Artist Proof Interview with Artist: Mark M. Mellon
Global Location: Las Vegas, NV, US
AP Shop URL: http://www.zazzle.com/MarkMellon
Mark M. Mellon has been painting and creating artwork since 1996. After leaving school in 1998, he decided that learning the disciplines of being an artist worked best when it was self taught. He studied and learned through using books, information online and learning from local artists, writers and philosophers. Not only about art and it’s history, but also immersing himself into independent study of philosophy, psychology, mythology as well as just simply trying to live life as a human. Working in various and media, his work reflects surrealistic, abstract and expressionistic values with a presence all it’s own. The artist has shown in Nevada and California in group and solo exhibitions through out his career. He is currently working and residing in Las Vegas, NV.
AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start.
MM: I have been creating for as long as i can remember. There have always been stories i would make up in my head for that to me were more real than reality it self. Life always seemed to me not what it was supposed to be, like something was missing (or hidden), so by creating my own alternative story line to it just made sense… Eventually I started drawing characters for this new world. Eventually I discovered the world of fine art, painting and all else that art was. This began my fascination with being an artist and to know for sure that is who/what i was, an artist.
AP: Where do you currently live and work ω And how does this influence your work.
MM:Currently I am living in Las Vegas, NV with my fiancé and my daughter. I moved here about 15 years ago, with my family from Pittsburgh, PA. I have asked myself the question of ‘How does this place influence me..?’ a lot. And I honestly have never came up with a definitive answer. I do not paint or portray the casino life, I do not represent the night life, in actuality my work has nothing to do with this city at all. I have left this city several times, always finding myself back. There is something about this place, not the city but the location I feel I like and that is why it has been considered home. Perhaps it is the fake-ness of the city it self, or the fact that man built a city in a location that is not even habitable to itself. Drives out to the mountain areas, the desert or the dried lake beds are time of centering your mind and finding peace from the quiet and the calmness of these areas. These moments are what I have found inspires a lot of what I do.
AP: Did you have formal training if so whatω If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training.
MM: I did not go to art school. I was planning on attending school in New York, but when I received my acceptance letter, I decided that was not the path. There are times I wish I did go, perhaps for the networking or the connection with your contemporaries, but those times are short lived. I do not regret my decision. I believe life itself can be the only teacher for art and if you are genuine and are disciplined enough to learn and grow with art skill on your own then there really is no need to have those giant bills of school that you will probably never pay off. Being independent has more rewards in my opinion. You become your own person, rather than what your peer or your instructors mold you to be.
AP: Can you tell us about where you make your work is it in your house, a studio etc.. and how it effects your work.
MM: I have had several studios in the last few years. One place my work was outside and I actually enjoyed that, slightly. Was more organic. Another studio I had a while ago, I converted my entire apartment into a studio…And even rented and lived in a studio in our arts district here in LV, but out of those where I had lots of room I created hardly next to nothing… Another studio I had where I actually was able to work was small, working on larger pieces or even paintings were just out of the question.. In that studio I began work on my watercolor series and this is where I began to find the voice and style I had been searching for. For a long time I hated that small room, but it gave birth to who I was. Where I am at now is good, it is the best of both worlds in my opinion. I have made room in our garage to work. It is set up where I can work freely and just completely zone out. I think the best studios are not ones you force to be the best possible studio, but the least likely suspects.
AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date.
MM: Well, that is tricky. I love almost every project I do. If i don’t, I destroy it and start over. My pen and ink series of abstract drawing of satellite images of the city has been a favorite of mine, and also a new series on canvas I am working on for my upcoming solo show inJanuary of 2012.
The last group show I was involved in was probably my favorite of all I have done over the years, exhibited @ Twelve 21 Gallery here in vegas, it was a chance to take charge and really be more involved with the show and gallery, not to mention work with other artists whose work I respect.
AP: What is your medium of choice.
MM: Acrylic and oil pastel… Pen and Ink…. Watercolor…. whatever gets the ideas out.
AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work.
MM: The content could not be there with out the technique. I think we as artists strive forever to find that perfect balance and to find that perfect blend of techniques that create who you are and what your pieces can be remembered for.
Technique and content I would say are like the Yin and the Yang.
AP: Who are some of the artists that have inspired you and or your work.
MM: All of them. There are too many, really. And honestly, about 5 years ago I decided to stop studying all these artists that I loved. I felt it was just getting in the way of myself becoming the artist who I was meant to be. I have great respect for many artists with whom made my work what it is. But the artists that I love the most have/had great ideals and great philosophies behind their work and behind themselves.
AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years.
MM: I am working hard to find myself in more galleries and find new audiences. I would like to see my work recognized internationally and be that inspiration to younger artists in the next generations.
AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011.
MM: I am in a couple group shows of this year, one @ Twelve 21 Gallery and another at Black Bird Studios Gallery.
I am gearing up for a solo show in January at Black Bird Studios Gallery.
AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.
MM: Rinse. Pour. Repeat.
AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
