Interview with Jesse LeDoux
q)Lets start with the basics; what’s your full name, where do you live, and how old are you?
a)Jesse LeDoux; Providence, Rhode Island; 30
q) Do you have any formal training?
a)No. I took art classes in high school, and a couple of art history courses in college, but that’s about as close to a formal education I have.
q) Did the place you grew up in influence your image making?
a)I think it’s inevitable. I grew up in the middle of nowhere. We had a ton of animals and a decent amount of space for a kid to run around and explore. I was always either exploring the woods or drawing. I suppose with that said, not a lot has changed.
q) How do you come up with your concepts?
a)If I knew, my life would probably be a lot easier. A lot of times, they just come to me at odd moments (just before falling to sleep, while brushing my teeth, doing the dishes), and I try my best to recreate the image in my head onto something tangible.
q) Describe your creations in a clear, concise and understandable sentence. What do you call them?
a)To be honest, I’d rather my work not be clear, concise, and understandable. I think it’s important for my work to mean different things to different people. It’s more meaningful for people to read their own understanding into a piece, instead of being beat over the head by what it’s supposed to mean.
q)What other mediums would you like to explore in your image making?
a)I wish I had a better grasp on acrylics, but that’s just a matter of needing more time to understand their strengths/weaknesses better. Practice makes perfect! Sculpture seems fun too.
q)What is the best time in the day for you to work on a project? Is there one, or is it more about the environment — maybe the right mood?
a)It’s definitely environment. Despite being more of a morning person, I find that I work better at night because there’s a better chance I’ll be able to work uninterrupted. It’s more difficult for me to accomplish as much in the day, with the possibility that the phone will ring, or an email will need an urgent response. All of that dies down when night rolls around.
q) What are your artistic influences?…and …generally who or what influences you the most?
a)I think there was a lot of great work being done in the 50s and 60s. Old cartoons are a great influence to me. There’s also a ton of contemporary folks that are really inspiring. I really try to soak it all up, and not let one specific thing influence me too much. A broad spectrum of inspiration means it is easier to create work that looks uniquely my own (or at least I’d hope).
q) Who are some of your favourite artists/designers/photographers?
a)Artists: Ben Shahn, Miroslav Sasek, Tim Biskup, The Little Friends of Printmaking, Mary Blair…
Designers: Paul Rand, Alex Steinweiss, Hans Schleger, Ladislav Sutnar…
Photographers: Walker Evans, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eugene Atget
q) What is your next project?Exhibition?Collaboration?
a)I’ve got a show with Keith Shore that opens at Giant Robot in New York City next week. In addition to that, I’m currently working on a mural for the side of an art gallery in Denver, and a short animation for a kid’s television show.
q)What are your plans for the future?
a)I try to not plan things TOO far into the future, as you never know where the path of life may take you. I try to set loose goals for myself, but anything too solid, and too far in advance is a recipe for letdown.
q)Are there some web sites that You would like to recomend? Artists, art communities, xxx,…!?
a)www.tinyshowcase.com
www.gigposters.com
www.fecalface.com
q)What sort of music do you listen to?
a)I primarily listen to either rock or jazz, but a little of everything provides a nice balance.
q)Do you collect anything?If so what?
a)I’ve recently been attracted to the idea of decreasing my amount of “stuff.” I’ve got a lot of books, and a lot of CDs/LPs. They’re great, and I love them all—yet at the same time, I love the idea of not being tethered to too much stuff. It ends up affecting mobility.
q)What do you do for fun?
a)Lately, I’ve been so busy, that I’ve had to remind myself that work is fun. But, if I were to take some time away, it’s always nice to travel, or visit old friends, or go on a scenic bike ride.
q)Any advice you can pass onto aspiring artists/designers?
a)Work as much as you can and have fun doing it. If you’re not enjoying it, you’re not doing the right thing, and you should work on remedying that as soon as possible.
q)Your contacts…
