In Conversation with Wayne Montecalvo by Elisa Pritzker
Wayne Montecalvo, an American artist based in New York’s Hudson Valley, is currently exhibiting at the Pritzker Studio & Gallery until July 27, 2014. The exhibit is called “In Conversation with Wayne Montecalvo” and it’s not only a visual experience but a fine conversation with the artist and the public that took place during the opening reception. It was a great experience to learn more about Wayne’s his art and career. Here are some excerpts:
How and when you realize you wanted to be an artist?
I don’t think of a starting point for being an artist. I don’t view it as an occupation so it was never a decision for me. I see it more as an ongoing investigation, and I suppose there are things along the way that accumulate to reinforce that state of being. There have been a few times that I decided I would no longer make art, but sooner or later I would end up with a concept that I had to explore, and the result would be to produce a piece of artwork to see the idea realized. I view being an artist the way one might view their own skin color or the tone of their own voice. It’s something you’re stuck with.
What is/are the topic/s that you approach thought your art?
I usually borrow something familiar and reword it into something that is new. Or, use an idea that is factual and combine it with invented or displaced information in a way that renders the theme somewhat fictional. I like to focus on the area in between, and I consider story telling a big part of what I do.
What material/s do you use to create your artworks?
I include an array of materials to make artwork. Currently my focus is printmaking, but I do like to have options when I work. I also shift between materials, and feel comfortable changing gears as needed, and feel it is important to keep that door open. Some of the materials I work with are paint, recycled glass, video, cardboard, a still camera, and the typical stock pile of studio artistʼs materials; glue, tape, wood, nails, etc.
Does your work follows any particular art movement? Please expand why yes or no.
I don’t pre determine a specific art movement when making a piece, and feel it would be a limiting way to work. Art movements are defined after the fact, and are established by someone other than the artist. To create work based on such a premise would be reinforcing something that already exists. But I do think sooner or later artists end up with a style, which occurs over time, and often the style could be complicated and not obvious. An artist’s style might or might not fit in to any given movement, but I don’t feel that is what an artist considers while making artwork.
What do you hope people come away with after they experience your art?
Everyone has a different experience with every type of artwork. I’m not sure how to define strong work, other than knowing it when you see it. And I hope those who see my work, experience that in the work. But I also like that people might see something I don’t see in my own work. I hope the viewer can walk away with something of their own from my work, and in that way have an investment in what they get out of a piece.♦
To learn more about Wayne, visit his web site:http://www.waynemontecalvo.com
To contact the Pritzker Studio & Gallery: Pritzker Studio & Gallery on Facebook.
Gracias / Thanks Interference Channel!