Interview with
Artist Randy Souders
A compilation questions and
answers from various television, newspaper and magazine interviews
Q. Where do you find your subject matter?
A. Everywhere! Like all artists, I take inspiration from the world around me.
Sometimes,I'll paint a place or thing that really exists. But more often than not,
Ill just invent my own scene right out of my head. I usually like the results
better-- there just seems to be more of me in them.
Q. So youre saying these places dont always exist?
A. Thats right. I get a big kick out of inventing these imaginary places-- and then
have people tell exactly where they are. Some people even swear theyve been there
before. All I can figure is that we must be on the same 'wavelength' or something.
Q. Your paintings are so real. You must depend on photographs a lot?
A. Surprisingly not. Sometimes theyre necessary for technical reference-- or if
Im doing a portrait of an actual place or thing. But I prefer getting
rid of them as soon as possible. They have a nasty habit of dictating things
to me-- and I usually find the result to be less satisfying. When I do rely on a photo, I
try to use it as a tool instead of a crutch. There are a lot of
'pretend artists' out there blowing up photos, coloring them in, and passing them off as
original art. I assure you, you could lock me in a cell without any kind of
reference material and I could still produce the same type and quality paintings you see
here.
Q. That brings up the topic of originality. What are your feelings about this
subject?
A. Unfortunately, I think the creative process is under attack worldwide. The decline of
original thinking, plagiarism, reverse engineering, and the outright theft of creative
ideas is becoming pandemic. Being an avid collector of quotes, I hereby offer the
following...
· Insist on yourself; never
imitate. --Ralph Waldo Emerson
· To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic. --Pablo
Picasso
· When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.
--Eric Hoffer
· There is much difference between imitating a good man and counterfeiting
him.-Benjamin Franklin
· Men are so constituted that every one undertakes what he sees another successful
in, whether he has aptitude for it or not. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
· The only good imitations are those that poke fun at bad originals. -- François
de La Rochefoucauld
A good way to know if youre plagiarizing is if you constantly hear, Oh, this
looks like so-and-sos work. The marketplace may be a good gauge of
popularity-- but not necessarily of originality. Often, the artist
who cashes in on a new style or movement is not always the one who invented
it. You have to work constantly just to stay one step ahead of the hacks and copy-cats.
All artists take inspiration from the work of others. But, I think if you 'borrow' a
concept or technique, you must add something very new to the recipe. I think that
contribution gives you the right to call yourself an 'artist.'
Q. One thing that really sets your works apart is that they are extremely well crafted.
A. Well, being the "quote-aholic" I am, Ill again let others make my
point for me...
· Trifles make perfection, and
perfection is no trifle. --Michelangelo
· God is in the detail. --Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.
I think the degree of difficulty and workmanship in my paintings is pretty obvious. I
mean, you can see I just didnt set up a fan and throw paint into it. If nothing
else, I want people to know I gave it everything I had. Picasso said, 90% of genius
is sweat. Ive got the 90% of sweat-- Im just trying to find the
remaining 10% of genius.
Q. Another thing that sets your work apart is that a cat appears in all your
paintings... why?
A. This is really pretty stupid-- but like most things, I backed into this as well. My
early paintings were quite stark, abandoned, lifeless looking places. After awhile, I
decided I ought to put something alive and breathing in them. So I began
sticking an old tom-cat into some of my paintings. I was amazed at how many people
commented on him. I thought that if they were that observant Id keep it up for a
while. I then began trying to hide him. I now honestly think I could leave out my
signature before I could take out that dumb cat! I didnt consciously set out to find
a gimmick, but hes become a permanent fixture in my paintings-- and a
sort of additional trademark as well. (I'm also a big fan of cat jokes)
Q. What kind of surface do you paint on?
A. I paint on masonite (wood panel). People are often surprised to learn that
wood has been used as a painting surface for centuries. Some of the oldest surviving
artworks-- such as religious icons and altarpieces-- are painted on slabs of wood. As a
matter of fact, I think Leonardo DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa on wood panel.
I prefer masonite because it gives me a very hard, flat, smooth surface which doesnt
interfere with my fine brushwork.
Q. I assume you paint in oil, right?
A. No, I use acrylic exclusively. As you know, all paints are categorized by the stuff
that binds or holds the color (powdered pigment) together. Acrylic
polymers are fairly modern inventions. However, theyve been extensively
tested and proven to "meet or exceed" standards for durability and permanence.
