful medley of childhood dreams and nightmares intertwined in folklore, fairytale, and video game archtypes. Juxtaposed against the issues facing the modern world we live in today from the perspective of a 20 something year old Canadian.

q)What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?

a)I had an amazing experience in the Sheridan College Illustration program, the faculty of the program are among the top illustrators and artists in the world today, and have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to the next generation.. My early years of graffiti was also, if not the best, training I could have possibly received. The group of friends that first showed me the foundations of graffiti, and painting in general, were definitely the greatest help and influences in achieving my current level of artistry. I owe much to their guidance and patience.

q)Is there a tool or material that you can't imagine living without?

a)Coffee and Acrylics

q)Who are your influences?

a)All of the people I have mentioned above. From friends, to teachers, to international artists.

q)What inspires you to create?

a)Music, friends, family, nature and books.

q)…your contacts…

a) Info@ChrisBrett.ca


www.ChrisBrett.ca

www.ChrisBrett.ca/shop.html

mercoledì 8 ottobre 2008

Interview with Jeff Faerber

q)What is your name?

a)Jeff Faerber

q) Where do you live and work?

a)Brooklyn, NY, USA

q)What is your creative process like?

a)My process usually involves reinterpreting something, usually something I see, or an idea, or a combination of the two. Sometimes ideas will ferment in my head for years before I finally decide how I want it to work.

q)What is your favorite medium?

a)I prefer to use mixed media, but it is primarily acrylic paint with random other things thrown in the mix.

q)What is your current favorite subject?
a)I am always drawn to the human figure, but lately I have been doing more street scenes of Brooklyn and New York

q)How long does it take for you to finish a piece?

a)It varies. I have a pile of half finished works, some years old that I promise I will finish some day. Some spring out fully realized in a few short hours, some are painfully labours that take weeks.

q)What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

a)Being happy with my final results more often than not.

q)Are there any contemporary artists that you love?

a)David Hollenbach, Frank Gonzalez, Alex Kanevsky, Kent Williams, Jenny Saville.


q)Can we buy your art anywhere?

a)Directly through me (
www.jefffaerber.com), or the Object Image Gallery (objectimagegallery.com) in Brooklyn usually has several of my pieces in stock.

q)Anything that people should know about that we don’t??

a)Left-handers do it better.

q)What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?

a)Turn your TV off and forgo personal relationships!

q)What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?

a)My pile of half finished work keeps giving me dirty looks.

q)How do you describe your work to those who are unfamiliar with it?

a)I usually quote how others have described it. Just last week someone said I paint like Hemingway writes. (Of course I haven’t ever read Hemingway but I like the description anyways) Someone else described it as “morbid sensuality” which works for me as well.


q)What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?

a)Taking 6.5 years of art classes to get a 4 year degree. Taking classes with Barron Storey. Having smart friends how can honestly give me feedback.

q)Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?

a)I like acrylics.

q)Who are your influences?
a)Jenny Saville, Rembrandt, Dave McKean, Egon Schiele, old daguerreotypes, Anselm Keifer, and all the contemporary artists I mentioned to that other question.

q)What inspires you to create?
a)I am inspired by things I see, whether that is other art, or things in daily life. Also, current events, movies, literature, dreams (literal and metaphorical) all play a part.


q)…your contacts…

a)
www.jefffaerber.com

Interview with Rachel Bess

q)What is your name?

a)Rachel Bess

q) Where do you live and work?

a)Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

q)What is your creative process like?

a)I think and think about what I want to do, then do some small sketches to see if it will look good as a painting and then I gather reference material and put all of those together to make a complete image. After I draw the image onto the panel I start by painting a layer in white and burnt umber to establish the values and when that dries I begin the layering of color.

q)What is your favorite medium?

a)All of my paintings are oil on panel.

q)What is your current favorite subject?

a)My paintings for a long time have been about the way things work in nature. Sometimes I like to explain through a painting how or why something is, but more often the painting is about an explanation from my imagination about facet of nature.

q)How long does it take for you to finish a piece?

a)Usually about one month.

q)What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

a)I just recently sold out a show at Art 21 Fair in Germany, which was pretty exciting.

q)Are there any contemporary artists that you love?

a)Yes, I think Chris Mars makes amazing work. David Stoupakis, and Madeline von Foerster are also among my top favorites. All of them take the time to make every part of the painting good, not just the focal point. They are some classy folks.


q)Can we buy your art anywhere?

a)Yes. Perihelion Arts in Phoenix is my main dealer, but you can find my work in shows all over. Mostly in the U.S. but I’m booking a few shows in Europe now too.

q)Anything that people should know about that we don’t??

a)When I’m not painting, I’m working in my very tiny urban farm. I have chickens ducks and lots of food plants. Also, I LOVE science experiments, especially if they have to do with plants.

q)What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?

a)To not quit or get too frustrated when they are trying to improve and they still think they suck. Everyone goes through that, so just be persistent and practice a lot. Then practice some more.

q)What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?

a)Well, if I get too frustrated with a painting, I just crop it with a table saw or if it’s beyond fixing I sand it off and start a new painting. Sometimes I just go outside and work on my tiny, tiny farm for a little while.

q)How do you describe your work to those who are unfamiliar with it?

a)My paintings are painted in a very realistic manner. They’re usually dark with rich colors and the images generally have something to do with science, nature and/or a beautiful and unique model. Sometimes the paintings have a bit of a religious feel to them, which is only a reflection of how deeply I feel about the subject matter.

q)What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?

a)I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree that certainly helped, but I think I learned most after I completed school and got a studio in a complex with several other artists and just spent all day every day painting and looking at paintings. That’s when I really developed the patience I needed and that I lacked until that point.


q)Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?

a)My tools are pretty basic: brushes, paint and panels. I guess my favorite things are the really small brushes. There’s a lot of things in my paintings that I just couldn’t do without those size 00000 brushes.

q)Who are your influences?

a)The Dutch Golden Age still-life and genre painters, biology, rocks and interesting-looking people.

q)What inspires you to create?

a)See above.


q)…your contacts…

a)
http://www.rachelbess.com/

rachel@rachelbess.com
Email is the best way to reach me, I check it way more often than I check my phone.

lunedì 6 ottobre 2008

Tokowakatika





q)What is your name?

a)Tokowakatika

q) Where do you live and work?

a)Tokyo Japan

q)Are there any contemporary artists that you love?

a)James Turrell