David Wien Interview

June 24, 2010

INTERVIEW:

Name / age / location / website etc…
David Joseph Wien, 29, Portland Oregon,www.davidwien.com, earth

Please talk a lil’ bit about the general idea behind your new
series of works for “The bigger picture” opening june 24th, 2010 at
together gallery?

Well, basically there is a visual concept, and there are a few themes that the work is based on. Visually, since the space is two walls, I saw these as two different opportunities for effect. So one side is strictly brown and white, and the other side has a more liberal (anything goes) color pallet.

I chose the title “The Bigger Picture” because i like the different ways to read into the phrase, especially in regards to an art show. Also, i wanted to make some really big pictures which kind of didn’t happen.. But i like the title because it makes me laugh and i really don’t want to come across as taking anything too seriously. Anyway, my goal for the body of work on display was to make an attempt to re-write, or re-claim the concept of the Garden of Eden – and our place in it as humans. However, i have noticed that i really am not able to make a series of work about only one thing. For me, the process of creation has its own will, and each piece is about something different just as each moment seems to have its own magic.
nah mean?

You are from Vermont, can you tell us a bit about that and how you
arrived here in Portland?

I arrived in Portland wearing a paper crown and a bathrobe, pushing a shopping-cart carrying a duckbill plattapuss that was laughing at me.

What’s your thoughts on the art scene here in p-town?

Kind of don’t know how to answer that question. I think i wish it was more integrated. Like, there are all these tiny scenes that are little universes, but they don’t even touch each other. All right here in this tiny city. It is fun here though, there are so many venues for creativity, there are too many events for any one person to be able to attend. There are SO many creative people in this town, its pretty nourishing…

If i were to come visit, what would we do?

Dude if you came over we would probably do some hill-bombing in my new hood, hang out in my new backyard and have target practice with the slingshot.

If you had an unlimited budget and time was not an issue, what grand
artistic vision would you look to bring to life?

Dang yo, there are a few of those going on the list, probably top three are still:

- outdoor skateboardable nature trail with skateable sculptures

- animated films with soundtracks

- the ultimate treehouse

Whats an average day like for you?
Dude pretty mellow, I work an early morning job, get done around noon, either nap or drink coffee, hopefully skate if possible, make love to my woman, make art, dream, repeat.

What do you consider your biggest overall influence?

very hard to answer. possibly the Bossert Folk Art book Mark gave me, I consider that my bible.

Do you collaborate?

Not so much! I would be impossible to work with. I should know it is impossible to work with myself… actually I think Adam Zeek and I might paint a big mural later this summer. stay tuned for that…

I hear you paint naked? is this true?

Come on who told you?! spies

yes when it is that hot i do

Do you listen to music while painting/drawing? If so, do you have a
current favorite that inspires?

I’m all over the place there. Last week was Juvenile and Desmond Dekkar. Really the best thing for me has been my lady reading to me whilst i paint. She has been reading me this book called “Rubicon Beach” by Steve Erickson. its amazing

coffee, tea, beer, whiskey?

yes please

What drew you towards art making, who, what, where, when why?

Its more like i just always was doing that, was always drawn to other people who make art, then i realized that i could make art to replace schoolwork, and i had some very encouraging teachers. My best homies from Vermont, Mike Nevin and Scott Lenhardt have always been involved with art since before any of us can remember- and the community here is so stimulating! As for why- dude i just cant answer that right now..

Interests outside of art making?
I want to start a band

Do you make a living off art or what, how do you pay the bills?

Naw dawg, I’m working on that, but not working on it too hard. just making art and keeping it fun. Lots of people tell me they like my art, but not a lot of people buy it. I’ll just keep making art all the same. I like having a job so that I’m not totally stressed about my art paying the bills you know?

Whats next? Summer plans? 5 year plans? next 5 minutes?

Just cant wait to coast out the rest of the summer. Gonna do a little travellin’, gonna do some campin’, gonna do lots of skatin’, i expect to get very tan. no other plans.

Thanks?
Yeah man, thank you, thanks to the EYE, huge thanks to Christina, and to Adam Zeek for helping with my frames. Jeez and thanks to anyone who may have made it through this whole interview!

-D