What inspired you to start painting, and when did you first realize that art was your passion?
I've always dreamed of working on my own project, rather than being employed by someone else. That project would have to fulfill these criteria:
• Passion: Something I truly love doing.
• Skill: Something I'm exceptionally good at.
• Dedication: Something I'm willing to devote 100 hours a week to, if necessary.
The ideas of ditching my 9-to-5 job, be my own boss and pursue my passion are a powerful motivator.
Drawing and painting have been lifelong obsession. They've been a constant in my life, ever since I can remember. Growing up, my artistic abilities were often the only thing I was recognized for, so I've never stopped creating.
How would you describe your style or artistic voice? Has it evolved over time?
Comedians often talk about how, early in their careers, they subconsciously mimic their idols. For example, Chris Rock's pacing around the stage or Dave Attell's distinctive cadence might find their way into their own performances.
In a similar way, I believe my early work was a mishmash of influences from my favorite artists. Over time, though, I've developed a style that's all my own. While you might see echoes of other artists like Jonas Wood or Hilary Pecis in my work, I think I've found a voice that is unique and sets me apart.
What influences your choice of subject matter or themes in your work?
Sales. Definitely influenced by the subject matters that sell best. Just kidding. Absolutely not!
Lately, I've been really into painting interior design spaces that tell a story. The little details in the paintings can spark a viewer's imagination. For example, the books on the coffee table might reveal the homeowner's interests, souvenirs from their travels might give a clue about where they've been, and keychains could indicate their hobbies.
But here's the thing: most of these details are things I can relate to, things that are part of my own life, or things I'm interested in. In the end, the person living in the space I paint is a reflection of me and my subconscious.
Can you walk me through your creative process? How do you approach starting a new piece?
In golf, you start with a driver to cover a lot of ground, but it's not the most precise club. As you get closer to the green, you switch to smaller, more accurate clubs. My painting process is similar. I start with a general idea and a color palette, and take a broad approach with my strokes. As I progress, I focus on details like textures and lines, and finish by adding hidden elements or "easter eggs" that reward close observation.
I believe in focusing on one piece at a time and seeing it through to completion before starting another. Deadlines and commitments with galleries keep me on track. Every piece is 100% my work, and I maintain the highest quality standards. I believe a collector deserves a product that's worth every penny.
Are there any particular artists or art movements that have had a significant impact on your development as a painter?
My work is definitely influenced by a wide range of artists, both dead and alive. Some of the historical figures who have shaped my perspective include Toulouse Lautrec, Vincent Van Gogh, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
And since my work often features furniture and architecture, I've been inspired by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Kai Kristiansen, Charles Eames, and Mies Van Der Rohe.
As for contemporary artists, I admire the work of Octavi Arrizabalaga (aka ARYZ), Damian Elwes, Hilary Pecis, Farley Aguilar, Michael Reeder, Andy Dixon, Hyangmok Baik, Andrew Salgado, and many others. Instagram has been a great platform for discovering new talent, and I hope to someday own an original piece by each of these artists.
How do you feel about the relationship between art and emotion? Do your paintings express specific feelings or states of mind?
My paintings might not be as expressive as the works of the great masters, but I believe they offer clues and hidden details that can spark a viewer's imagination.
Just like Tarantino deliberately left Lt. Aldo Raine's neck scar unexplained in Inglorious Basterds, I've included subtle elements in my work that invite viewers to create their own backstories and interpretations.
It's more fun to discover the story yourself than to have it spoon-fed to you. In my work, the viewer is the detective, piecing together the clues and finding the hidden meaning behind the piece.
What do you hope people take away or feel when they view your paintings?
As the collector, you're the one who has the most invested in this painting. If that is you, I hope you feel like you've made a worthwhile investment: Will it provide endless hours of enjoyment and thought-provoking moments for you, your family, and your guests? Will it offer a sense of peace and tranquility? Will it spark interesting conversations and inspire unique perspectives? And most importantly, will it ignite your imagination?
