It was a real pleasure to drop by Austin Eddy’s studio this past June prior to the Young Space exhibition CONVEYOR during Greenpoint Open Studios, and I’m happy to share some thoughts and work from him here on the site! Check out the links afterward, especially Instagram where you can also follow along with his curatorial endeavors!
Can you tell me a little bit about you?
I am from Boston Mass, I went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I received my BFA in painting and drawing in 2010, since then i have been maintaining a rigorous studio practice and running an alternative space called EDDYSROOM. Most recently, I curated two abstract painting shows in Milwaukee and Sweden.
When did you first discover art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
I think it was when I was really young, I think early record art and comic books got me really into drawing.
And I think graffiti got me more into painting.
What do you like most about working where you do?
I think there is a lot of energy in NYC, and think that energy works itself into the studio.
What ideas are you exploring in your practice?
I have been interested in play in the paintings, also have been focusing on the breaking down of representational images into more general forms to try and express feeling and mood.
Is there any subject or theme you’ve been particularly interested in lately?
I have been rather interested in abstraction and abstracting the figure lately. Mostly paintings of birds and boys riding birds.
Do you have a day job or other work that you split your time between?
I freelance as an art handler at a gallery in NYC as well as The New York Historical Society.
Do you recall a piece of advice that has influenced your practice?
Not to be afraid of change.
Is there any piece of advice you would offer to others?
Keep going, it only gets harder.
What does it mean to you to have a “community?”
A place with people who are open to discussion and offer support and critical feedback. I think community is what makes the world go round. Working in isolation is quite lonely.
What is your studio like?
I’d like to think it is pretty clean and organized. The floors are painted white, and there are African textiles around.
Do you have any routines or rituals in the studio that get you into the mode or mindframe to make your work?
I tend to watch horror movies to get into the zone.
How significant has attending art school been on your practice?
I think it was rather important. It was a serious gateway into history, and I find history super important.
How would you define “success” in art?
Success is always fluid, but I think the ability to go and make work that engages you everyday is pretty good.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve done or accomplished so far, related to your work?
I think the most exciting thing I have been able to accomplish with the work is the ability to keep making it.
Are you involved in any collaborative or self-organized projects?
I ran an alternative gallery space out of my coat closet in an old apartment. Now, it exists as a nomadic curatorial project.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a solo show for SoCo that will open in Jan 2019.
Find more at austineddy.blogspot.com and on Instagram @austin.eddy or @eddysroom!
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