1 When did you start to make art?
I’ve made art ever since I was a very young. From early on my family always encouraged my abilities through art classes and trips to museums. That really created an environment that helped me understand and channel that energy. They have always supported my dream to make art my life.
2 How did you evolve into a professional artist?
My goal always was to attend an arts college, and I went to study Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). For me the decision to attend for 4 years of studies was the first step towards becoming a professional artist. After graduation the evolution from student to professional naturally developed as I fully devoted my life to creating a career as an artist.
3 What drove you to make art as a professional vocation?
The decision to create art as my vocation wasn’t much of a choice for me, as it was always what I felt I had to do. I constantly create out of necessity, it is the way in which I tell my story.
4 Explain your inspiration?
My inspirations really come from all around me. In my most recent works I’m focused on exploring the relationship between nature and structure, while also considering energy and light. This exploration came about by living in and observing the urban landscape that is New York City. In New York as well as other urban centers, there is a struggle between man-made structure and nature. I present this idea in my work with the smooth organic forms juxtaposed against the sharp geometric shapes. Typically I spend the daylight hours painting in the studio and am out walking around in the city at night. I think that is really reflected in the work, with my palette heavily influenced by the bright colors from flourescent signs against the darkness.
5 In what way does your inspiration transform into ideas?
The inspiration takes its form to idea through many quick drawings, notes, photographs, and memories. Many times I’ll pull together my many inspirational materials and sketches to just start drawing. Sometimes a piece will come together during that sitting, other times it will come together in pieces on which I pull together at a later date.
This past fall I went to hear Robert Longo speak on his work here in New York, and he brought to light a point that really resonated with me. He said to listen to your work, look within for a direction, and let the work predict itself. I now always look at my past pieces for new ideas and directions, allowing the work a more natural progression.
6 From Ideas to production of art – how? And why?
Once I have an idea and a solid sketch developed, I’ll then work on color studies to determine what will work best in the piece. The work is always well planned and thought out before embarking on the final. The piece will change and evolve as I go, but the base idea usually remains.
7 Could your ideas be portrayed in any other medium? If so which?
I really live to paint, I love painting more than any other medium. With that said, my ideas could definitely translate into other mediums. Through the process of creating the recent body of work for my upcoming show, I’ve really started to think that the ideas could translate well into sculptures. I think down the road this is really something I’d like to explore.
8 Which artists would you most like to blatantly rip off?
There are many artists that I admire, none of which I would like to rip off. For as long as artists look at art, they will always be influenced by one another’s work. For generations this has only made the creation of art better and stronger. Looking at another artists piece and spotting something that moves you, and then translating that energy and passion into your own work can be inspiring. If you are blatantly stealing from someone else why bother creating it?
9 Why is your art made?
It’s made because it’s how I tell my story, it’s how I get these images out of my head. I paint the world through my eyes.
10 What does being an artist mean to you?
It means working harder and longer than almost everyone else around you, but it means working for yourself and towards a very personal goal. It means being in constant and sometimes agonizing struggles with your work. It also means great personal satisfaction when something works. It can bring you the highest highs and the lowest lows.
11 Are you happy with your reasons for making art? i.e Are there any trade offs that make life hard?
I’m extremely happy with my reasons, but there are absolutely difficult trade offs. Sometimes I get in work rhythms where I will only sleep a couple hours a night and be fairly isolated from the outside world for a couple of days.
12 When does your art become successful?
I think success is a very personal perception, and of course there are many different levels. For me, my work has reached some level of success because I am able to support myself and devote my life full-time to creating. Being a very ambitious person I will always find another level of success to strive for, after all it’s the chase that keeps us moving forward.
13 What is art?
Art is the creation of an object or experience.
14 How do you start the process of making work?
My work is painted with acrylic on birch panel, so when I get in a flow of painting there is nothing I hate more than having to stop to prime and sand a new surface. I start the process by priming all of my panels during one day to get that out of the way. Many times I’ll also devote another day to create sketches and plan a few pieces at a time.
15 Who prices your work? And how is the price decided upon?
I prefer to work with the gallery to set the price, it’s a joint effort. I think pricing has so many variables it’s difficult to say exactly how it’s decided upon.
16 What is your next; move,project,show etc?
On March 25th I’m giving a lecture at the Art Directors Club of Tulsa, then my solo exhibition will open April 2nd at Recoat Gallery in Glasgow. After a little vacation in Barcelona it will be back to New York City to prepare for my upcoming solo exhibition at Medicine Agency in San Francisco. The show will open Friday, August 20th.
17 What are the pros and cons of the art market?
One of the great pros of the market is the way in which a collector can invest in an artist’s work and career on such a personal level. One of the cons of the market can be when a collector purchases work just for a quick buck. Dumping the work quickly and at a high price, wreaking havoc on the market value of the artist in future sales.
18 Which pieces would you like to be remembered for?
While I have some favourites to date, I hope that the work I’ll be remembered for is not yet created.
19 Any routine in making your artwork? If so what?
The routine usually starts early in the day with coffee. My routine is pretty regimented and I like to do things methodically. I’ll usually block in all of the major areas of color first and then go back in to refine.
I always work on one piece at a time, finishing one completely before moving onto the next. I’ve found that by devoting myself fully to one work, I’m able to give it more attention and really put my all into it. Sometimes I will consider a piece finished but leave it to look at, then reapproach it later to make some additions or adjustments when I’m between pieces.
20 What has been the biggest break in your career?
The two upcoming solo exhibitions are both great opportunities, but the biggest break is yet to come!
21 Who has been the biggest influence on you?
I don’t think I’ve had one influence in particular that I would call the biggest, as they’ve always constantly changed for me. At the moment I’ve been looking at Philip Guston and find quite a bit that speaks to me in his work.
Over the years I’ve always looked at Picasso as well, and admired his great use of color.
During my time at RISD I had the opportunity to study Renaissance painting and travel to Italy. The works really struck me, especially in person and changed the way I looked at painting. Caravaggio will always remain one of my favorites and I feel that his use of the darkest darks and dramatic lighting influenced my own work greatly.
22 How many artworks have you given away and to whom?
I haven’t given away all that many works. My family has some of my older works and I’ve given some pieces to close friends. I’ve also donated some work for charitable auctions in the past.
