The PROJEKT

Artist Proof Interview with Artist: Natasha Wescoat

Global Location: US

Shop: http://www.zazzle.com/natashawescoat

AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start?

NW: I’ve been making art constantly since age 3. Age 5, I was inspired to start drawing comic cartoons. Someone gave me the crazy idea that I could have my own comic in the newspaper, and I never stopped trying.

AP: Where do you currently live and work ? And how does this influence your work?

NW: Back in my home state of Michigan, and I have a studio in my own home. I have the freedom to prance down to my studio whenever I feel the urge to create or get to work. The environment of my town is stress-free and I have no distractions. I like to work, uninterrupted.

AP: Did you have formal training if so what? If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training?

NW: When I started high school, I took every art class I could, even twice. Then I had about 6 years of college education in fine art and art history. I think a balance of both is so important. Not only for skill building but for perspective and discipline. Its like weight training. You need a partner or coach sometimes to help you reach past a comfort zone or level you wouldn’t be able to push through on your own. An education can really push you past your limits and humble you.

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?

NW: I have my own studio at home, so I don’t have the hassle of driving somewhere. I’ve had a studio in many different places. My favorite has been at a cabin up in the Malibu canyons. The drive along the PCH to my studio every morning was invigorating and painting outside near the mountain edge was breathtaking. I’ve had it all but staying in one spot is nice. Driving is too frustrating if you are restricted by time constraints or have deadlines to make.

AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date?

NW: I don’t think I’ve had any favorite design projects or exhibitions yet. I think the most fun project I’ve worked on was in 06,’ when I created special paintings for a family that ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition were building a house for. That was cool.

AP: What is your medium of choice?

NW: Acrylics. Golden acrylics in particular.

AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work?

NW: My subject matter is very whimsical, and that’s apparent throughout all of the work I’ve done since age 7 when my characters were becoming more developed. I have a hyperactive personality and so impatience and energy actually influence my work heavily. I work really fast, as my viewers have experienced on http://www.justin.tv/postmodernartist. I can paint something really intricate in a matter of an hour. I don’t really sketch out or plan my work. It’s in my minds eye and spontaneously done. My mistakes are corrected as I go, and I like to create pictures that are fluid. Characters that are moving. Landscapes that look like they pulsate. It’s because I create almost like my hands are dancing, moving independently of the subject. The subject has to bend to my energy’s will, HAHA!

AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years?

NW: I want to do more character work, more illustrative work and see it expand into a large brand. Something all ages love. Something you see on all kinds of products. If only I could follow the kind of career Takashi Murakami has, that would be cool.

AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011?

NW: I’m finishing up a children’s book for an author in the UK. I also am doing some exciting things that involve showing my art and talking about it but I can’t say just yet!

AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.

NW: I wake up, check emails and my Face book Page (http://www.facebook.com/natashawescoat) while I’m doing cardio on my bike. After, I go down stairs to my studio, print out print orders, package COAs and documents for sold paintings and prepare them for shipment. For a few hours, I work on custom commissioned pieces, and then start a few new paintings. I might live stream my paintings for an hour and talk to viewers. Then I check emails and pages after lunch. Maybe tweet some good stuff (http://www.twitter.com/natasha) and share what I’m working on. After work, I head to the gym and lift weights. Then its home to make myself some dinner and watch some Anime or movie. Then I do some blog writing and head to bed with a nice book on my ereader!

AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.