Artist Interview: Chris Hajny

Artist Interview with Chris Hajny
by Lindsay Nohl


Meet Chris. He’s the stealthy part of Light Grey Art Lab—the behind-the-scenes guy. He works for Paper Bicycle LLC and Light Grey Art Lab, and spends his free time playing video games, making artwork, petting pets, and hanging out with friends. He is a funny, quick witted, and super tall guy.


Chris, can you describe what you do at Light Grey?

I am the photographer, podcast producer, press contact, dog walker, errand boy, Dungeon Master, and IT support. I also move all the heavy things that need moving and reach all the high things that need reaching.


What are your other claims to fame? (What else are you doing with your days?)

I’m not sure fame is the right word, I try to keep a pretty low-profile. I work as a product designer at Paper Bicycle with all my bestest buds (both of them!). That consists of concepting, design, illustration, pattern making, and production-work.


Tell me a little bit about the art you make? Any favorite subjects? Materials? Themes? Do you have some defaults?

I love drawing, although everything I do ends up digital in the end. One thing I’ve found, which took some time to actually come to understand and appreciate, is that I value mark-making and spontaneity over refinement and precision. I don’t differentiate between sketching and a finished rendering; it’s all just drawing. I try not to treat anything precious. Material-wise I don’t really have any special tools, I’ll draw with (and on) whatever I can find.




Conversely, I also love working with illustrator, where I mainly use the pen tool and mouse. It’s obviously a very different experience than putting pencil to paper, but I enjoy them both.

Subject-wise I tend to make things that are very cute or very ugly, but lately I've been really into on-site observational drawing. People, architecture, nature; it doesn't really matter. I find it soothing and rewarding, which is only odd because I didn't enjoy it much in my younger days.


When you travel, what do you like to do and where do you like to go?

Traveling is a love-hate relationship for me. I hate to plan ahead and think about the bad things that can happen, and all the work I’ll be falling behind on while I’m gone. So getting out the door is the challenge. But once I’m there, I usually fit in and get lost in the experience pretty quick.

I’ve traveled a fair bit and there’s definitely a theme to what I like. I like cold climates. I’ll take mountains, glaciers and bulky jackets over beaches, oceans and swimsuits any day. I also don’t like schedules and plans. I’ve been to Japan a couple times, and I spent my days on the trains without much of a plan (apart from hitting all the arcades) which was great. In Iceland, we rented a car and hit the road with no plans or places to stay. My favorite thing about vacations is discovery; coming across things you didn’t know existed, and you feel like you might be the first to ever see it (even though you are most certainly not).


One of the things that I think is really interesting about you is that when you get into something, you get really into it. For example, the podcast. Or D&D. You also have an encyclopedic knowledge of what’s going on in the videogame industry and encyclopedic knowledge of movies before 2000. How often do you find a new obsession? What kinds of things have you obsessed over in the past?

I’m not sure. I don’t find a new obsession often and I don’t actively look for them, either. I don’t have enough time to spend doing the things I love as it is, so adding more to the mix isn’t something I usually seek out.

But when I do find something I actually care about, I tend to research and learn as much as I can about it as fast as I can. It’s not something I consciously do, I just can’t help myself.

Previously I've been obsessed with Printmaking, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Film & Video, Street Fighter, Hip Hop, and musicals.


I also know that you are a pretty good dancer. How did that happen?

It did not happen. It is a gift. I do not dance, I am but a conduit for the jams to express themselves visually.

What is your favorite song to sing in karaoke?

It was ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’ by Poison, and that song still holds a special place in my heart. But it’s so cliche that some karaoke places won’t even play it. So I guess Meatloaf’s ‘Paradise By The Dashboard Light’ or RUN DMC’s ‘Tricky’ if Ryan Michlitsch will duet with me. Or anything from any musical ever.

Name something that is intense.

Camping. Circuses. Boners.

