By Craig Chapman
Olivia Rogers is the kind of artist that stirs our inner-punk rock child wildly… Her DIY approach to art is a refreshing one, and her ‘no rules’ attitude is one we wish every artist would hold on to as they mature and grow in to their own.
Olivia’s current obsession with ‘glitch art’ is one we can relate to, being producers of video content we run in to glitches here and there everyday. And while we normally correct them, we felt it fitting to enhance them further in the video interview she nervously yet excitedly gave to us. We also had a little chat afterwards that you can read below.
If you’re a collector or admirer of art we suggest you do like we did and invest in a little something of hers now…
How has your process of being an artist changed through your life?
When I was nine I used crayons and such. I was unaware of fancy materials and probably shouldn’t have been using them anyway. Since then the main thing that has changed me is the way I think and the tools I use. I try to not have any limits to my thinking and try to never excuse a good idea.
With so much being digital, transferrable, and altered or reused and posted anywhere.... Why do u go back to picking up a brush and painting?
Its a wonderful escape from the digital realm, its just so common these days for people to be using the Internet, its so easy you can even reach it through your cell phone. All this information is shooting thru the air all around us. We can see it and sometimes we can’t see it. Digital and computer art is beautiful and everything, and I use it quite a lot. But painting brings you back when all this technology didn’t exist, where visiting far away friends was more exciting because you didn’t have Facebook to keep yourself connected to their everyday life. Things just seemed more genuine and exciting without all this new stuff. I also like the idea of my art only being one thing, and not so easily duplicated by the computer. The uniqueness means a lot to me.
Do u have a preference?
While I create computer art and enjoy doing so, my heart is in the traditional methods. Drawing, painting, despite all the brushes you can find in a painting program, there are far less materials to experiment with.
As a new artist how are u finding your audience? Do u paint with a certain viewer in mind or to a certain type of person?
At the art institute of Chicago, I am constantly around peers; some will become notable artists of our future generations. I'm meeting these people and creating with them. I plan to apply for some galleries this year, and to attend many more shows and network. In Florida I’ve been hanging my artwork at the EGAD Art Lab, I’ve met many people through those shows as well.
What is the best method of marketing yourself as an artist?
I’m no expert so I’m not sure what the best method is, but I guess what I strive to do everyday is expand my knowledge of my materials and my surroundings, just become better and more satisfied with my work, and store more experiences in my head so I can look at them later. After using my visions and ideas in my work, I try to find a place where other people can see it, whether it be the Internet or in a gallery space.
By going school for art, what do you hope to gain from school that you can't just gain from experience?
Connections. It’s all about meeting and remembering people. Also, my professors are all artists who are very unique and very good. They have interesting perspectives and have acquired more experience than their students and they are there to share that information.
Do you have any ideas in motion for new projects or series?
I’m thinking of starting a comic book. I’ve always wanted to and I don’t think I can put it off anymore. As far as paintings go, I’m not sure, but it’s going to happen soon. Things kind of just hit me and are executed before I have time to talk about them.
How big of a roll does music play a part in your art?
When music is played in a room that was once silent, it instantly provides atmosphere to the room. The concept of something changing the mood of an entire space is what inspires me in my work. I want to create paintings that will make you feel like you do when you play your favorite song. I want my art to be so epic it can reduce someone to tears, without it having to be portraying something sad. I’m not saying my art DOES do this. But its what I’ve been trying to accomplish recently. Sound is really really fucking powerful, its nice to hear music while painting. I pick an 'epic song' and have just put the song on repeat while making a piece, trying to capture that feeling in my paintings.
And finally a typical question for an artist, what inspires you?!?!
Music, art, fashion magazines, movies, comics, flowers, dramatic action sequences, the weather… lots of good stuff.
