Four Philly artists describe their work in their own words
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
A photographer, two painters and a fashion fine artist spill.
WHEREFORE ART THOU is a new column featuring the unique work of Philly artists. We're looking for creators to tell, in their own words, the stories behind their art. Want to contribute? Email a 100-words-or-less first-person statement, mentioning any upcoming events, your social media handles and a photo of your work, to Mikala Jamison at mikala@citypaper.net.
| Marah Carpenter |
I tend to be in conflict with my work. I balance my passion for creating sincere fine art with the refusal to sacrifice some commercial functionality. For lack of a better title, I am a fashion fine artist. I strive for work that looks as cool walking down the street as it does hanging on a wall. Not everything I create is wearable, but all of it focuses on experimenting with elements of both aspects. I have an unbelievable enthusiasm for turning everything into a piece of clothing or an accessory. Let’s face it; if you could slip on the Mona Lisa and head to town … you might consider it. See Carpenter’s work, including her upcoming clothing and accessory art line based on children’s paper dolls, at cargocollective.com/meo-c28.
| Derek Michael Fass |
I began painting my first year living in Philadelphia in 2009 after finding an old canvas being thrown away at a friend’s apartment building. After making my first painting, I couldn’t stop, and it has become a great passion. Generally my paintings are abstract in form and possess bright and energetic color. My inspiration stems from multiple sources: from the eccentricities of the glam rock era, different styles of architecture, to my strong interest in abstract expressionism. I’d say my work is pretty flamboyant and tacky, but in a good way. See more of Fass’ work at derekmichaelfass.tumblr.com.
| Austin Hodges |
I am a boring, average Joe who takes photos of unique homes, doors and architecture. I travel to different neighborhoods in Philly and find the homes and buildings that stand out. My friend Billy Cress (@billycress), started #phillyhomeportrait, and we’ve joined together to create a new project called #phillyneighborhoodchurch. This focuses on the small churches you see in neighborhoods, not the huge ones. My art has inspired a handful of people to get off their asses and go exploring. Follow Hodges on Twitter and Instagram @austinxc04, and on his website, austinxc04.vsco.co.
| Ana Vizcarra Rankin |
I am making art for the nerd in all of us. I make art about cartography and astronomy. My large format star maps contain a mixture of information gathered through research, naked-eye stargazing, star charts and smartphone apps. They show what is happening in the sky at a specific time in a specific place. My tiny astronomy draw-ings and paintings tackle formal issues such as the void and negative space. Being a Uruguayan-American who has spent a lot of time traveling has had a strong influence on my work. I can finally call Philadelphia home. Rankin’s work will be featured in the “Ad Noctum” exhibition open Feb. 7 at PhilaMOCA, and at the InLiquid Benefit Auction at Crane Arts on Feb. 7. Visit her website at avrankin.com.
