Read the full interview in issue two.

How would you describe your work?

The most difficult question. Aesthetically it is what it looks like, a mishmash of competing colors, styles, eras, and geometry; conceptually it tends to be the package I wrap my worst fears or paranoid thoughts I’m having at that particular moment in. Painting is a way for me to crystallize my neurosis in an attempt to confront it and get a little power back. I try hard to be carefree but my mind tends to run through all of the worlds worst-case scenarios. Making art is the best therapy for me.

What influences your work?

Reading and learning. I spend a great deal of time researching anything and everything that catches my interest. Much of it finds it’s way in my work in some form or another.

How did you get into the vinyl toy craze?

I had been approached several times about doing toys, but I was pretty apprehensive about it.  Nothing I do tends  to be an easy decision for me. I had to think about all of the variables from my principles to the paying of bills before I finally decided I would get involved. To be honest, I really enjoy looking at them but on a personal level I am opposed to conspicuous consumption. On the other hand I can see why people enjoy them.

Do you see yourself making another toy series like your Life inVentsville?

It’s a possibility and we’ll see what happens.

You have been commissioned to do a lot of larger scale work; is there any one that sticks out in your mind, or really enjoyed?

Yes, earlier in the summer I painted a really large mural in the hallway of a couple’s house in Topanga CA. The house and settings were amazing and because I was staying there for a couple of weeks to do the work I really got to know them. I think what surprised them most was my work ethic. I put in about two and half weeks at least 12 hours a day without taking a day off. I think it worried them a bit, but the truth is that is my normal routine. All in all, it was a really great experience. I could go on about all of the great little moments I had there but I don’t want to bore anyone.

What is the process you go through while creating a new piece?

Generally I do a lot of drawings about whatever it is I am thinking about and I will later go through these and pick out things I think will make interesting compositions.

What are you currently working on?

I’m kind of a restless person and I’ve decided on a whim again, to move. I will most likely spend the next several months bouncing around drawing, hanging out with friends and just taking stuff in before I settle on a new place to hole up for a while and work. I will be in roam for a group show in November, then San Francisco for a group show at Whitewalls in December and possibly go check out the art fair in Miami this winter. I’m really looking forward to purging myself of most of my possessions again and just flying free for a while.

Is there anything you are hoping to experiment with in the future?

Once I leave behind my daily routine and the comfort of security I suspect new ideas and working methods will happen. Whatever my next body of work looks like I suspect it will be different than what I’ve been doing for the last few years.

What would you consider your most significant accomplishment?

Making a modest living through my hands for over a decade.

When did you first see art becoming a career for you?

I’ve always felt that making art chose me. She is my soul mate and even though we have our issues I could never leave her.

You seem to create a lot of your art on wood rather than tradition canvas; is there any particular reason for this?

From the very beginning I’ve almost exclusively used what ever I find or what is at hand. Just my opinion but it seems silly to me to buy more crap when you are trying to make something.

Any other comments or tidbits?

Yes.  To all of my peers, friends and foes, I love you all and I wish you the greatest success in all of your endeavors, especially to those of you who I haven’t had the most positive history with.

www.damonsoule.com