F+H GALLERY
Iconic Q+A with artist Larry Vigon By Leslie Westbrook
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oCal native Larry Vigon is an award-winning graphic designer best known for his iconic record album images for Fleetwood Mac, Oingo Boingo, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, as well as logos and book designs (think Carl Jung’s iconic “The Red Book”). After living in Europe for 13 years, Vigon and his wife, Sandra, moved to Santa Barbara a few years ago where he has continued to make art. His recently published two-volume monograph, “Serious Play,” looks back at his 50 years of art direction, design, and personal work. The handsome pair of tomes can be found online and/or purchased at the Silo 118 Gallery in the Funk Zone, where Vigon also shows his fine art. We asked the multifaceted artist a few questions to learn more about him, the way he works, and what makes him tick. When did you know you wanted to be an artist? I decided when I was seven years old that I was an artist. I never wavered from that decision. What medium(s) and scale do you work in? I mostly work with acrylic paints. I also enjoy making lino cuts and cut paper.
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What artists are you influenced by/look up to/ are inspired by? Miro, Klee, Modigliani, Picasso, Bacon, Klimt, and so many others. Methodology – favorite time to work? Having my studio at home, I can work any time. When I walk by the studio it seems to draw me in like a magnet. I often have no idea what I’m going to do, I just start moving paint around or cutting up some paper to see what happens. I find I often do my best work when I’m on autopilot. I’m reacting to what is happening and not getting my ego involved. I like surprising myself.
out. Also, I could stand in a hot shower with my eyes closed forever, but I would feel guilty using too much water. Where can people see your work? In the Funk Zone at Silo 118, 118-B Gray Ave, Santa Barbara. Open Thursday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Phone: 301-379-4669 www.silo118.com
Where do you go to get inspired? As I mentioned before, I am inspired by a myriad of artists that came before me. I am also inspired by the world around me. It’s amazing what you can see if you are not staring at a smart phone all the time. Most inspirational spot to walk, eat, sleep and/or dream? Walking on the beach is something I try to do several times a week. I can sit and stare at the waves for a long time and kind of zone W W W. F O O D – H O M E . C O M
