CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
AS: I think I have a variety of work that I can’t put into one category. I create narratives, documentary, travel, and fashion.
AS: I do focus on composition and color for everything though.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
AS: I get inspiration from everything around me. From films, photographs, paintings, and music, to the good and bad experiences in my life.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
AS: I approach every project differently. It depends on what I’m trying to achieve. If I imagine a scenario or a still in my head, I’ll write it down and shoot it. For my narrative films, I like to write the entire story and play the shots out in my head.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
AS: I hope that people can feel something from what they see or hear. I pour myself into the work that I make and the best feeling is when my work resonates with the viewer. They can interpret it however they would like, but at the end of the day if they’re feeling a certain way, then I’ll be satisfied.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
AS: I spend a lot of time outside of the house because life experiences give me a lot of ideas for projects. I go to a lot of shows to see amazing bands in LA, beautiful art, and great films. A lot of my friends are artists as well and I like spending time with other creative people because we get into great discussions and it definitely helps with my work. We also go out and drink a bunch which makes for fun and memorable nights.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
AS: It really depends on the project. A few years ago, I worked on a project called “Paradise” which was a photographic series about the music scene in LA. It was a series that pretty much was the result of me going to shows with friends to see other friends play but with a lot of shenanigans involved as well. I couldn’t plan every shot for nights like that, but I dove into it with the intention of getting genuine, unforced moments. It was a documentary of my surroundings that couldn’t be planned. When I do a normal shoot though, I prefer to know exactly what I’m doing. I know what I want and how to achieve it.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
AS: Even if you’re unsure about something you’ve made, you have the best judgment over anyone else. You can ask someone for someones opinion for reassurance but you really can’t trust what anyone says. Some of the greatest artists who lived were told their work was terrible or that they shouldn’t have done this or that. Look at them now.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
AS: Yes. No one should make you feel a certain way about anything. If you enjoy it, you should enjoy it freely. Don’t be another clone of something that’s “cool” or “right”.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
AS: Everyone’s an artist nowadays.
CH.89: 10. What is one thing you love about being an artist?
AS: I’m terrible at truly expressing how I feel through dialogue so I’m glad that I’m able to do it through my work.
AS: It’s an outlet that I need and I think that’s why I do so many different things. Music, film, photo, it’s all an outlet.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
AS: There are way too many people I look up to for many reasons.
- Ryan McGinley
- Jean-Luc Godard
- Damon Albarn
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Juergen Teller
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
AS: I think it’s great that everything has become so easily accessible. You can do anything at such an early age and it’s available to almost everyone. Cameras on our phones, it’s insane.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
AS: No. Everyone has a perspective. There are ways I will never be able to see the world the way others see it, and vice versa. I think I personally notice details some may not focus on but there are things non-creatives see that I won’t be able to catch.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
AS: I’ve been traveling my entire life. My mother used to work for an airline so I grew up traveling the world with the help of discounts. I don’t think I can pick a favorite, but some of my favorites are Tokyo, Paris, Seoul, Milan, and New York.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
AS: Salinger was my favorite growing up. His attention to detail really drew me in because I grew up paying attention to everything around me. If I went into a room I had never been inside before, my mind would be a chapter by Salinger.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
AS: I want to make some super 8 and 16mm narrative films this year, and I want to score all of them.
AS: I also want to make an album, play some shows, have an exhibition in a different city with all my new work, and to just be happy.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
AS: I want to show the world something they’ve never seen before. I want to be able to show the way my mind works, and give a new perspective. I don’t believe in anything after death so I want to have some fun and make something of myself before I’m gone.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
AS: He Thought of Cars – Blur
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
AS: Everything’s the way I like it. It’s the way I see things, and the way I want them to be.
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