Most artists dont like acrylics because they dry much faster than other paints. I
happen to like this quality and use it to my advantage. With the kind of detail I put in
my paintings, I just cant afford to wait around for the silly thing to dry.
Q. Every artist has a personal creative process ... explain yours.
A. Yikes! I don't really consciously think about it being a 'process,' but I guess it is.
I usually start with a thought, idea, concept, or a visual image. Other times, one will
begin with a story line or even a catchy title. Next, Ill dash off a few quick, very
loose sketches in order to freeze the impression. Then I might toss everything in a drawer
for awhile and just forget about it. That way, when I do get to it later, Ill be
able to evaluate the idea with a clearer, more objective eye. This way Im not taking
a chance on beginning a painting while Im still caught up in the excitement of that
first inspiration. For some reason, the public sees an artist as always
working in a frenzy of divine inspiration. Absolutely nothing I do is
frenzied. If Im going to spend a month or more on a painting, I want to
be darn sure the idea is strong enough to justify the amount of work Im going to put
into it.
If my inspiration (idea) passes this incubation and
evaluation phase, Ill do a very refined, full sized drawing. My works
almost always have a well planned drawing or skeleton as their foundation. All
the old masters worked this way-- using detailed drawings or (Michaelangelo
called them cartoons). Once Im happy with my drawing, Ill transfer
it to the masonite panel which has been primed with white gesso. Then I begin painting in
countless, thin layers. I usually lay in the large areas first working rather loosely--
then tighter and tighter until finished (or till I just give up). Other times I ignore all
this and just do what feels right at the time! Either way, I have to go
through 10,000 on-the-spot decisions during each painting. So, although my creative
process is somewhat sequential, there simply are no hard and fast rules. If
there were-- I guess it wouldnt be art!
Q. Do you paint every day?
A. No. I usually paint-- or I dont paint. Its an either/ or
situation. However, being self employed, theres always something to do-- and having
a home/ studio Im always at work. Twelve hour days are pretty normal.
Q. How long does it take you to do a typical painting?
A. Ill be glad to tell you-- if and when I ever produce a typical
painting. Each one is so different. Some cooperate and fall right into place-- others
drive me absolutely nuts. On average, I do 8 to 12 paintings(in various size)per year. The
philosopher Voltaire said, Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the
hand of time. I can assure you that none of my paintings happen quickly! However,
perfection is something that will always elude me.
Q. How long have you been interested in art?
A. I'll put it this way, I dont ever remember a time when I wasnt drawing.
Going back to age 3 or 4. Many of my earliest memories were memories of drawing.
Q. Why do you feel the need to draw and paint?
A. Einstein said, True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative
artist. I think a 'genuine' artist really has no other choice! Its something
youve just gotta do... and youre absolutely miserable if you dont! For
me, my art has always been a way to travel, go places, and see things. Ive always
had a case of wander-lust-- and a desire to explore the world. When I was
younger, we couldnt afford to go away very often--and certainly not very far. Then,
when I was a teenager, I was severely and permanently injured. And, for a long time
afterward, I physically couldnt just pick up and go. My art has always been a way to
leave where I was and go somewhere else.
Q. You mentioned your "injury." What exactly happened?
A. I broke my neck when I was 17 years old. I jumped head first into a local lake and hit
a submerged object. My 3rd and 4th vertebrae literally burst and I badly
compressed (or jammed) my spinal cord. It was very much like what happened to
actor Christopher Reeve. I found myself instantly paralyzed from the shoulders
down-- floating helplessly underwater. I very nearly drowned.
Q. How did you get out of that terrible situation?
A. Fortunately, my cousin and best friend were with me. They said I was under water for 2
or 3 minutes before they found me and brought me to the surface.
Q. What happened next?
A. Being in a remote area, it was some time before an ambulance arrived and rushed me to a
hospital. Not only was I paralyzed with a broken neck, Id swallowed and inhaled what
seemed like gallons of lake water which all had to be pumped out. The neurosurgeon shaved
my head and drilled two holes into my skull. Next he implanted steel tongs
into the holes which was tied to a rope with weights to immobilize my head and neck. I
spent 10 days in intensive care followed by 5 months in the hospital and two more in a
rehabilitation center. It was quite devastating and depressing.
