ARTIST INTERVIEWS
EKTA
1. Your work reminds me somewhat of Dadaism, which is pretty cool. how would you talk about your work to someone who hasn't seen it?
Dada is to me the single most important movement in art and many of my all time favourite artists came from there such as: Francis Picabia / Kurt Schwitters / Max Ernst etc. I find it really hard to explain what i do but i usually really enjoy the process of making stuff and i hope that energy transfers to my art.
2. Whats the story behind the face print?
the original is done with spray paint on canvas 75x106cm. i started with a basic bust shape that I've been using a lot recently, then i just play around with lines and see where i end up. in this particular painting its a bit like mixing portrait with landscape. a mindscape...
3. Tell us about the Oro Gallery in Sweden
It's where i have my studio and I'm there pretty much every day. were six artists working here and sometimes we have exhibitions/gigs etc. Recently we've been using the exhibition space as an extension to our studios and cut back a bit on the exhibitions but we do have some stuff planned later this year. its been around since 2006.
4. We hear you do a few animations aswell; can you tell us the process behind them? (add link to video)
I did a couple of short films in 1999-2000 unfortunately i only have them on Beta as they were done in a traditional 2D way, drawn on cell and filmed. i did some loops last year as part of an exhibition i had in Sweden, its a collaboration with sound artist The extended head, he provided me with sound pieces that i listened to during my 2 weeks of animating with ink and brush on a bit of wood panel. The image and sound has not been synchronised in editing, the ideas was to use four screens and let the sync happen by chance.
FREDRIK AKUM
1. Tell us a little about yourself?
Im a visual artist from Sweden. currently studying on my last MFA year in Gothenburg.
2. How would you describe your work?
Ive always painted and drawn whatever feels interesting. And when i have a subjective picture/painting/photo to look at, i can later think why it was interesting to work with the theme in the first place.
3. Computer or Traditional?
Both
4. Advice for aspiring artists?
Don't think too much
5. Favourite Artists / Influences
Im the world worst name dropper. i have no idols, i like parts and pieces of what/whoever.
6. How did the idea for "Kentia Palm" come about?
The day i was about to make a painting for 2MP i just ordered 2 kentia palms. so i couldn't think of anything else.
7. Favourite Food?
Meatballs, warm and cold
HUSK MIT NAVN
1. Tell us a little about you?
I'm a good looking guy (from a distance) in my mid thirties, i live in Copenhagen, Denmark and have been a full time artist the last 10 years.
2. How would you describe your work?
Put cartoons, graffiti, paintings, photos and a couple of sculptures in a blender and his start.
3. How do you create your work?
I work at my studio from 9 to 5 in the evening i write emails and do paperwork. Its like a real job but i don't have a boss and i can do whatever i want.
4. Computer or Traditional?
Everything i do is hand drawn. i use the computer when i scan the drawings and when i look at bullshit stuff on the net, when i should be working instead.
5. Advice for aspiring Creatives?
Don't take the art world too serious. Just work hard and have fun with what you do.
6. Whats your favourite food?
Pancakes. My taste has not changed since i was a kid.
7. Favourite Artists / Influences?
Martin Parr, Walk Disney, Keith Haring and many more. i like photo art, books and film better than drawing and paintings. drawing is something i do everyday, i like to look at other kinds of stuff when i come home from work.
8. Favourite Quotes?
I don't have one but this homer simpson quote is pure wisdom: "Hey, i asked for ketchup, I'm eating salad here!"
IAN STEVENSON
1. why do you do what you do?
Im not sure but my mind keeps telling me i should do it
2. how do you work?
i think of an idea, quickly get it out my head and roughly onto a piece of A4 and then add it to the pile. then i create it.
3. Whats your background?
At the moment its a wonderful hawaiian scene and it looks like I'm really there. over the years I've given most things a go in the creative world and now I'm using all the skills i have gathered so far.
4. How has your practice changed over time?
I like to experiment and as i feel i have done something i like to move on and try other things.
5. What art do you most identify with?
Fine art is my favourite but as long as it makes you think its good with me.
6. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I worked in ASDA warehouse on the night shift with local radio playing love songs through the night. Not Good!
7. what do you dislike about the art world?
I don't like it when people just repeat other peoples opinions because they think its the clever thing to say. before you know it someone is featured everywhere even though there work is shit.