C R E A T O R A BOOK OF DENVER ARTISTS M e l o d y Wa r d
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C R E A T O R A BOOK OF DENVER ARTISTS
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001| INTRODUCTION
022 | KEYATTA COLE
046 | JERAMIAH GREEN
070 | MICHAEL S. HOWARD
004 | ROBERT BELL
026 | DERRICK DUVALL
052| JESSICA GUTIERREZ
078 | WESTON HUMANN
010 | MOLLY BOUNDS
034 | MOLLY GALE
056 | TYLER HABERKORN
084 | CHRIS JONES
016 | CAMILLE BRESLIN
042 | MICHAEL GRAVES
064 | EVAN HONERKAMP
090 | LEHI KANO
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094 | COLIN KILTY
116 | RYAN MCFARLIN
140 | MEGHAN POHLOD
164 | SAM TROJANOVICH
100 | EVAN KIRKMAN
122 | MICHAEL MIGLIORINI
144 | BECKY RUGLAND
172 | JACKSON TUPPER
108 | MICHAEL LAUREMAN
130 | DILLON MORTON
148 | ARI SHAPIRO
180 | WHITNEY WELLS
112 | DANIEL LAWSON
134 | TINA PHENIX
154 | EARL SNYDER
188 | APPENDIX
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IN TR O D U C T I O N Denver, Colorado is a city that is full of creativity and imagination. You can see this wherever you go —whether it is in the architecture, street art, public installations, or art galleries. Denver is full of creative talent. Some exposed, while others are awaiting their break through. “Creator”was developed with the intention to bring to light some of Denver’s creative talent. Many of the artists in this book are friends, colleagues, and friends of friends. Some of the artists have already began to make their way into the public eye, showing their work in shops,museums, and galleries around the city. Denver is growing rapidly in size and in culture. There are several areas within the city that are considered art districts of Denver. The map to the left highlights specific districts that have influenced the artists in this book. Museums and galleries are sprinkled throughout each art district. On the first Friday of each month, Denver’s art districts open up for the public to view and appreciate the creative talent this city has to offer. Sante Fe has the art walk, while South Broadway’s shops and galleries feature emerging artists. You can also walk through the alleyways of the RiNo district and see amazing graffiti and murals. Denver is a special place. No matter where you are in the city there is something to appreciate. Next time you walk down the street, take time to look around. The eclectic mix of history and modernism makes each block different and interesting. Spend an hour or two to explore the galleries spread throughout the city and you won’t be disappointed. “Creator” is a culmination of artists who are currently thriving within the Denver art scene. There is a vibrant mix of photography, illustration, painting, collage, printmaking, and graphic design throughout this book. I hope this book shows the diverse talent Denver, Colorado has to share.
INTRODUCTION | 1
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DENVER ARTISTS
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Rober t
BELL
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6 | ROBERT BELL
ROBERT BELL | 7
8 | ROBERT BELL
ROBERT BELL | 9
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M O LLY Bounds
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12 | MOLLY BOUNDS
MOLLY BOUNDS | 13
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver?
I become even more zealous about producing work then I usually am.
I see a great potential in growth for the Denver art scene. Primarily, what I’ve noticed and experienced is the amount of positive support that is going on in our metro area. So many different types of talent live here. There is a very symbiotic relationship where people really truly care about the growth and betterment of their fellow artists and companions. So many little start up galleries are around town giving new and emerging artists a chance to voice and express themselves to the public.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take?
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere?
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
I hope that I will be happy and continuing to make work. I really am quite nervous for the future and where it will take me. Right now, I hope to see myself becoming more engaged and truly having and understanding of what it means to be a creator and “artist”. The word is so vague. Anyone has the potential to be an artist. But to me, I hope that I never revert and continue to grow and move forward.
What is your artistic process? If I’m at the CU darkroom, I need to be absolutely alone or I can work with one or two other people who know me well. Otherwise I can’t focus on what I’m doing. Really the way that I work is that I have my music and I play whatever I feel like. I belt out singing and dance (which is probably really dangerous) and somehow it makes the time in the darkroom go by really quickly.
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I don’t really know how to answer that question. I don’t think there was a time when it hit me! POW I know I have to be a creative person. Either a person is born with the capability and ability to be creative or not. It’s human wiring. THere is nothing wrong with not being creative, but it never hits you or suddenly evolves, it’s always there. A person’s creativity is a gift.
Great Barrington, Massachusetts, I studied at the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated with a BA in art, emphasis in Photography
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) DAM and MCA (of course), the Colorado History Museum has a fabulous photo archive! McNichols Building always has a wonderful exhibitions, RedLine, and the new RiNo district that’s been developing. Finding Denver Street art is also my favorite!
