KEVIN ROMANIUK answers FADs Q&A’s
Hopefully the first of many Q&A's FAD QUESTIONS
1 When did you start to make art?
I started when I was 15 years old. I had some crappy art supplies and a camera I stole and produced work that can be described as vandalism. That was 1996. This year marks my 10 year retrospective.
2 How did you evolve into a professional artist?
Evolution takes time. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day.
3 What drove you to make art as a professional vocation?
There comes a point in life when you realise that you are in jeopardy of having nothing to contribute to society. At that moment it becomes a matter of sink or swim.
4 Explain your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from misunderstandings. I often see something or read something and misunderstand it. Also people often misunderstand what I am doing, which gives me many new ideas. Everything good always comes from failure.
Mark Twain stated “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority it is time to pause and reflect.”
5 In what way does your inspiration transform into ideas?
Usually fairly directly. If I get inspired, and I emphasize if, I like to translate that into a project or piece quickly. You have to remember that come this time next year I could be dead so there is no point in waiting.
6 From Ideas to production of art – how? And why?
I make my work to be seen. Anyone that says that they create just for themselves is lying. If that were true you would just keep everything in your head and be happy. It’s my communication with the world. You can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.
7 Could your ideas be portrayed in any other medium? If so which?
I suppose they could but why bother? When things work it is best not to over think. There is something to be said for quitting while you are ahead.
8 Which artists would you most like to blatantly rip off?
I think I do a good job of ripping off Martin Parr and Richard Prince, but I would like to start ripping off Weegee in the future.
9 Why is your art made?
mainly due to mental illness and decisions made earlier in life.
10 What does being an artist mean to you?
I like to think of myself as more of a craftsman. Ironically, I think the term artist can sometimes be limiting. Its best not to dwell on terms.
11 Are you happy with your reasons for making art? i.e Are there any trade offs that make life hard?
I’m in it for the history, not the money.
12 When does your art become successful?
Several decades after you die, so you better be thinking of a legacy project.
13 What is art?
I’m not going to do the hard work for you.
14 How do you start the process of making work?
You have to approach it as a job so I try to clock in a few hours everyday. That food isn’t going to put itself on the table.
15 Who prices your work? And how is the price decided upon? 16 What is your next; move,project,show etc?
I am working on a trilogy of films based around the three things that scare north americans the most. drugs, homosexuals, and women. I am also producing a visual representation of every song Prince recorded between 1980 - 1990. That is over 90 in total. He was a very prolific artist.
17 What are the pros and cons of the art market? 18 Which pieces would you like to be remembered for?
All of it. In today’s society I don’t think it matters. The jackass is celebrated just as much as the genius. Good or bad, lay it all out there and let it sort itself out.
19 Any routine in making your artwork? If so what?
My production methods are spotty at best. That being said, I work hard at it. A job is still a job by any other name. I think the most important thing is to just keep producing work anyway you can. Today that is easier than ever.
20 What has been the biggest break in your career?
I don’t think that happens anymore. Not in today economy.
21 Who has been the biggest influence on you?
Even if I knew that I probably wouldn’t admit it in public. I think most people spend a good part of their time trying to disassociate themselves with their real influences. A lot of influences are bad or at least embarrassing.
22 How many artworks have you given away and to whom?
Anyone who will take them. I make my work to be seen.
More of KEVIN ROMANIUK' work here LINK THE KEVIN ROMANIUK SITE