 

Thank you, Chris!
You can see more of Chris's artwork on his hilariously out-of-date website here and follow his slightly more up to date blog here. 

Artist Interview: Rory Phillips

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, meet Rory Phillips: illustrator, graphic designer, printmaker, animator, and all-around art enthusiast. His work encompasses quite a bit, from character design to typography. You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It will be the third show Rory has participated in here at Light Grey, alongside Macro + Micro, and Girls: Fact + Fiction. His dynamic compositions, detail, and bright color choices are featured in a wide variety of projects, both collaborative and independent.


Rory Phillips, hard at work

How would you describe your work? Your favorite thing to draw?
Magpie-ish, I'm really curious and have a wide range of inspiration that influences my work. Also I am lucky enough to work on a lot of different kinds of projects for a wide range of audiences and that adds a lot of diversity to my work. I say lucky because I really like new challenges, and get bored if I'm not pushing myself. As a graphic designer I'm used to adapting my style to the needs of the client/job and I find I bring that approach into my illustration and printmaking as well. While I know I have a certain style, I think it is process that defines my work more than anything else. My favorite thing to draw are people, they are infinitely interesting to me.

How do you plan your compositions? What’s your sketch process like?
I start by exploring a concept with a bunch of really quick thumbnails in a sketchbook. When I think I have explored the idea enough, I usually do a few more just to be sure. I pick the concept I am most drawn to and I explore it with more thumbnails, these won't be as rough, but I still don't spend more than a minute or two on them. When I get something I like I will start laying out the actual piece using the thumbnail as a reference, this is where I usually struggle with preserving the loose feel of the thumbnail. Once I have that larger sketch I just start rendering it out in what ever medium I'm using.


Progress shot for Rory's You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It piece

What sparked the idea behind the Versus series with Fred DiMeglio? What’s your favorite piece you’ve done so far?
It started when we both attended a WeMake SketchXchange here in Portland that focused on a collaborative project between Jon MacNair and Santiago Uceda. After a few beers that night we decided we should collaborate on a project that; involved the community, was based on screenprinting and got us out of our comfort zone. Soon after we brainstormed over a few more beers and came up with the concept for Versus, a print series of Heroes and Villains each print in the series based off the last print by the other person. To get us out of our comfort zone we decided no computers, everything would be done with a variety of analog screenprinting techniques. To involve the community we decided we wouldn't see each others work and would let volunteers give us four words to base the next print on.

My favorite piece from Versus is probably "The Bad". But I was really excited about the "MS Gundam" print because it was the first time I'd played around with oiled photocopy in my screenprint process. Even though I don't think it's necessarily reflected in the end print, my process was a lot looser and organic, which is something I've been striving for.


"The Bad" by Rory Phillips

What are your top three book recommendations?
Only three!? That is super hard, it probably would vary from day today, but right now. Pattern Recognition by William Gibson, because everything Gibson does is thoughtful and smart, plus it specifically appeals to the designer in me. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, because it's hilarious, and I can recommend two great authors with one book! A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, It probably doesn't need my recommendation but I feel it would be wrong not to big-up it, since I'm reading it again for the third time.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My wild uncle told me when I was a kid something to the effect of "The greatest danger in life is to not take chances". It's advice that I've lived by and it has lead me on many great adventures.

What’s the worst weather you’ve ever had to bike through? The best?
The worst would be during hurricane Georges when I lived in Key West, I foolishly went out in the eye to take some photos and nearly didn't make it back (seriously don't try this at home). I think the best, the one I remember as the best, was one fall night when I lived on Nantucket I left work early and rode through the quiet empty streets. The weather was mild and the leaves were falling, the only light was from the moon. I ended up not going home and riding for hours, it was very peaceful.

