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Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Scrappers
By Spraygraphic | December 31, 2008
Spraygraphic Interview with Scrappers
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
S: I’m the kind of guy who tips street musicians. The kind of guy who climbs to the roof of buildings at night. Yes I’m the one who farted in the elevator too. Basically I am always trying to remind myself and everyone else around that being alive is the most important activity, so you should enjoy it. I hope my art says that as well.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
S: I live the good life with my wife Amy and son Camper in Portland, Oregon.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
S: I like to make stuff with words, house paint, ink, rusty things found in the gutter and the computer.
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
S: First I dig up an idea from within. Something solid and true like “dead birds don’t sing” or “everyone wishes they were American Indians” then I look for icons, styles and tools that will help me explain the idea. If you don’t have a good idea, your art is just decoration.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
S: I stop. I do something else. I get a job. I go to bed. I read a history book. I do anything it takes to free up the mental block. I do not sit at the painting table or in front of the computer because chances are the answers I need are found in the experience of living, not thinking about living.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
S: The Pacific Northwest, Current Native American Issues, Advertising, the Grass Hut Gang , magazines like Theme and Colors. Oh and I totally rely on being taught by people like Jelly.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
S: In coffee shops all over Portland. Also at every Giant Robot location, some art markets in London, Seattle and Don’s Donuts in Arcata California.
SG: Where will it be seen next?
S: All the Giant Robot locations. It wierd once you get in with those folks they invite you do do shows all the time. It’s nice. It’s a community of artists from all over.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
S: Build a grown up jungle gym out of things found at the junkyard. That or a Pacific Northwestern themed art show in a museum.
SG: What is your favorite color?
S: Brorange (brown/orange)
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
S: J. Otto Siebold (http:///). He make art into product and product into art. If at any point in his work you want to read into the deeper meaning you can. He’s really political, but without rubbing it in your face. It’s also beautiful, like anything he touches ends up looking better some how. He’s my favorite urban folks artist. He inspires me to do what I do. I also like David Byrne, Bwana Spoons, APAK and the rest of the Grass Hut gang.
SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?
S: Pueblo Revolt. The history of native American uprising in New Mexico.
SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?
S: Yeah. It was me pushing a shopping cart at a thrift store. It sold a while back to a stranger.
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
S: Home. In a hammock. In a hot spring. In a library. Under a waterfall.
SG: Any final words of advice?
S: Keep up the good work. Meaning; do only good work for good people.
Additional Links:
Flickr
Topics: Artist Interviews, Paintings, Sprayblog |
January 24th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I love your work
January 30th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I like what you are saying about art, and life and find it very truthful, refreshing, inspiring and humorous.Regards from Jasna.