Jason Altobelli's approach to the art world and his own art making is lovely. You will see what I mean when you read his words below. His work is spontaneous and thoughtful. Thanks for the interview Jason!
1. Why are you an artist?
The Canadian hip hop artist Classified said it best in the line, “I’d like to believe there’s more to me than Emceeing, but I write to the beat so that that’s what I ended up being.” That’s the same approach I take to art, it’s been the constant in my life for so long it’s become part of who I am and how I define myself. It might sound cliché, but it’s the truth.
2. Can you talk about your work? What is your vision?
Believing that all art is conversational, I strive to make work that speaks to a broad audience yet can remain personal and intimate at the same time. By embracing chance during the creative process my goal is the pursuit of ways to translate a balance between our logical and emotional senses to the audience.
3. It is interesting how you combine abstract and form. Can you speak to that relationship?
Aspiring to start a dialog between the two ideas, I view Abstraction as simply the pure energy and Emotion of the moment that is captured during the creative process, and Form as the underline statement of the work grounding it in Logic.
In that vein, for the last couple of years I’ve been interested and focused on the abstract idea of the gesture, ie: a handshake between two people, the giving of a gift, a nod of the head, or the movement of our hands when we are passionately involved in conversation.
Exploring those ideas further I found success in the Lovers & Foes Collection by combining spontaneous created abstract paintings with universal images of figures. Utilizing this combination I was able to express a range of emotions and present an open narrative for the audience to participate in.
Most recently I have been concentrating on the fundamentals of art theory; specifically color and line while making the Sessions Collection. The aim being to capture a more distilled and innocent version of the gesture, one that is simple and uncomplicated yet dynamic and powerful.
4. Has any great work of Art made you extremely emotional? If so which one and why?
Seeing Christian Marclay’s video “Telephone,” was a defining artwork for me. I remember I was in college visiting Milwaukee and was wandering in the Milwaukee Art Museum one afternoon when I stumbled upon it playing on a small television screen. After watching only the first 10 seconds of the
video I knew that I was seeing the culmination of everything I was trying to say artistically at the time, summed up perfectly, right there for me. I stood in front of the screen just awestruck for what must have been 3 full loops of the video, jaw dropped, eyes wide open, it was the equivalent of seeing the most
beautiful person in the world. “Telephone,” reaffirmed that art did matter, that there were people out there questioning and struggling with the same ideas I was. It was like finding a kindred spirit.
5. What is the art scene like in Wisconsin?
I can’t speak for the whole state, but there is a vibrant scene here in Milwaukee. The city hosts quarterly gallery day/night events where the public gets an opportunity and chance to view a range of new work
from both established and emerging artists and galleries. It is a chance each season for the community to come together to support the growth of local and regional artists. In the summertime the city is alive with cultural festivals and musical events every week and weekend that continue to bring a strong influx of people which creates a pulse that keeps everyone motivated.
6. What is the role of the artist in our society?
The general public looks to the arts as a beacon, a pulse, heartbeat, and reflection of what contemporary life is about. Artist like theorist are allowed the flexibility and freedom to think big, to tackle ideas large and small without fear or consequence. They are permitted to indulge passionately in an obsession while simultaneously being the voice of the collective narrative, saying what can’t be said verbally. It is the role of the artist to be honest, candid, and thoughtful in the messages we convey.
7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
One of my professors in college once replied when asked how to measure success in the art world, “put in 40 years, then look back to see if you did anything.”
I wholeheartedly agree with that ideal, and believe that with passion, dedication, and determination you can accomplish almost anything.
In 5 years I aspire to have done the following:
1) Shown in at least 20 new exhibitions (minimum of 4 per year)
2) Sold at least $25,000 in artwork ($5,000 a year)
3) Created at least 20 new Collections (consisting of a minimum of 15 pieces each Collection).
Subscribing to the positive mindset and philosophy that “This Will Be,” I am pushing forward, shooting for the moon. I trust and am confident that with a little luck and a lot ambition I can realize these
objectives.
8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
My ultimate goal is to be the visual pulse of my generation, and to present with the best of my abilities, artwork that provides that “Ah, Ha” moment for the audience. I want to use art to spur young minds, to
encourage and motivate, to ignite the flames of their Fire so that they may be the catalyst for others. If I can pass on passion and spark inspiration in someone else then I have succeeded as an artist regardless of fame or notoriety.
9. What does art mean to you?
A fan of lists, I’ll answer in that form.
1) Art at its core is the translation of an idea from one person to another through a medium.
2) Art is the act of falling in love, the recognition of beauty.
3) Art is the pursuit of ways to articulate the indescribable questions and answers of life.
Check out more of Jason's Work! http://www.jasonaltobelli.com/
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