What brought you to the quote you chose for the show? Were there any other quotes you considered?
I did consider other sayings like "What is not started will never be finished", or "You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind". Something to help motivate the procrastinator in all of us. But I ended up choosing "Don't let the bastards grind you down" because it felt a bit more punk rock and irreverent, and I wanted to juxtapose that sentiment with something that is stylistically more sweet.


"Wonder Woman Redesign" by Rory Phillips

You’ve done several homage/re-designs of superhero gals, do you have a favorite superhero? Why are they your favorite?
I'm not sure I have a favorite superhero. Though I do really like sequential art, honestly when it comes to superheroes and comics I'm a bit of a dilettante. I've never really read them, I think because I didn't have access to them growing up. But even so they are such a cultural phenomenon I find myself really curious about them. For me those redesigns were more of a subversion of superhero aesthetics that have their roots in lurid boys' own pulp illustration (which I still really like). But I wanted to get away from that and depict characters that visually reflected the strong women I know in my life.

Thanks, Rory!

To see more of Rory's work, check out his website, and don't forget to check out his piece for the upcoming show You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It!

Podcast: Iceland Diaries - Part Three

Lindsay, Chris and Francecsa are back after two adventure-filled weeks in Iceland. The audio diary continues in this third, and final, installment! Thanks to those of you who made it through our entire trip with us! It was a blast!



Download the MP3 or Subscribe via iTunes!

Iceland Diaries - Part Three
Length: 01:56:02
Synopsis: This week is the third, and final, installment of our Iceland Diaries! Francesca, Lindsay and Chris left Jenny in Minneapolis to hold down the LGAL fort for two weeks while they travel around the beautiful and remote Iceland landscape. Not wanting to leave the podcast in the lurch, we've decided to do a series of daily audio-diaries from the road. This week starts picks up where we left off last week in Berufjörður and continues all the way back to good old Minneapolis. Once again, forgive the audio quality and any pronunciation errors as these are the raw, uncut ramblings of some weary travelers!

Artist Interview: Jenny Bookler

Artist Interview with Jenny Bookler
By Francesca Buchko

Meet Jenny Bookler. She is Light Grey Art Lab's collected and very organized Gallery Manager, and one of the best people to talk to for a good thoughtful conversation. Jenny graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Drawing and Painting. She's exhibited, curated and coordinated a number of gallery shows beyond those at Light Grey; check her CV for a full list! Her meticulous attention to craft and detail is apparent at every show's unveiling, whether it's an exhibition of her drawings or it's a show she's curated and hung.

Tell me what an average day at Light Grey is like for you.

My routine actually changes a lot day to day, but I do spend a large portion of my time writing to artists, organizing paperwork, printing artwork, and planning. My favorite days/parts of the day are our meeting and brainstorming sessions (we have some amazing conversations!), recording podcasts, group curating, and installing the shows. Once a month, I spend the entire week installing the upcoming show. It is the first time I can see all of the work together in one space, and it is incredible to see the entirety and fruition of the project. At that point, the opening is so close and it is all about the anticipation before the party- pure celebration.

HOT PARTY opening reception with Allegra Lockstadt and Sarah Julson


You seem to be pretty close to your three sisters. Do you have any stories you could share with us about all of you?
Yes, we are all very close. They are all my best friends and the weirdest, funniest, smartest people on earth. We all like to go on adventures, cook together, and play yard games, but some of my favorite memories involve just laying on the floor and talking.
The last time we were all together was over winter break. We decided it would be a good idea to go on a hike, so we loaded up all of our winterish gear, packed some granola bars and clementines, and found some walking sticks. It also seemed like a good idea to run through the icy forest, climb some trees, and do some karate kicks. I am not sure what happened there- it was just nice to be outside and be ridiculous.

What is your art practice like? Does managing galleries influence your practice in any way? (the kind of work you make because of time, exposure to other artists, etc?)

My art practice is very much studio based. I spend a lot of time at coffee shops reading and writing, but at the end of the day, I enjoy being in a space that is made for making. My studio is organized, but filled with plants, pens, paints, framed work, and stacks of portfolios. It is comforting to have a desk that I can leave projects in mid-progress and messy.

