10 Questions with Izosceles

American visual artist Izosceles produces vibrant, fun, pop-ish visual compositions that are irresistible and attention-grabbing. Since a young child, the artist had been drawing heavily influenced by pop cartoons that they have carried with them into adulthood. The artist hopes to make cartoons and fun visuals a serious contender in the art world that are just as worthy of admiration and attention as fine art paintings.

www.izosceles.com

ARTIST STATEMENT

Izosceles is an emerging American visual artist. Izosceles discovered their adoration for artistic expression at a young age with a love for cartoons and fun imagery.

Their works are colorful in nature; however, some have deeper tones underneath the playful, digestible surface. Growing up on cartoons as a child is what inspires their bold lines and imaginative colors that pull you in, and the visual composition and subject matter are what make you stay.

INTERVIEW

You are an anonymous artist. Could you tell us something about you and your background? How did you start experimenting with images?

I had been drawing since I was a young child. At that time, It was all about mimicking your favorite cartoon characters and feeling as though those original characters that you created were worthy of being on the show.

As far as experimenting with images, I feel like I’d done it prior, but once I’d figured out my “style,” I’m back to experimenting!

Retro Discothekka, Digital Art on Canvas, 40x30 in, 2017. Izosceles©

Why are you an artist, and what is your artistic goal?

I am an artist because it's the one thing that brings me immense joy. It's a form of expression, storytelling, healing, all of the above!

My artistic goal would be to have my art virtually everywhere - trains, planes, automobiles, [chuckles] and for it to inspire, make someone smile, and ultimately leave my mark on the world in such a big way.

Tell us about "Gathering Place." What is the main idea behind this work?

"Gathering Place" is a double visual that explores a figure's stillness, openness, and vulnerability.

This is my first visual in this new format, and it allows me to draw out a story or idea and not limit it to one panel but still have them be related and tied.

The visual comes from a place of being yourself as you are, and it being enough. Not having to consult with anyone about oneself or be what the world expects you to be. It's taking all of what you got and making it work for you, whatever that may be.

Your work is very colorful and playful, yet it deals with important subject matters. Can you tell us more about the themes behind your work?

I loved cartoons growing up - who didn’t? I feel, stylistically, cartoon imagery is so nostalgic and is like a big hug, and it can be a good way of getting the point across because of the packaging it comes in.

Some works thematically have traces of mental wellness and peace of mind, sexuality, and loneliness, and some visuals are just a good time! I want my visuals to explore the human experience still as they come from a human that’s going through life.

What is your creative process like?

I love to get messy!

I start out with a loose and rough sketch. (Sometimes, I love a sketch so much I will obsess over it and add to it as if it’s going to be the final image.) Once I am done with the sketch, I either begin laying down bold, black lines or paint strokes, depending on the look I’m going for. Then I tackle the colors. The colors are important as I don’t want to create visuals that have the same overall color or groups of colors but can still go along with the other images in a cohesive way.

I wish I could say, “That’s it” or “This is how I know it’s done,” but I feel like, depending on the visual, it’s hard to tell. I’ve had visuals I’ve tweaked at after mentally releasing them. As they say, “an artist’s work is never done.”

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere! I try to keep my eyes and ears open. Inspiration is around us all.

What do you hope that the public takes away from your work?

I hope that I can make someone’s day and make someone smile or laugh, inspire someone, and even for someone to relate to the work that I do.

As a digital artist and cartoonist, what do you think of the recent experiences with art online?

As much as I’ve loved shipping my work out and traveling, this new way of showing work online is such an accessible option.

It feels like everyone can be apart of and experience art. Sure, there will never be anything like seeing it in person, but I think it’s an amazing alternative that should be available to artists, as maybe a substitute, in the future.

jazz-soul-funk, Digital Art on Canvas, 40x30 in, 2016. Izosceles©

In your opinion, what role does the artist have in society?

One thing that I thought about recently is that we’re all important. Whether you’re a teacher, lawyer, travel agent, whatever. What we do in these roles makes the world go-'round and has us connected.

As far as the role artists have in society, as the great Ms. Viola Davis said in her Oscars acceptance speech, “We are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life.” which was so beautifully said. To add to that, artists also can reflect the times and their interpretation of how to deal and cope, maybe even make light of it to keep from stressing.

Lastly, what are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

I have a visual or two that I have up my sleeve. Maybe you’ll get the exclusive.

Regarding plans for the future, I am working hard, trying to amass a full body of work for this phase in my life, and eventually wanting to have a solo show, whatever that looks like.

I dream a lot. I would love to embark on a nationwide, or international solo tour with my art popping up at participating galleries, associated billboards, partnerships, deals, the list goes on. The key is to work hard, dream, and take action!

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