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? I’m currently working on a series of short
films. they emulate a cross between flip books and gifs. Hopefully, they will be showcased June 20, 2014 (fingers crossed)
How do make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) As an introvert, I chose my work first. It’s easy for me to want to be alone and indulge in whatever project I’m presented with. At the same time, It’s hard because relationships with people can be jeopardized. People come and go, that’s life. If they cannot understand your priorities, those people will only become inhibitors to your inevitable goals. If you are passionate, your work will always come first, it’ll never leave you. It’s the relationship that’s not worth losing.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I have no idea, I guess we will have to wait and see.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? I feel that is changing so rapidly (let me answer this question later)
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? The origins of photography and cinematography. Always early history is an inspiration. Having an understanding of where your craft originated from will only allow your work to progress.
camille
BRESLIN 17
18 | CAMILLE BRESLIN
CAMILLE BRESLIN | 19
20 | CAMILLE BRESLIN
CAMILLE BRESLIN | 21
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? The Denver art scene is really cool. There are a lot people to meet and art to see. It’s all over the place.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Probably go to California or New York to do some design work. I’ll definitely try to stay here if I can.
What is your artistic process? My artist process would start with some good music and just hanging out for a bit before I start. In between doing art I’ll take a break and skate for a little while.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I realized it was my path back when I was in elementary school. I was just more into making art and it always stuck with me.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
Right now, I don’t have anything up.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Time management has a lot to do with making art. If I wasn’t able to manage my time with work, school, and everything, I wouldn’t be able to make art.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? My lifetime goal are is to work for a skate or fashion company doing design work, and just make stuff that the world can see and buy.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? ‘Creator’ is someone that is creates anything whether it’s art, music, medicine. What goes into creating is thinking of an idea and making it into a reality.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations?
I’m originally from New York but I moved to Colorado when I was really young. Right now I’m attending MSU Denver.
Mark Gonzalez, Kaws, skateboarding, family, and my friends have been my inspiration to create art.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
Do you have anything else to say to the world?
Honestly, I like going to the galleries on Sante Fe because there is so much art to be seen and a large variety.
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Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
Love what you do and do what you love. If you do that then everything will be fucking awesome.
KENYATTA Cole
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24 | KEYATTA COLE
KEYATTA COLE | 25
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I feel that the art industry in Denver is one that is thriving. It is on a constant growth economically which gives a promising light to young artsist, and entrepreneurs that work in the field.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I have seen a tremendous amount of support in the arts here in Denver on every level. I guess it allows me to say that I’m hungry and the food is here, so I’ll keep at it.
What is your artistic process? Think about an idea that is great, throw it out the window. Repeat until consistency is found.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? From an early age, skateboarding and punk rock were the cultures in which I felt most at home. The DIY aesthetic of that really brought out my creativity, and I think shows in my work today.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) Cumberland, Maryland. Attending CU Denver / BFA emphasis in Drawing.
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Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.? ) THE DAM, MCA, Pirate, Redline, Santa Fe District. All of the local bars also have great work. It’s Denver, there is art everywhere.
Do you have any shows happening right now…past, future endeavors. I have personally been in past shows and exhibitions juried here in Denver. I have assisted in projects that have been shown at the MCA, and have also contributed to public work instillations. I also do freelance photography and have had works published online. I am also working on a few projects at the moment that will hopefully be shown soon.
How do make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) By constantly absorbing the environment around me there is always creative inspiration to use when I do find the time to work
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? To survive.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I find my inspiration in materials found within my surroundings, which I try to digest and re-use in my work in some way or another.
Derrick
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28 | DERRICK DUVALL
DERRICK DUVALL | 29
30 | DERRICK DUVALL
DERRICK DUVALL | 31
32 | DERRICK DUVALL
DERRICK DUVALL | 33
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? The art scene in Denver is fucking awesome! So many different kinds of art going on everywhere. And everybody is so supportive and eager to work --it’s definitely an invigorating place to be an artist.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I’ve actually just moved to Los Angeles t o work as an assistant to a Director...and oh man, do I miss Denver and the rest of Colorado. As an artist definitely, but as a person in general. It’s a wonderful place to be yourself.
What is your artistic process? I shoot concert photography, so a large part of my process is getting to know the music that I’m going to shoot. I don’t watch too many videos because I think it kind of ruins the magical spontaneity of live music -- which is exactly what I try to capture every time I head into a show.