A sketch for the Sketchbook Project 1703 Miles and Back Tour


Being a gallery manager definitely influences my practice. I have less time for making work, but because I am introduced and inspired by new artists everyday, I am more motivated to make work. I am always surrounded by creative people and ideas- it is amazing and humbling.

If you hadn’t pursued art professionally, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
I would be a Chemist. I absolutely love chemistry, balancing acid-base reactions, stoichiometry, and problem solving. I have always liked math, but when I began taking chemistry classes it opened up a whole new field of concepts; you could solve for real elements, figure out what the reaction would be, and what the structure looks like! This is me nerding out.

In another world, I would be a lounge singer.

Who is your favorite artist (and why)?

For the past few years my favorite artist has been Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Felix made incredibly simple, clean, and poetic work, mostly about his love. Francesca got to witness that moment when I got one of his “Untitled” ocean prints from the Walker Art Center. I think I may have shed a tear of happiness.

 

Talking with you about books you’ve read is always great–the subjects you choose are really interesting and you have something great to say about all of them. What’s your favorite book? Or what’s your favorite fiction book and what’s your favorite non-fiction book?

Right now, the more books I read the more I want to read.
A few of my favorites:
Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey

The Spell of the Sensuous by David Abram

Tinkers by Paul Harding
I am currently reading:

Participation by Claire Bishop

Olafur Eliasson (Phaidon)

Is there anybody in your life that you would consider your mentor?

This is actually a tough question. I have several old teachers and people I look up to, but most of my mentors I would consider my friends.

I am always in awe of your patience. Light Grey works with hundreds of artists and puts on a new show every month, but you never appear stressed or worried or frantic. Is there anything you can tell us about keeping calm in the face of chaos?

Thank you. I am really lucky to work with all of you guys- I know I can count on extra support and help with projects. It would not be possible to do by myself.


My answer to being organized = many detailed to do lists, a running calendar, and a high learning curve. Each time we do a project, we spend a lot of time researching and planning, and then the next time around it seems like a piece of cake.

If you had a random day off, what would you do with it?

If I had a whole day off (without office work, laundry, and life things) I would wake up early and do yoga, sip tea, read a book, maybe walk around the lake, have a coffee date with a friend, and make art. Ideal : )

Is there something you’d really like to learn how to do?

I am currently in the process of learning how to make paper, which I have a lot more to learn!

Most of the things I want to know right now are life skills, such as speaking French, publishing a book, doing antigravity yoga,  cooking extravagant meals without fear, building a treehouse, and knitting.

What is the craziest coincidence you have ever experienced?

I cannot think of a single coincidence, so here are a few fun facts instead.

My husband Pat and my initials are PB & J.

My elementary school teacher’s names were Mrs. Couch and Mr. Pillow.

Make Art with Your Sweetheart, Valentine Workshop

What (or who) in this world would you consider your nemesis?

my gut reactions

stress

white food 

Thanks, Jenny!

You can see more of Jenny's work here or follow her tumblr project here

Podcast: Iceland Diaries - Part Two

Lindsay, Chris and Francecsa are still in Iceland this week, and the audio diary continues! A lot of adventures were had and some of the daily recaps got a bit longer overall, so we've decided split week two into two separate podcasts! So look forward to Part Three of the Light Grey Art Lab's Iceland Diaries next week!



Download the MP3 or Subscribe via iTunes!

Iceland Diaries - Part Two
Length: 01:57:56
Synopsis: Week two of our Iceland Diaries! Francesca, Lindsay and Chris left Jenny in Minneapolis to hold down the LGAL fort for two weeks while they travel around the beautiful and remote Iceland landscape. Not wanting to leave the podcast in the lurch, we've decided to do a series of daily audio-diaries from the road. This week starts picks up where we left off last week in Ísafjördur and continues east through Akureyri. Once again, forgive the audio quality and any pronunciation errors as these are the raw, uncut ramblings of some weary travelers!

