Let's not beat around the bush here; we go back. So who was the artist that lit the fire under you? Was it a family member?
Both. My brother took me to my first real museum show when I was in high school. it was keith haring. it blew me away that such simple, bright, 'cartoonish' stuff was in a museum. It inspired the hell outta me and made me realize that what I was doing, even in high school was worth continuing.
Do you think New York is still a good home for an artist? Or has it just become a haven for the rich and famous?
Once again, both. Good for an artist because I'm not sure if there is any other place in the US with so much and such a diversity of art. Let's not down the rich and fabulous - they are supporters of the arts; even if the art is being used as a status symbol.
Who would you say has had the most impact in support of your work?
My brother, mom and dad. But various people that have come in and out of my life. particularly my dad. I remember one low point (scraping by, crappy job) when i first moved to nyc he asked me, "what am i doing w/my degree?! why don't i have a real job" or something to that effect. I remember saying, "what else am i gonna do?" it was his not understanding what i was doing that pushed me more. It's totally unrealistic, but romantic to move to nyc and think you're gonna make it. There are a lot of people doing the exact same thing - you're just a drop in the ocean.
Your academic background isn't as a painter, but as a graphic designer. How do you think this affects your work?
I actually graduated w/a double major in fine art and graphic design and minored in art history. most ad campaigns may get you to buy their product but another important goal is brand recognition. Simple, bold design concepts work the best and this has translated into my painting. i like bright colors and capturing movement thru an unpredictable spaces. They leave an impression on people; a sense of exploding optimism.
How do you see your technique developing over the coming years? Will you start working on larger canvas space?
I really don't know. I look at what i was doing just 3 years ago and amazeed at what I'm doing now. but yes, I would like to work larger.
You've lived in the same New York City neighborhood way uptown for some time. What is it that keeps you so far from the downtown art nucleus?
"da haze" - really, that is a perk.
I prefer to call my neighborhood 'little D.R." or 'upstate manhattan' because fort tryon park and the cloisters are right there. I love living away from manhattan proper; it gives me a rest from the craziness. I lived on w13th st. for nearly a year and did not like it so much. But at the same time i do love all that manhattan craziness has to offer. I just don't need to be in it all the time. artists are not just downtown. i think that's a big fat myth. no artist i know can afford the rent. Few art establishments aren't uptown because the average tourist isn't willing to go that far to see art.
Are there any upcoming exhibitions we should look for?
Thomas Nozkowski, I think at Pace W.
Yoko one and Donald Judd have shows up now too.
Ahh and Jesus Christ the Courbet show at the Met!
Word has it you're planning a bit of a home base change; are you able to elaborate at this time?
We, my boyfriend and I, have decided to keep our options open. we have it pretty good here in nyc.
I only go to the j-o-b 20hrs/wk and he only works 4 days/wk. originally we wanted to move ideally to southern Spain.
now, we're motivated to continue eliminating our hrs at work and visit spain for longer periods of time. Still working on Spanish citizenship though - always good to have another option in case the shit hits the fan!
Is there anything you were hoping I wouldn't ask?
How much i weigh? How much i make?
Has working with a yoga center for some time made you a more focused person?
Yes, i think so. The practices really. meditation helps you realize all the same thoughts that run in your head over and over again. Once you see those you get that that's all they are, thoughts not truths.
What are you reading right now?
My two trusty art fag magazines: Art in America and Art news.
Well, be good, and bring me something nice from Europe. You missed my birthday.
Bitch, you always miss my birthday!
go here for new work http://miss-sanchez.com
