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| | | Shawn Barber Interview
Vivianite: Sometimes I hear that painting will soon die out, as an artist that works a lot with paint what do you think about this?
Shawn Barber: I don't think about it. There are so many amazing painters creating today- anyone who doesn't acknowledge and embrace that fact is an ignorant, pompous jackass.
How much imagination do you mix into the subjects of your art?
It really depends on what one thinks is imaginative. I'm not interested in making images influenced by fantasy, science fiction or video games. I respond to the present, what I see and hear on the street and in the news. Observing human nature in the present and making reactive works is more of my concern. The imagination comes more from the process of painting- how I react to my ideas, my subject and how I use the medium to best represent my feelings in that moment.
A lot of your work is influenced by the human figure, how come?
The human figure and life itself is what intrigues me. The emotional qualities of man, the choices we make and the consequences of those decisions fuel my work.
What are your main influences?
My main influences are people who can't do anything but be obsessed with what is important to them. I've met so many great people- who take control of the present, even when everything around them appears bleak and uncontrollable- and persevere through to what they knew was right for them. Embracing the present and taking advantage of the skills that they have.
I know so many more who do the opposite, and have no direction- no clear purpose or reason to wake up in the morning- looking more forward to friday nights than the here and now- more concerned with holding onto high school memories, more concerned with what others think about them, more concerned with worshipping television,and never accepting responsibility for the choices they make- waiting for the world to do everything for them. I am influenced by both ends of the spectrum.
What's your favourite medium and technique?
Paint. Oil paint, acrylic paint. No favorite 'technique'- I'm always trying new ways of approaching painting- I get bored working the same way over and over again...
When did you know that you would become an artist?
I always drew- I always had the impulse to create something on paper. I've always been excited to do what I do. Anyone who has the impulse to create something is an artist in their own way...
Do you use models?
For reference. I want to deal with the subject and the painting.
Painting from life has been the most beneficial for me in seeing color and observing how a figure sits in space. I need to have the option to start a new piece at any moment- and to rely on scheduling models to sit for me when that moment occurs isn't really feasible or practical with my spontaneous nature.
Tell us a little bit about the feature painting "cancer prevention".
Most of my work, if not all, is a self portrait in some way. 'Cancer prevention' is an anti smoking statement- I was a smoker for 13 years and had quit for about 5 years when I made that piece. It was an affirmation of my disgust for what I once wholeheartedly embraced.
You have moved from NY (FLORIDA) to San Francisco, how does the art scene differ from each other?
I just moved from southwest florida and there is virtually no scene, other than crafty beach scenes and floral garbage.
This portal wants to focus on fine art (painting), you do both painting and illustration what do you think is the difference?
The difference with fine art (painting) and illustration is simple. Commercial, commissioned work (work that goes through a process of collaborating with an art director,editor or even a patron) is illustration. Painting whatever you have the urge to explore is fine art.
You have a passion for tattoos any favourite tattoo artists?
There are so many poor tattoos in peoples skin, it's really unfortunate that any tool with a tattoo gun can scar someone for life. My favorite tattoo artists are artists that tattoo. My great friend Bryan Bancroft is one of the most unbelievable artists that I know. Grime's work is amazing, Adrian Lee is great too...
What is the greatest/worst art cliché you've heard?
The most common cliche has been 'I wish I was that talented'- as if I haven't worked every single day for the past ten years to get where I am now...
Where is your favourite spot in San Francisco?
I don't have a specific 'spot'- I've only been here for three months- and I have enjoyed all of it so far... I spend the most time at home working- being at home with my wife and cat is the best place to be.
Have you read any good books or bought any cd:s lately?
I just re-read Carl Jung's 'The Undiscovered Self'- Recent cd purchases include: Devo's 'Greatest Hits', Bad Religion's 'The Empire Strikes First', R.L. Burnside's 'Come On In', and Danzig'z 'Danzig'...
Would you like to become a contributor at vivianite.net?
sure!! |
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