Arte Fuse wants our readers to get to know our featured artists outside of gallery mode. I introduce 10 Questions, which will be this informal tidbit that puts the artist into a new spotlight of being relatable and accessible.
First up is Erick Sánchez who is now showing his current series “Dangerous Land” at the William Bennett Gallery in Soho. Being represented by this world- class gallery with collections of artworks by Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, etc. is nothing but short of a coup for this artist.
The William Bennett Gallery is located in the very heart of the SoHo Art District at 65 Greene Street New York, NY 10012-4336. (between Broome and Spring Streets). Gallery Hours: Open Daily, 11am – 7 pm
Enjoy reading about this awesome artist and all around great guy, Erick Sánchez.
ArteFuse – Congratulations on being represented by William Bennett Gallery in Soho. Would you consider this a big boost to your art career?
ES – Thanks Man!! This is a huge step for my career. William Bennett Gallery is one of the most prestigious galleries in SoHo and recognized worldwide for their collection of modern art. They recently expanded their selection of artists and added a few contemporary ones. They are giving me the opportunity to show with them. I feel very proud and excited.
ArteFuse – Your current series is very apocalyptic but you are a very upbeat person. Do you have a dark side that you want to bring out or is this more a social observation?
ES – (LOL) I’m a very upbeat and positive person. I’m trying to do something positive with my art. That’s why I’m working in this new series of apocalyptic landscapes. I give shape to an unstable landscape in danger of disappearing. This body of work is intended to trigger introspection and to create awareness about the consequences of global-warming, industrialization, globalization and other adverse effects of human behavior and the concomitant natural disasters, which extinguish life and nature.
ArteFuse – Being a gallery owner before and exposed to the business side of art. How has this helped you now that you are a full time artist?
ES – My past experience as a galley owner has helped me tremendously. Even though I have so much fun, dancing and singing like a madman while painting; there is also a serious side to my career. When I’m not painting, I’m submitting proposals for grants, residencies and exhibitions in a very professional way. That balance and my past experience in marketing and as a business owner have helped me to be prepared and grow as an artist.
ArteFuse –If there were a time machine, what art period you’d visit and which famous artist that you’d like to meet?
ES – Hmmm… that is a good one! There are many artists and periods that I wish to visit. But you know, the one that I think is fascinating – it’s not too far from today. I would have loved to live in New York as an artist in the 80’s when Jean Michele Basquiat and Warhol were working in Soho. That was also the beginning of the street art movement. I have always been intrigued by that bohemian collaborative way of making art.
ArteFuse – Do you take to heart the accolades or criticisms more seriously that come from either your peers in the art industry or friends and family?
ES – I would definitely take it more seriously from my art community peers. I like to listen to what they think or what they feel when looking at my work. I never take things personally. For me, it is very healthy to take criticism.
ArteFuse – Besides creating art, what other passions do you have and indulge in?
ES – For me, it’s walking around the city and doing exercise. I love to enjoy New York and everything that it has to offer. Concerts, plays, socialize or just a simple walk on the Lower East Side. It’s very good to clear my mind and to pick up new ideas. I also love to roller-blade.
ArteFuse – Would you rather paint what you believe in or paint what you think is trendy or popular?
ES – You have seen my paintings. They are very strong and non-commercial. I really believe in my statement and that’s what shows with what I paint. Now, who really wants to buy these works? (LOL) I would rather starve than paint what is popular.
ArteFuse – Poison of choice at receptions: Beer or Wine?
ES – (LMAO) I usually start with beer and make a switch to red wine. But since I’m not so picky… whatever – it’s free!
ArteFuse – A fun fact that no one knows about your work:
ES – I always write many things on the back of my paintings. But most people won’t notice it or even see it. It is just to express myself.
ArteFuse – The End of the World prediction is around May 2012 – if we wake up to June 1st 2012 – would you make fun of those who believed in it fanatically?
ES – No, I don’t think I would make fun of them. You know what – I don’t know or care if the world is going to end or not in 2012. The only thing I know is that I love my life as an artist even though it’s very hard at times. I live every day to the fullest. And in the meantime, I’m trying to convey a message through my art.
Q & A by: Oscar A. Laluyan
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