(Photo by Jordan Willox)
I wanted to introduce you to a blog worth following. One of my best friends, Jordan, who I have known for 10 years, has packed up his life in the city and exchanged it for a year on Gabriola Island. He is documenting his adventures on his blog Soiling Myself. It is funny, touching, inspiring, and honest.
Andy Dixon is one of my favourite artists. Here is an interview I did with him.
Did you go to art school? If yes, what did you like about it and what did you not like about it? I never went to Art School, no. The closest I got was attending a few night courses just to learn a few techniques on transferring images and collage techniques. I don't really understand why art school should be anything but that. The idea of going to school to learn how to make good art not only implies that there is such a thing as a literal definition of the quality of expression but also implies that there is such a thing as an authority on the subject.
What inspires your art/you to create?
I think that, like most artists, I am influenced by every single thing I come into contact with, whether it's inspiration or anti-inspiration. Paint peeling off a wall, a dilapidated billboard, a conversation with a
friend over a beer, Kanye West, Milan Kundera, the pattern on my tie, etc. It's all sensual information and most artists are constantly filing it away somewhere, I believe.
If you could only paint with three colours what would they be?
Three shades of green spanning between yellowy and bluey.
If you could take a complete, all expenses paid retreat anywhere in the world for the purpose of creating art while you were there, where would you go?
Italy, I think. I've recently been quite fascinated with Italian culture. Not necessarily in the sphere of painting, but a more general interest in how things operate there. Plus it's hot, beautiful, and has the best clothes and coffee in the world. Either that or Tokyo. I went once and I am dying to go back.
Do you listen to music when you work on your art? If yes, which musicians/bands?
Yeah, I always listen to music when I paint. I will either listen to drone (Tim Hecker or Stephan Matthieu for example), international stuff (The Nonsuch Explorer Series or Sublime Frequencies stuff for example), or modern rap (Gucci Mane or J. Cole for example). Sometimes I like to have the TV on, though. It's like a telescope pointed at the most cartoonish, absurd elements of our culture. Like culture turned up to 11.
What is one art related goal of yours?
To make the world slightly more beautiful.
What are three non art related goals of yours?
1) Learn Japanese 2) Heighten my sense of self awareness to achieve a new kind of happiness. 3) Own a Bespoke tailored suit.
Is there a particular museum or art space that you would like to show your work at?
MoMA would be a dream.
Do you work better at night or during the day?
I work differently during them. I can't tell which one is better yet. I think I'm more efficient at night but I like the way my creative brain feels in the mornings - unstained from the experience of the day.
What are your vices?
Coffee, wine, sex, and putting my finger in my mouth.
Why do you make art?
Because I'm simply compelled to do so. There is nothing else I'd rather be doing.
What makes you happy? Sad? Angry?
Happy - witnessing the smallest yet most poetic moments in people's lives.
Sad - thinking of my mom who passed away a few years ago.
Angry - people who function without logic or respect for others.
Who are your favourite artists?
Basquiat, Twombly, Shrigley, and my 5 year old niece, Carmen Dixon.
What is something that you are trying to change or improve about yourself?
See non art related goal #2. Plus, I'd like to believe I am constantly in a state of progression. I want to improve the way I paint and express myself.
What is one of your favourite non art related things to do?
Go to the beach.
I have always been interested in installation art. But lately I have been thinking a lot about installation art that takes place outside.
I read about Caitlin Parker on a blog that I check in on a lot called My Love for You is a Stampede of Horses. Caitlin constructed a little house, put it in her backyard for animals to inhabit and the elements to impose upon, and she has filmed it. Here is a 4 min excerpt.
Many years ago I saw a documentary about Dale Chihuly, an artist who works mostly with glass, but does installations with other materials as well. The one that I was most intrigued by was the wall of Alaskan ice that he constructed in Jerusalem.
To watch a short but really interesting video about this project go here.
The other day I watched Exit Through the Gift Shop, the Banksy doc.
Graffiti is an incredible art form that leaves the work so vulnerable to outside elements. Here is a great sample of Banksy's work that has been transformed over time.
(Banksy images taken from Banksy website)
We have a few great graffiti artists in Vancouver, including one of my faves, the Dark.
Another installation artist who I stumbled upon the other day is Jason Taylor, whose work is truly mind blowing. I must see his sculptures in person in my lifetime. He makes sculptures and then has them placed under water. There are several locations around the world. His website stunningly documents each exhibit. Eventually the sculptures are completely engulfed by their surroundings.
I was lucky enough to get a comlimentary pass to the Interior Design Show at the Vancouver Convention Center. So I went to the opening last night.
This is part of the "Responsible, Design Inside the Box" installation. I love the handmade quilt backdrop.
This is part of "Future Masters: Young Designers West". Check out Mira Yung.
And this is part of an installation where 7 design firms were asked to create something using cork. One of the designers is Straight Line Designs Inc, also seen here:
There was a lot of naturally inspired work including this cool living wall by Green Over Grey. Lots of wood items, including two of my favourites, Maai Living, and Bowerman's Handcrafted Furniture who did this stunning dining room table:
(photo taken from the Bowerman's website)
The coolest electronic type thing was definitel the 3D tv. You have to wear those funky glasses, but the effect is quite amazing.
And of course there were the standard owl and teal items, of which I am a sucker.
My favourite thing was probably the kitchenware from Marimekko Vancouver.
I love the way they use hand drawings and the way they look modern and so vintagy at the same time. I would seriously love to have a collection of their dishes.
(Marimekko images taken from their website)
There was also a photographer there, David Burdeny, whose work I lovelovelove.
There are hundreds of designers so if you are interested in design you really should go have a look this weekend.
I want to talk about Pecha Kucha. On Thursday I went to Vancouver's Volume 13. In essence, Pecha Kucha is a night of inspiration. A random selection of people are chosen to do presentations on their work. They are asked to share 20 images, 20 seconds spent on each.
Thursday's presenters included artists, curators, architects, musicians, activists, business owners, and more. It was spectacular. I left feeling overwhelmed, emotional, excited, and inspired.
I'm in the crux of a shit storm right now with deciding (for sure) what direction to take my "career", and Thursday evening inspired me to continue to take the reins on what I really want to do with my life and follow that dream. However, it also spun me like a top into the endless possibilities of what is out there. What does one do when everything interests them?
