In the Studio: Cindy Phenix

Cindy Phenix sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about conceptual and phenomenal tension, being more experimental with her materials, the ambiguity of narrative, and beginning each painting with her favorite brush. I like to suggest the process my paintings go through, without revealing it completely. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CP) My work is … Read more

In the Studio: Moffat Takadiwa

Moffat Takadiwa sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about cultural identity, the mobilization of material, Tapfuma Gutsa, and the Mbare Art Space. I want to start a dialogue around colonial residue in Africa. (ES) Describe your work for us.(MT) I elevate daily remains of discarded consumer wastes and residue into sculptural forms that engage … Read more

In the Studio: Tyrrell Winston

Tyrrell Winston sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about celebrity as commodity, embedded history, David Hammons, and the shadows that define public facing figures. I am fascinated with giving new life to the broken and overlooked. (ES) Describe your work for us.(TW) Most of my work is rooted on the street/road. It revolves around … Read more

In the Studio: Marco Paul Lorenzetti

Marco Paul Lorenzetti sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about excess, the universal idea, memories of fishing, and committing to the process. My greatest surprise is when meaning is created without intention. (ES) Describe your work for us.(MPL) My work is about my life and memories. I use narrative as a structure to paint … Read more

In the Studio: Samuel Jablon

Samuel Jablon sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about his background in poetry, Joan Mitchell, feeling optimistically doomed, and taking his work to the next level. Once I start painting all I care about is the paint. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(SJ) My work is about poetry as much as it is … Read more

In the Studio: Daisy Parris

Daisy Parris sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about jigsaw puzzles, the history of South London, the difference between painting on paper and canvas, and being healed by the process. I am a sucker for nostalgia. (ES) Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you grow up?(DP) I grew up in Kent, … Read more

In the Studio: Gabrielle Graessle

Gabrielle Graessle sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about The Forgetful Angel, her two greyhounds, her desire to open an artist residency, and the pros and cons of living in nowhereland. The drawings are not looking for a result. (ES) Describe your work for us.(GG) I draw a lot, all that surrounds me. What … Read more

In the Studio: Olve Sande

Olve Sande checks in from Oslo to speak with Erik Sommer about the influence of place, how he conceives his work, being inspired by reading, and testing new pieces against the mess of daily life. To work and to make things is just another way of thinking. (ES) Tell us a bit about your background. … Read more

In the Studio: Max Frintrop

Fresh off his show with Pam Glick at Ober Gallery, Max Frintrop checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about simple tomato sauces, gazing into a void, the rush of small ideas, and assisting with the fight against Coronavirus. Painting and I, this is a symbiosis. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(MF) It is … Read more