ART: GARRETT WICKS
Using recycled paper, Garrett Wicks, his own breed of creates visually stunning paintings. He tells RAW about his process. RSVP to see his paintings live at the Los Angeles RAW showcase on Friday, March 12th!
How did you first get started as an artist?
I first got started doing art as a young child and was encouraged by my family to keep developing and practicing my art. I won a few elementary art shows and took art through junior high and high school and then majored in illustration at Cal State University Long Beach.
From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I draw my inspiration from several areas; first, my friends and family (as I tend to use them as my models for my portraits) second, my travels (as commentary or point of view) and third, nature (color combinations).
How would you describe your work?
My work is "green." I have been practicing green art for over 20 years. I currently use recycled magazines to create my work. I use a collage technique and my goal is to use a one dimensional medium, in this case, paper and use it in a more painterly way giving it the same type of movement and layering as paint tends to have when applying it on canvas.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the challenge that it provides me and also another method with which to communicate thoughts comments and ideas.
Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art?
I draw inspirations from several other art forms mostly music, film, architecture.
From start to finish, explain your process; what does a typical art-making day look like for you?
Well for me, I start with a concept of what I want my piece to say. I might research or take several pictures or start on several drawings of composition. Then, it's about figuring out my color and collecting the color through rummaging through several magazines and drawing out the final layers of highlights, medium light, medium, medium dark, and low lights. Then, cut and paste and glue it all together as one large puzzle.
What sort of techniques do you most like working with?
I mostly enjoy all techniques as long as I am able to do them by hand.
Anything you hope your viewers will take away with them after seeing your paintings?
Well, art is as much objective as it is subjective. So, I would hope that the viewer derives there own feelings of my work but would hope that they can start to see art in every day things and challenge them to find new uses for them as well.
Are there any art movements that strongly inform and influence your work?
Dadaism, pop, modern, post modern, contemporary.
Any previous exhibitions/collaborations that you are most proud of?
I have won several awards though the PVAA and have shown at several local galleries in the San Gabriel valley as well as a large group show in Hollywood.
Favorite thing to do outside of making art?
My favorite thing outside of art is to travel.
Why showcase at RAW?
I enjoy being one of many artists showing at a night that focuses and highlights the many faces of art.










