RED DE LEON

Name: Red de Leon
Age: 35
Country: USA
Website: http://990000.com

At which age did you start creating art? And why do you feel compelled to create?

I hate the word art. But I've been taking pictures since 2001. I took a photography class in school once, but I didn't really start obsessing over it until just recently.

I take pictures because I want to learn more about how we are manipulated by what we see. Photography is basically about making other people see the world the way you see it, which is very interesting.

What are you inspired by? And who do you look up to?

I'm inspired by obsessive people, but I look up to people who get things done. I love people who try to figure things out, instead of just talking about it and going in circles.

Which influential artist would you like to ask for advice?

I usually prefer to watch people work rather than ask them questions. Words are hard to trust. I think I would like to watch Martin Margiela work.

If you had to put up one piece of artwork on your wall and stare at it for a year, who would it be by and why?

If I had to stare at one piece of artwork, I would have to choose a work of sculpture, like Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. But I would put it outside on the street so I could also watch all the people who would come to see it.

Tell us about your creative process.

It's pretty simple. I just imagine what I want, then I try to make it.

Do you ever find weird connections between life and art?

There should really be no distinction between life and art, so, yes. And no.

As an artist, are you Technical or passionate?

I think those two things are not mutually exclusive. You can lose yourself in your work while still being meticulous. It's important to be precise, especially when you feel passionate about something. But it is more important to remember that technical perfection does not make the work good.

“A wrong note in Beethoven is better than a bad interpretation.”

--Erika Kohut (The Piano Teacher, dir. Michael Haneke)

How do you determine when a work is finished? Or is it ever finished?

Unfortunately, the world tells me when it's time to stop working on something. But in a way, all of my work is one big project that will never be finished.

Do you think there are boundaries you would never cross in your art making?

I'm not really intro crossing boundaries. I like bending them.

What frightens you most about your art?

That it is as worthless as a urinal.

Do you have any magic cures for creative blocks?

Closing my eyes.

Do you dream about your artwork?
Not really. I mostly have flying dreams.

Which of your own works are you most proud of/ is most meaningful to you and why?
I think I'm most proud of the first picture I ever took in photo class, because it came out. Haha.

Which art mediums and brands do you prefer to use?

Anything that works.

What kind of art education do you have? Do you think it is important?
I have a degree in architecture. Yes, education is very important. But it can be in anything, as long as it's good.

What kind of career do you ultimately want? And what kind of career do you think you'll end up having (or already have) realistically?

I'm not sure. All I know is that I will always want what I cannot have and I always get farther than I think I can. Who knows where I'll end up?

Is your family supportive of your art? Who influenced and nurtured your creativity most?

Absolutely. They are my number one fans. When I was a kid, all I did was draw. And every time I ran out of paper, my mom would hand me a new sketch pad before I could ask for another one.

Which direction do you see your art heading in the future?

Obliquely. Always obliquely.

Who are some of your heroes outside of the visual art stream?

Barack Obama, Batman, Bach, Borges, Brigitte Bardot , Beethoven, Bettie Page, Balanchine