Q. You used the word devastating. How did you handle it all
mentally?
A. Oh just fine-- (on the surface that is). Looking back I now see that, as bad as my
physical injury was, Id suffered just as much emotional damage. My sense
of personal identity and self esteem were frankly shot to hell. I was at an
age when young guys think theyre indestructible. Instead I now found myself being
fed, bathed, clothed, lifted, turned-- totally dependent on others for even my most basic
physical needs. It was if I'd literally been ripped out of one body that worked-- and
locked inside another that didn't. The lack of independence and control over my life was
quite damaging mentally.
Q. What part did your art play in your recovery?
A. I'd been in the hospital several months when a young physical therapist decided to
"get on my case." She said, "I heard you want to be an artist-- so
paint!" Id always considered myself an hot shot with a pencil and brush. And
true, I had hoped to find some sort of career as a professional artist or designer-- but
not any more. I couldnt hold a pencil. I couldnt even move my fingers! (still
cant today). I was certain that any ability I had to paint was gone just like
everything else.
To be honest, I really didn't want to face this final loss of my former identity. But I
didnt have much fight left so I 'caved.' I let her strap a brush to my withered
hand-- expecting the worst, of course. But to my great shock and surprise, this first
'post-injury' painting wasn't half bad. I actually surprised the heck out of myself. It
wasn't much (I think it was a crummy little watercolor of a Christmas tree) but it made a
tremendous difference at that moment in my life. I felt restored-- like a 10 ton weight
had been lifted off me. That silly little painting enabled me to reclaim a very important
part of my old identity and self worth. For the first time in months, I felt good about
myself. I somehow knew that with work, practice, and a little luck and determination, I
might still amount to something after all. Looking back, I realize what a big turning
point this was for me. That feeling of freedom, independence, and control was
just the "kick in the pants" I needed.
Q. Do you think sharing your experience could help others in similar situations?
A. Absolutely. For years Ive worked to help others who are similarly disabled or
disadvantaged to realize the positive, healing and educational benefits the arts offer. My
main role has been serving on the national board of directors of VSA Arts Connection
(formerly known as Very Special Arts). VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. It was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith
(former US Ambassador to Ireland and President Kennedys sister) as an international
arts and education agency. We are committed to "promoting the creative power in
people with disabilities." We develop and implement programs in creative writing,
dance, drama, music, and the visual arts that help children and adults with disabilities
develop skills, nurture independence and self worth, and enhance well-being in every area
of life. We annually serve more than 3.5million people in all 50 states and in 90
countries world wide. I encourage you to visit their website for more information.
I now know that the arts have a tremendous power to heal. Ironically, the rehabilitation
centers I was a patient at 25 years ago are now decorated with of my works. The same is
true at many other hospitals and health care centers. I hope my work can inspire others
facing similar obstacles.
Q. Do you think youve been successfully rehabilitated?
A. All things considered, I feel very fortunate to self sufficient and somewhat
successful. Im also able to support many other charitable causes through donations
of artworks which generate income through raffles or auctions. Best of all, I get to paint
pictures everyday-- it sure beats working for a living!
Q. Of all your paintings, which is your favorite?
A. The 'next' one. If not, Id really have a hard time getting in to it. Anyway,
theres not one of my paintings I wouldnt rip up and re-work. I learn something
more with each new painting-- and want to go back and apply that to my older works as
well. Its a curse-- Im never satisfied.
Q. Not to be nosy, but how do you go about determining a price for your work?
A. I use a combination of factors. I take into account the size of the piece, the amount
of time it took to complete, the difficulty of the subject matter, if its been
published (thus making it more famous), and whether or not I think its a successful
effort. All these are calculated and weighed against the prices Ive received in the
past for comparable works. Pricing a painting is not an arbitrary thing-- at least not for
me.
Q. Do you ever create custom paintings for special clients?
A. Sure, Im up for anything-- as long as its 'up my alley.' I couldn't do it
justice otherwise. I realize these are sometimes 'works for hire,' but I still want to be
able to take pride in the final piece. Im sure I can give my clients exactly what
they want-- as long as I know what that is! I'm pleased to say Ive had a lot of
happy clients-- including some of the largest and best known corporations in the world.