Sneak Peek: You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It

Let's all get motivated, get back on the horse, put in some elbow grease, and sharpen those pencils!

Next Friday, is the opening reception for You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It. This is a motivational poster show featuring work by a talented group of type-loving designers and illustrators who have taken their favorite motifs, words to live by, and inspirational phrases to create large-scale art prints.

The entire space will be filled with these inspirational beauties! There will also be print give-aways, many words of encouragement, and musical jams to hype our creative enthusiasm. Hope to see you there!

The opening reception is Friday, June 14th from 7pm-10pm. 

You can see more about the opening reception on our facebook event here

Here is a sneak peek at some of the incredible work. The entire collection is available for purchase and viewing on our website and online shop.

>

Love Conquers All by Taryn Gee

The Grass is Greener by Jen Mundy

Take Courage by Blok Magnaye

Reach for the Stars by Leonardo Peng

Ask For Help! by Carey Pietsch

You Will Make It Through the Night by Aimee Fleck

Artist Interview: Teressa Ong

This week we had the pleasure of getting in touch with our Smart show artist Teressa Ong. Teressa currently lives in Singapore although she likes to pretend she's a fish living in a well. Teressa works with a range of medium from 3D Animation to felted toys. She also illustrates children's books and designs astounding characters. Her enticing illustrations are just a sample of her vibrant fun world. It was great to find out more about her process and development as an artist.

 

You’re a graduating animation major, what school did you attend? What was your experience like? 
I'm actually already a graduate! I attended Nanyang Polytechnic for Digital Media Design (Animation), though it was a tough three years of sleepless nights and trying to be friends with 3D softwares, everything was very refreshing for me. I knew close to nothing about animation before I entered [school] and we had lecturers who had been in the animation industry for many years. It was really cool that we got to ask them for advice, critique, etc

What made you start illustrating?
My mum used do lots of crafty things, like making cards, so I guess that is what made my six-year-old self decide to start drawing and be artsy. I only got serious about illustrating when I was in high school, thanks to an incredibly talented friend of mine.

You trade off a lot between traditional and digital mediums. Is there one specific medium that you like working in most for your illustrations? 
It's tough to pick because I love the different mediums all the same! But if I had to choose, it would definitely be watercolours. 

What are you working on right now? How is it different from your past work?
I'm currently messing around with felt to make plush toys and badges that are similar to the characters I draw. If by past work you mean days before polytechnic, then the content differs as well as the mediums and styles of characters. All I drew was semi-manga style people back then.


 

Who/What is inspiring you right now?
There are a lot of artists that I'm inspired by currently, but I'd say Louise Evans aka Felt Mistress since I'm working with felt for now.

What are some other things you enjoy doing?
Besides drawing, I very much enjoy sewing, reading comics and children books, and watching cartoons! If sitting around doing nothing (except listen to music while looking at whatever is going on outside) is counted as a thing, then I'm adding that to the list!

Who would you consider the smartest person you know? 
That would definitely be my younger sister, because she reads the news, is very into literature and knows a lot more than I do in general. I have a mind of a six-year-old. 

What is your work environment like?
It has to be quiet except for music. If I'm dealing with traditional mediums, I like to surround myself with art materials to keep me hyped up about painting, so it's always a big mess. I don't have a proper workspace so I usually hang around the living room or dining area depending on whether I feel like sitting on the floor or the chair.


 



Thank you so much to Teressa for sharing her "mind of a six-year old" with us! Check out her process on her SMART piece "All Hail The Wall." You can also find more of her work on her Website and Tumblr. She also accepts questions on her Ask FM page. Teressa's piece is also available for purchase in the Light Grey Art Lab Shop.



 
Process for All Hail The Wall







All Hail The Wall