CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
BV: I am mostly a collage artist at the moment. But I do paint and draw as well. I also do iPad drawings. My style is abstract with a touch of Dada and abstract expressionism.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
BV: I am inspired by my thoughts. Walks in my neighborhood. Memories of childhood. Memories of old collage work I did in the 1970s. Artists I admire. Songs. Poetry. Advertising graphics, catalogs, packaging,
garbage, found objects, animals, people, trees, opposites, juxtaposition, numbers, punctuation.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new
project/ piece of artwork?
BV: I don’t usually have a preconceived idea, although sometimes I have an impression of what direction I
want to move in a piece of art…such as minimal vs complex, muted color vs saturated color. It’s a mood
impluse. I usually select materials randomly, like photos, paper, printed materials, packaging scraps. I
choose a substrate to build on. I start placing things on it and I experiment an hour or so before gluing
anything down. I spin the work to see if it works better upside down. Then keep going until I think it’s
done. I photograph it on my work table with my phone, sometimes at various stages before it’s done. I
usually name it in the next day or so.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
BV: I want people to see things in the piece I didn’t intend. That’s one of my favorite things. I want, what I call, a visual sparkle or crackle in the eyes. Something exciting or intriguing that pulls them into a trail of
thought or feeling.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
BV: It’s very normal, almost boring. I work as a graphic designer during the day. I draw on my iPad in the
evenings. I work in my studio during the weekends. Rinse and repeat.
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?
BV: When doing collage it works best for me to approach it intuitively. No plan. When painting I like to have a sketch or plan in mind.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
BV: Never give up. It’s going to seem pointless at times.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
BV: It’s relatively unimportant. It seems like it will happen organically if you are true to yourself and your
vision.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist
BV: It can be lonely at times. Most people I interact with don’t have an understanding of an artistic life. I only have a few people in my life who understand what it’s like. My wife is an artist and my 2 sons are very
creative and that is amazing. One is a graphic designer and the other is a teacher and photographer. My
wife and I belong to a few art groups. That helps. I don’t need a lot of social interaction, but having a few
close friendships with creative people is essential for me.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
BV: I love the process of making a composition. Looking at the material in a new way. Turning, spinning and flipping everything. Experimenting. When it works it’s an amazing feeling.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
BV: I have had a huge list of artists who inspired me along the way. Jan Van Eyck, Roger Van Der Weyden,
Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Kurt Schwitters, Robert Rauschenberg, Joseph Cornell. I
love all the current working collage artist I’ve met on Instagram. They are a great inspiration and
encouragement to me.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
BV: Technology is a great tool. I started serious collaging on my iPad. I wouldn’t have all the connections I
have today without social media. But it’s a tool which will impact the world and the art community for
better or for worse. I’m a little concerned. Since I‘ve started doing analogue collage I much prefer it to
digital.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow
creative paths?
BV: Yes. In my opinion pursuing art, for the vast majority of people who do it, makes them more
empathetic, humble and tolerant. I think it’s because they are doing something they truly love.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
BV: I enjoy travel, but I don’t get enough opportunity, or don’t take the opportunity to do it. My biggest trip, in life so far, was to Europe in 2022. We went to Ireland (various places including Dublin), Paris, Reims,
Bruge and Düsseldorf. My favorite was Paris and Reims. I would love to go back.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
BV: I have a few which deeply impacted me. ”1984” by Orwell, The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
BV: Work bigger.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
BV: It means a lot. Like breathing.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
BV: Hang on to Yourself by David Bowie.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
BV: Begin. It’s never too late. Keep working.
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