In the Studio: David Surman

Coming off of his stint as one of the featured artists on David Zwirner’s Platform, David Surman sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about contradictions, pathetic truths, painting natural subjects, and the irreducible tension that leads him to make the pictures he does. I see the process of looking at art as part of … Read more

In the Studio: Anna Pietrzak

Anna Pietrzak sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about her background in architecture, how she discovered gold leaf, the importance of trial and error, and the positive side effects of cleaning her studio. I only explore in larger finished pieces those that awaken excitement. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(AP) I try to … 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: Joseph Clarke

As he prepares for a group show at Lewisham Arthouse Joseph Clarke checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about investigating instability, exploring space and context, researching historic art movements, and the documentation of process. Writing and researching have become integral to my practice. (ES) Describe your work for us.(JC) I am exploring the effect … Read more

In the Studio: Martin Paaskesen

Fresh off his show at Valerius Gallery in Luxembourg Martin Paaskesen checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about being an actor, hip hop lyrics, the sculptural identity of canvas, and the vibrant state of painting. The process is the only thing there is. (ES) Describe your work for us.(MP) My work is some kind … 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