IN CONNECTION WITH OUR RECENT EDITION “DECK OF CARDS FOR PLAYING CARD GAMES ETC…” BY RYAN TRAVIS CHRISTIAN, WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF ASKING THE ARTIST BEHIND THE WORK A FEW QUESTIONS...

What do you think of when you think of cards? And what are your thoughts on a deck of cards as an art object / edition?

I’ve always thought cards are cool. I played a ton of cards with my folks growing up. Casino games and magic have also always been attractive to me. I’ve always thought it amazing the variety of games people have conjured up using the almighty deck of cards. You can win/lose money, get your friends clothes off, or even cut a banana with em, color me impressed! Honored to have my own deck.

Most people know you for your distinct monochromatic graphite drawings, though recently large scale paintings (in color!) are making their way into your practice. How did you initially find your style, and what has sparked the recent interest in paint and color?

Growing up I was always a huge fan of rubber hose style animation, so I think I wanted to keep that style going especially in a time where computers reign and everything is some sort of digital eye sore. I like the contrast. I liked the funkiness. I feel like that’s all gone now. The large, colorful, paintings are just a result out of a need to grow. I became discontent with only making small, monochromatic, works on paper. So now I’m in strange territory…. Unfamiliar with the medium, the scale, color arrangements, it’s all very exciting to me and I’m learning a lot.

You used to have your favourite comedians do live sets at the end of your exhibitions. Tell us about that, and how comedy plays a role in your life and work.

I’ve always just found stand up fascinating and “I love to laugh”, like most anyone else. At some point around 2010 I got into the idea of making my own fun. Like instead of finding something to do when I get where I’m going, I’ll just put together the thing that I would want to see most, and go to that.

I try to keep my work humorous, lots of the images are just simply jokes. I think there’s a lack of that in the art world.

In 2011 you did an exhibition titled “RTC and…” consisting of 12 works on paper made in collaboration with a group of 10 other artists. Eddie Martinez, Ted Gahl, and Chris Duncan were in the mix to name a few. You would start a piece, leave it unfinished, and ship it off to a collaborator for them to finish it. The exhibition resulted in a body of beautiful pieces fusing your personal style with the styles of the respective collaborators. Have you always been drawn to collaborate?

I'd say so. Collaborating, for better or worse, is fun. It forces you to work in a way you normally wouldn’t and naturally, you learn from that. That was a long time ago and sadly I haven’t found time to do more. Maybe the time is now? Anyone want to make drawings together?

Entering your studio, one is first met by a wall of art. Frames and canvases arranged from floor to ceiling with works by great artists from around the globe. Why do you collect art, and do you find it important to be surrounded by it?

I’ve always been a big purveyor of paying back into the art world and supporting other artists. I’ve been supported by many artists throughout the years and know first-hand how beneficial and positive it can be No one appreciates art more than artists. That, paired with my addictive personality has resulted in a pretty healthy collection. Plus, I have all this interesting stuff surrounding me instead of abysmal, mass produced, chain store wall decor.

What’s your takeaway from this collaboration, and what’s next for RTC?

That we should do another! Haha.. Ive got two solo shows coming up this year both in New York. A handful of group shows around the world and my 8th? Release with allrightsreserved will also be coming out as well!