An Artist that inspires your own creation
I’ve always loved the works of David Hockney and Hernan Bas. My favorite artists are comedians. While painting, I listen to podcasts; Your Moms House hosted by Tom Segura and Christina P. Bill Burr, Tim Dillon, and Marc Maron are other favorites that I listen to habitually. I try not to look at other painters too often. I’m too easily influenced.
Current medium of choice
I use acrylic paints. I have been finishing paintings with a layer of oil pastels that add these “drawing” details I can’t get with paint. I love experimenting with and mixing mediums.
Recent exhibition that you have visited that moved you?
It was just LA art week and I saw so much work at once. It can be difficult for anything to stand out. One of my favorite pieces was by Liv Aanrud at the M+B Felix booth. I don’t know that I was moved. To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was moved by anything. I was, however, blown away by the detail of her work and how she had mastered her craft. Is it weird to say that the piece entertained me? I don’t know. I just truly loved it.
Themes of exploration
My work continues to revolve around the relationship we have with disasters and impending doom. These scenes usually involve figures snacking and drinking wine while something burns in the background. I’ve become captivated by the flora of Los Angeles since I moved here last April. My paintings have become lush and green. The landscape has become very important to me.
Last project that you worked on?
I recently finished works for a show at OTI and another show in March with Penske Projects + Phillips. I am about to begin work on my first solo show in Paris this summer with Cohle Gallery and my first solo in LA with The Lodge in September.
How has your practice changed over time?
I’ve always been on a strict routine. I go to the gym in the morning and paint the rest of the day. I do try to change up my method every now and then to keep things interesting. For the past two years, I would plan each painting with sketches and collages on my iPad. Recently, I started just painting on the canvas without any planning at all. It was refreshing and exciting.
How did you get your start as a practicing artist?
Since I was young, I would make some type of art. Even if it was just coloring a 101 Dalmatians coloring book or playing with Microsoft paint. I began seriously painting in University and switched my major to studio art after quickly realizing there was nothing else I wanted to do.
How do you know when a work is finished?
Sometimes I just have to take a step back and force myself to stop working on it. I use thick paint, so it’s obvious when I begin to overwork a painting. Once I see hints of overworking, I stop. That’s when I add the final details with the oil pastels.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
The challenges have varied for me. When I first started showing in galleries, one of my paintings became particularly popular and people asked for more renditions of that one. Thankfully, I’m stubborn and continued painting what I wanted. It could have been so easy for me to fall into the trap of painting the same thing over and over again because people like it. I think once people start noticing your work, you can feel apprehensive to experiment- when really, it’s one of the most important things you can do as an artist.
love this interview!!!