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: 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: 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: 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

In the Studio: Abel Kabel

Abel Kabel sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about Gauguin, painting on their carpet, combinations of colors, and not making perfect art. I just found out I like crude and crummy art. (ES) Describe your work for us.(AK) I would describe it as explorational. Mostly within myself. Oh, and crummy. Tell us a bit … Read more

In the Studio: Dan Flanagan

Dan Flanagan sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about the Prado Museum, knocking on wood, political cartoons, and meeting Susan Rothenberg. I am heavily influenced by New York City. (ES) Describe your work for us.(DF) I would describe it simply as big drawings. Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you grow … Read more

In the Studio: Ciro Duclos

Ciro Duclos sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about James Turrell, the architectural features of his work, how he started questioning materials, and the significance of borders. I like to play with the viewers’ expectations. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CD) My main medium is sculpture and installation. I like to play with the … Read more