That kind of endorsement is very hard to come by.
Q. your paintings can be quite expensive. Do you feel bad that most people cant
afford one of your paintings?
A. I know how they feel. One of my goals is to be able to afford one of my own paintings!
The only
reason I have any is because I made them. But like everything else, the prices of my works
are set by the independent laws of 'supply and demand.' The good news is, everyone can
afford one of my prints if they want one.
Q. For those who don't know, can you explain what a print is?
A. Well, there are many different kinds of prints-- each with their own unique
qualities. 'Original prints' (etchings, engravings, serigraphs, etc.)are considered 'hand
made originals.' The purists believe that no original painting or drawing is used for
reference. The whole purpose is to create directly through the act of plate making and the
printing process. These are often very tedious, time consuming, and expensive to produce.
Because each is hand made, there are sometimes noticeable variations in color and image
quality from print to print. That's why each copy is considered a one-of-a-kind 'original
work of art.'
But by far, the vast majority of images in the world today are mechanically produced
'reproductions.' These are called 'offset lithographs.' These are machine made images
which are created by using the basic principals of lithography discovered centuries ago.
This process results in extremely accurate reproductions of an artists' original painting.
Most of my recent works are reproduced by a revolutionary high definition, waterless
press. Whatever method is used, ALL printing processes offer the artist (and collector)
access to multiple copies of the same image.
Q. Just exactly what role do you feel collectible prints play in the art world?
A. I think of it this way: Prints are to an artist... as records are to a musician/ or as
movies are to an actor. For instance, lets say youre having a party. Im
sure youd be able find a struggling musician willing to perform at your event for a
nominal fee. This live performance would be considered an original work. On
the other hand, if you want to book a top quality headliner like Tony Bennett-- you're
probably going to have to shell out about $100,000 for the evening. Likewise, actors can
use television or movies as a way to reach a greater audience than that available through
live theater. Each medium offers an affordable alternative to a live, original
performance.
Q. Do you worry about the art market becoming saturated with prints?
A. No. The US government counts new "housing starts" in the millions each year.
And that doesnt even include the construction of new office buildings, commercial
properties, or the constant re-decorating that goes on. Do the math and youll
quickly see that there are literally hundreds of millions of new walls being built each
year! Add to that the millions of walls already existing youll realize therell
never be enough high quality, hand made, original artworks to meet the demand of the
public.
According to industry sources, art prints are the heart of a multi-billion dollar industry
which provides collateral work for thousands of galleries, framers, decorators, and
designers. You could take every artist alive today-- from skilled professional to rank
amateur-- multiply their number by 10,000-- have them paint 24 hours a day-- and still not
be able to meet the demand for high quality, attractive, desirable original paintings at
an affordable price!
A few generations ago, most of the world was deprived of the wonder, imagination, and
inspiration which was available only to the wealthy and privileged classes. Prints and
reproductions gave the average person access to great artworks without having to travel
far and wide to see them in person.
It's sad, but many people today are intimidated by the thought of entering a museum or an
art gallery. No one likes to feel theyre ignorant, or "unenlightened." I
can't tell you how great it feels when someone falls in love with one of my work.
Sometimes, these people obviously have limited financial resources. I sometimes think
about those photos of the inside of poor depression era homes. I remember the
tar-paper walls being covered with magazine photos, calendar art, and unframed advertising
prints. That tells me that everyone needs visual imagery which they personally find
enjoyable, inspiring, accessible, and affordable.
Q. What advice would you give someone interested in appreciating and collecting art?
A. Here's some sure-fire, can't-miss wisdom. Just stand in front of a painting and ask
yourself "how does this make me feel?" If it 'grabs' you-- then you 'grab' it.
You shouldn't need a book to explain what it is. After all, paintings are supposed to
communicate! It's not your fault if they don't. And, unless youre an art
expert, its best to forget about buying art as an 'investment.' I don't think you
should you ever let an 'expert' or other authority figure override your own gut feeling.
Youll never go wrong if as long as you 'buy what you like.' You should collect for
no other reason than the sheer love and enjoyment of the work itself. If you do have to
sell someday, hopefully itll be worth more than you paid for it. I think Peter
the Great (Czar of Russia) said it best: Dont buy bad pictures. A
bad picture is one that doesnt 'grab you.
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