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Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
I grew up outside of Seattle, Washington, Awesome spot, can’t wait to move back there some day. I went to University of Colorado in Boulder, CO and hung around there for about 5 years. Now I’m in HOLLYWOOD, which is a lot nastier than most of you think it is.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I obviously love hitting up the museums, but one of my favorite parts of this live music scene is seeing the artists that paint at shows. Such variation in style and such a unique setting for creation.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? As of right now, nothing is up. Most of my photography gets used in a journalistic way, though. Every show I photograph is covered at LiveMusicBlog.com
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take?
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?)
Literally since the beginning. Just a girl that’s TERRIBLE at math trying to express herself over here...
To be honest...it’s kind of become the other way around all of the sudden. Art and creating have become such an important
part of my life and my balance that everything else kind of finds ways to fall in around it.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I think every photographer’s dream is to have iconic images--things that people think of right away when you mention an artist’s name. And it’s also really rewarding when an artist loves the photo you’ve taken of them -- that may be the definition of success for a photographer.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Creating is such a hard thing to pin down. Intangible really. Creating takes self-awareness, bravery, practice and-most importantly--a thick skin. Somebody is always going to hate the thing you’ve made, you have to get over that before you can create something truly authentic.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Mark Selliger, Annie Leibovitz, Rukes... but most of all, who ever I’m shooting. The photography should always emulate the spirit of the artist it’s capturing.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Live your truth, all you beautiful weirdos of the world!
MOLLY
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36 | MOLLY GALE
MOLLY GALE | 37
38 | MOLLY GALE
MOLLY GALE | 39
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? The art scene in Denver is good, things can always be better though. There really is an amazing amount of talent here.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I’ll be here for long time to come.
What is your artistic process? I don’t have a process that i follow, I just draw and paint as much as I can everyday.
I have things all over town, looking forward to a busy summer.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) That’s a hard thing to balance for sure. If I have a spare moment, I’m painting or drawing.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? If I could make a full time living from art I’d be really happy!
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take?
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating?
I’ve been creating and building things since a really early age, I think I always knew it would end up this way.
Anyone who makes something or puts something out there for the world to see is a creator.
Where are you from?
Who or what are your artistic inspirations?
I grew up in CO.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
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future endeavors?
Life in general, my family, my friends, inspiration comes really easy for me. Finding the time to express it is that hard part.
I like to see art anywhere I can, I wish there was more public art though.
Do you have anything else to say to the world?
Do you have any shows happening right now...past,
Support the arts, it makes life better!
michael
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44 | MICHAEL GRAVES
MICHAEL GRAVES | 45
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? It’s a little sad to say that after living here for five years I still know nothing of the art scene. I should probably check that out sometime.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Denver is such an amazing place to live. I could see myself growing roots here.
What is your artistic process? Grab my iPad, put on my head phones and kickback on the couch. Just zone out for few hours at a time.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? Ever since I could hold a crayon. I have always been creative, and have been drawing and sketching for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory would have to be, tracing around my HE-Man figures and drawing in their features.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I am originally from south western Kansas. I finished high school there, then bounced around for a while. Eventually ending up in Hays KS where I took a year of graphics design. School wasn’t going so well so I
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took more time off. I then decided to follow my passion for cooking. I moved to Denver to go to culinary school at the Art Institute of Denver. From there I graduated with an associates in the culinary arts. Art is something I now do as a hobby.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) Social media would be my biggest source of checking out art around Denver. Sights like Instagram are a great way to see what local artist are creating, and had been great for putting out images and getting feedback. I used to be very anti-technology but recently have become quite attached to my devices.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? Not currently, although I would like to one day participate in a gallery show. I think it would be a great experience. I would like to eventually make some prints of my work and see if anyone out there would actually be interested in purchasing them.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Technology makes it all possible. To be able to make art while watching tv or chilling at the bar after work is amazing to me. With my iPad and a wifi connection the possibilities are endless. I like to spend at least one of my days off working on a project, and throughout the week I
will work on something for a couple of hours here and there.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I would like to do my artwork on a more professional platform. Apply it to something that people would appreciate. I have never been too serious about my artwork or producing it for that matter. More than anything I just don’t want to feel regret for squandering my only true gift. At the very least I created something that brought another person joy.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Someone who takes something that doesn’t exists, like an idea or a sound, and crafts it into something with a purpose. An image or a song and gives it a personality all it’s own, and causes people to take notice.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Comic books, old movie posters, anything dealing in vintage photography. Old portraits and snapshots are fun to manipulate. Cartoons would have to be my biggest influence.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Find something creative to pour yourself into, don’t make the art for anyone other than you. It’s therapeutic and will make you a happier person, medicinal art if you will!
