Ms. Erika Simmons is an artist based in Atlanta. She uses various materials from garage sales, and because her art caught many people’s eyes, the people were just so glad to send some of their own tapes and video reels and other materials that they think she could use for her art.
And yes, eventually, her art spread after the Bruno Mars music video. (but for the record, I’d love her art even before the music video… :) ). One of her works that I loved the most was her wonderful portrait/artwork of John Lennon (well I was a bit biased because I love the Beatles that’s why I loved this, but really this is my favorite of hers because it was simple, it was only Lennon’s head, but you can see a certain time of Lennon.)
check out her website at: http://www.iri5.com
and her flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iri5/
I had the chance to talk to her via email for a requirement on our art elective subject. We are to interview an artist that we would think will help us through our thesis. My medium was sound, but I just had to send her an email too. (I also interviewed Ms. Susan Hawkins – see last post- a sound artist from Australia)
So here it goes, our question and answer portion!
ME: First, when did you start making your artworks?
Erika Simmons: I have always been crafty, but I started pursuing art seriously about three years ago.
ME: besides tape cassettes and video films, do you also use other materials in making your artworks? or do you even use other processes or medium in making artworks?
ES: I use all kinds of things... old books, playing cards, wires, and I've started trying to make sculptures out of old lace too... I get too bored using the same thing all the time.
ME: Why did you chose famous stars from the music industry for your works?
ES: To be honest, the first cassette tape portrait I made was of Jimi Hendrix because I love his music and I thought his hair worked really well for the curly texture of the tape, but most of the other stars have been requests from people or commissions.
ME: how or where do you get your inspirations from?
ES: Mostly from reading and taking long walks.
ME: can you share with me how you make your cassette tape artworks?
ES: Every pieces is different. For some I glue the tape down flat, and in others I leave the tape curly and chaotic. An easy way to do it is to take a pencil and draw lightly on a canvas the shapes you want, then carefully glue down the cassette tape into the desired places. The tape is very fragile, but you can twist it and sculpt it to make it look the way you like. It takes some practice to understand all the ways you can use it.
ME: did you knew that you were going to do this kind of art before? is what you are doing everything that you have imagined?
ES: When I started making art I knew I wanted to make something that was really interesting, but I never thought I would make something that so many other people thought was interesting... I still have other techniques I want to try, so I still think it can be better.
ME: do you love music? what type of music do you listen to?
ES: I love all kinds of music, especially classical and electronic music. For my art though I love the idea of data - whether its recording tape or sheet music.
ME: what was your initial reaction when you were first informed that your art will be inspired by Bruno Mars's music video?
ES: I thought it was a great opportunity and I was happy to share my ideas with the director. But there is also a business side of things... as an artist you need to make sure you read contracts and don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. But I think the video turned out wonderfully and I'm just happy to have been a part of it.
ME: have you ever tried making a self-portrait with your process?
ES: No, I've never tried a self-portrait.
ME: how long does it take you to make one artwork?
ES: It depends... some small pieces take a few days. Others take about a month, working almost every day! They can take a very long time.
ME: I understand that people send you items that they believe you can use to make your works. did you receive anything unusual or something cool or unique before?
ES: People have sent me their old photos, home movies, old cassette tapes, graduation tassels, baseballs... all kinds of things.
ME: what can you advice to students (and also to the people) who wants to pursue making artworks?
ES: Try everything. When you make a mistake, take the courage to fix it; sometimes that is a better lesson. Make art everyday. Don't worry about finding a personal style, worry about pursuing your interests. If you intend to sell art, understand that you will have to make some things that you might not personally like.
And finally: Its possible to make a living selling art without an agent or gallery representation, so don't put all your eggs in one basket!
I really am glad that I got the chance to interview Ms. Simmons! I learned that it’s very important for an artist to experiment and be not afraid to go beyond his or her limits. Also as what Ms. Simmons said, “Its possible to make a living selling art without an agent or gallery representation, so don't put all your eggs in one basket!” I really forgot that one.
I want to thank Ms. Erika Iris Simmons for being so kind to answer my questions. It’s been a great pleasure!
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