| // Jul 27, 2008 |
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| Artist Feature by Todd Brooks / Pendu Magazine and Gallery |
1. - Q: When did you first start making artwork? Is there a particular artist or group of artists that really sparked your interest in making art?
A: When I was 3 years old, I used a crayon to write my name (and various “creatures”) from floor to ceiling on my wall while my parents were at work. I had to stand up on a chair to get the letters tall enough. Then, I thought it would be fitting to cover the entire house with this motif. I was quite proud of myself, but inexplicably, the work was…not well received…
I have always been influenced stylistically by cartoons, porn, and graffiti. Learning about Dada was the crucial motivation for me to start making art, and lately I’ve been inspired by violence and the extinction of human rights.
2. - Q: Are you self-taught? Do you feel you had to ‘reinvent the wheel’ on your own to get where you are or are there certain people who have helped guide you along the way? Any important books that you found especially insightful for technique?
A: I’m studying Graphic Design at Flagler College. School has given me access to equipment and materials that I otherwise would not be able to afford. It has definitely forced me at times to move away from the intuitive towards a more formulaic approach but I don’t feel like I have to compromise myself tooooo much. Beyond age five, we can only unlearn, and it is no doubt necessary. [especially in an “institution.”]
3. - Q: What keeps you inspired to continue making new work?
A: Friends, enemies, ninjas, cops and robbers…booze…Riding a bike puts a shit eating grin on my face every time I pass a gas station.
4. - Q: What themes do you find yourself most attracted to and returning to in your work?
A: Basically filth and the scumfucks of the earth; I continue to return to corruption, commercial/religious symbols, and the sexual exploitation of women, children, and racial “minorities”. I also have a fetish for dinosaurs and embellishments (i.e. arrows…)
5. - Q: How much of each piece of your artwork would you consider comes from an intuitive or spontaneous sense of creating and how much is analytical and planned out?
A: Planning for me usually involves deciding which materials to use to express a particular moment and I take it from there. I love the spontaneity of expression and I find that even when I try to plan a piece, it usually just takes its own identity anyway.
6. - Q: How important is music to your art? Do you listen to certain music when working? Any particular musicians?
A: I go through phases of listening to the same shit over and over until I’ve worn it out. Usually hip hop, punk, or noise, but my heart belongs to blues. I don’t believe in “background noise” – the music is really important.
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7. - Q: Do you have a favorite cultural critic, philosopher, or psychoanalyst that you enjoy reading/learning from? Has their work directly or indirectly influenced you and if so, in what ways?
A:…
8. - Q: Who is your favorite young author right now?
A: Andrew Melfi.
9. - Q: Is there a young visual artist right now whose work particularly has your attention?
A: Kara Walker is a badass. I like Lari Pittman’s paintings. Os Gemeos. Mostly, I’m inspired when I see projects my friends are working on.
10. - Q: Do you make a living as an artist? If not, and you don't mind sharing, what is your day/night job?
A: I’m the Layout Editor of The Collective Press, a local independent newspaper. Also, I’m a part-time dishwasher at a raw food restaurant. Sometimes I promote shows/events.
11. - Q: What are your future plans?
A: I’m going to continue fighting for the rights of people and the environment through direct action. I’m always looking for ways to expand creatively, but making steadfast plans in that area is difficult for me.
12. - Q: Any cryptic messages that you would like to send out to the readers?
A: Let me hold 20 bucks?
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