Hi Sam
Tell me a bit about your upbringing and back ground?
I grew up in L.A. and had a pretty typical childhood. I come from a very conservative Christian family,and all of us are creative to some degree. My dad went to school to play basketball and just wanted to do that. When his coach said he had to declare a major and actually attend classes he landed on art. I think a big influence on me was watching him draw. Though he never finished college he did continue drawing as a hobby.
I spent most days drawing on anything in front of me and in high school earned the name Skribbler ( spelled wrong on purpose) by my peers because of my unending doodles that seemed to coat everything I owned and some things I didn't.
How did you get involved in Art?
I actually started college as a Marketing Major. I had a lot of pressure from my family to go into a field that would present financial comfort for me and my future family. I tried it but found myself wandering over to the art department wondering what it would like to be there. I had never taken an art class before and I was hungry to know what I could learn. One day I inquired about declaring an art minor; when the head of the art department over heard my conversation with the secretary he asked me to have lunch with him. I accepted and we spent the afternoon talking about passion and how God puts desires in us for a reason and its not so we can make money. That day I switch to art as a major and haven't looked back.
What is Urban Art for you and what is its message?
This is a hard one. I think Urban Art as a blanket term is the very primal in nature and represents the need man has to make a physical mark on the environment he lives in. Much like the cave paintings urban art is someone telling their story. Whether its some dumb ass kid throwing something up for shits and giggles or it is something well thought out and formulated the need comes from the same place. It could be "hey look I'm a moron" or " hey this is what I see and we as a culture need to dialogue about this" .
When did you start Tender Loving Empire and what is its mission?
I didn't start TLE. As much as I would like to take credit and as close as it is to my heart Tender Loving Empire is the brain child of Jared and Brianne Mees. I met Jared in college and we ran in some of the same circles but never really became close till we both ended up here in Portland. He and Brianne had been running TLE for about a year out of their car and thought it was time to make it a full on enterprise. He approached me to be their first artist on opening day in the little gallery space they had. I was honored and immediately started to put work together. While setting up the show Jared asked if I would like to be more involved as the spots curator and a resident artist of sorts. Though my title has never been defined because I tend to work in many different roles after three years I am very proud of what my friends have done and feel blessed to have been a part of it.
How do you like the new location and what are your expectations?
The new spot is so RAD. It really makes TLE feel like TLE is suppose to feel. I think I always thought the old spot was nice but TLE was bigger then it could ever hold. I'm anticipating that the new spot will quickly be grown out of and They will take over the old RED Light building across from Powells. That would truly allow them to do everything they want. I think the label will become the main focus and such a space will open the possibility of TLE housing a concert venue.
How do see the art community in general in Portland and what could be better?
The art community is amazing. One of the things I liked about Portland is that it has always been open to new ideas and styles. There was this lack of fear to try something out and see if it works. Some communities are over ridden with pretentious ass holes who are more concerned with who you know, where you studied, and where you've shown rather then the actual work.
I really fear that happening. As the young buck start to become the heavy hitters in the scene I hope that openness to growth and curiosity remains .
What is your criteria when you curate a show and how do you come up with a theme?
Here is what I look for .... a well developed or promising visual and conceptual language. If I feel like an artist really has discovered or is on the brink of a fantastic style and concepts I want you in the gallery.
I'm always keeping an eye out on Alberta, or Downtown looking for something that will work in the space. I remember back in 07 me and Jared were at Berbatis for a show he was playing where we first saw Chris Haberman's work for he first time. We were just raving to each other about his work and at the end of the night Jared told me he wanted Chris in the space. For the next year I went to as many of Chris' shows as possible and basically talked up TLE each time. Since then Chris has done a solo and sever group shows with us. Each time totally amazing.
Much of the shows result in a lot of meetings with Brianne. Many times I bring several artist with similar style to the table or an idea for a big themed group show. Once I get here approval I start all the organizing... oh god the organizing.
Some of the shows like the bowling pin or this years "Rad Hatter" show is a lot of work and stress. Getting all the hats for the artist to paint on and then making sure thy get the hats and have them completed on time is always time consuming. Usually when we do a show like that we get the best responses. I don't know what it is but people really like them and it makes it totally worth it.
What is Art in our day and age and how can it be used?
I think too much of art is commercial, but at the same time I don't think its any less art and it is one of the only ways an artist can make a living and fund other work. I think what is sad is that the general public only knows the commercial end. What I do like is that as a result the art that the general public sees is getting edgy and almost less about the product and more about the visual. It does the trick of getting the product etched in your head but its so much more refined then before. It also creates a path for the public to be exposed to an artists "fine art" .
I've been teaching art for over a decade to high school and junior high students and one of my biggest tasks is to bridge the gap between commercial and Fine art ( for lack of a better term) .
As an artist yourself what do see is the value for the individual to express itself artistically?
Thats like asking a fish "what is the value of being able to breath under water?" That's how we survive mentally and spiritually. The ability for a human to carve out a creative identity keeps our minds going and healthy. With out it we just become a drone in the hive.
What kind of Art are you creating and what inspires you?
I think I'm inspired by peoples stories. Everyone has amazing stories, and I love to hear them and many times such stories find themselves into my work .
Right now I'm working on paintings that deal with the concept of masculinity. The definition and value of what is masculine or what it means to be male has varied from generation to generation. I'm interested to see what those variations look like from person to person from age group to age group.
This world seems rather chaotic at times do think Art can clarify certain aspects?
Artist have always been good about holding a mirror up to the culture they are a part of. Sheppard Fairly did that wonderfully with his Obama portrait and the drama that ensued. It was a testimony to how greedy we are as a culture. We all want a piece.
Where do see yourself and TLE 5 years from now?
I'm going to be starting my MFA at PSU this fall in Fine Art. I'm very excited about that. I would like to eventually be teaching at a university and I hope to be doing that in less then five years.
As far as TLE.... they'll keep getting bigger and I hope they will be announcing that they will be taking over the old Red Light building. I also hope to be a part of expanding the empire.
And what shows are coming up next for you and at Tender Loving Empire?
I'm stepping down somewhat as I get my MFA. However I and other curators and artist will continue to bring kick ass shows to the space. Greg of "Hungry Eyeball" curated the opening show and I did "Rad Hatter" this July. You'll have to keep to the website for whose up next, but I can tell you this its going to be rad.
Thanks Sam
go and support your local artists and buisness at
Tender Loving Empire
412 SW 10th Ave (SW 10th and STARK)
Portland, OR 97205
www.tenderlovingempire.com