Jeramiah
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48 | JERAMIAH GREEN
JERAMIAH GREEN | 49
50 | JERAMIAH GREEN
JERAMIAH GREEN | 51
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I love it. People here are always collaborating, whether they’re designers, painters. Everyone I meet always has a hand in creating.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I’ve never actually thought about moving somewhere else besides Denver. It’s where I’ve lived my whole life and I have friends and family here, so if I ever considered moving it’d have to be somewhere filled with creative people, warm weather and coffee shops.
What is your artistic process? Throughout the day I always see things that spark my interest so I incorporate that into my art. I nuzzle into my bed and layout pens, markers, inks and start drawing.
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Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I was born in Denver and have lived in the same house for my whole life. I graduated from Denver School of the Arts in 2013 as a Visual Arts major and now attend the University of Denver as a Fine Arts major with an emphasis in painting and drawing.
Where is your favorite place in to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I love the art walk on Santa Fe. There’s different types of art and every kind of person walking around. The energy is positive and there’s nothing cooler than meeting the artists.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take?
I recently made a photography/art zine called Glitter Babes with two friends. I made the art and hand drew stickers, the turn out was really good and we got to show it at the Center for Visual Arts. I loved the process so much that I’m currently working on a new zine of my own.
I spent more time on making the elementary school volcano model than actually researching. That’s how it’s always been, I pay close attention to detail.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?)
The positives of having artsy friends is that I can make art and hang out. My friends and family support my art so they understand when I’m choosing art over hanging out haha.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? My lifetime goal is to be able to continue to create, allow creativity to always flow and if being a creator works out for me I’ll be eternally happy.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Anyone can be a creator. And that’s what I love. A chef can be a creator, creativity flows in how your final product looks the process you go through and how you present it.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I’m always really inspired by that world around me, nature, friends and the cosmos.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Keep on creating. We live in a world where we will always have our creativity and ability to inspire others with what you make.
Jessica
Gutierrez
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JESSICA GUTIERREZ | 55
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I believe it is full of really great artist that all get along and are willing to push and help others.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I’m not too sure yet. I’d like to travel but I feel like everyone says that. Maybe I will just travel for a while after school.
What is your artistic process? I usually sit for a while until I realize that I should do something, then I just go somewhere and try to find something I want to take a picture of.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? Yeah, it sure as hell beat business school and talking about work all the time.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
I have a picture in the traveling 16x16x16 show that is at some other college somewhere. And I just had a small interview come out in the Rooster magazine online earlier this month.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Making art just fits in with the things I want to do in life. It’s not a burden to lock myself in the darkroom for a couple of hours a day.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? That’s a tough question.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? To me creating something is taking the time to make something and almost be apart of it. I’m a big fan of work that you can tell the artist spent a lot of time thinking about, figuring out how to make it how they want, and then making it.
I grew up in Colorado Springs. Now I go to the University of Colorado Denver.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations?
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
I am inspired by a lot of different stuff. Mostly the historic processes of photography and just art that shows little clues of the artist touch.
I’m a big fan of smaller shows with friends in them or I always like the work Eric Paddock puts up in the Photo gallery at the DAM.
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Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
tyler HABERKORN
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TYLER HABERKORN | 59
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TYLER HABERKORN | 63
What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I honestly am virgin to the art scene in Denver still. Yet having sold some work within my first year here, I have hope for it’s appreciation and support of locally-based creatives.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Although I have some years of graduate studies left, I see myself staying in Denver indefinitely longer. Plenty of exploring and participating left to do.
What is your artistic process? Music is typically included, occasionally a psychoactive substance or two. But most of my fully-fleshed work comes from spontaneous journalizing following or during a mindfulness activity - meditation session, guided visualization exercises, somatic work, process/witness painting, etc.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? Since I can remember. It helped that my family supported my need to always be visually and conceptually stimulated, and by not buying that Rose Art shit more than once! More recently, becoming exposed to the therapeutic potential inherent in creative acts for every human has fueled the fire even more for me.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or
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still attending?) I’m from St. Louis, Missouri, where I attended Webster University for a bachelor’s degree in studio art and psych. I just finished my first year of graduate work in transpersonal counseling psych and art therapy at Naropa University in Boulder.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) Although I’ve (shamefully) yet to visit any in Denver, typically I like to see community art studios - what’s really alive in the heart of your surroundings and seeing artists in the processes their work. It’s fascinating. Museums, galleries, and random shops are usually worthwhile, too.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? Just finished a group exhibition that showcased artists’ identities transitioning into art therapists’ identities. Definitely the most taxing and meaningful show I ’ve participated in. Otherwise, I’ve just been selling here and there lately from word of mouth.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) The most successful way I’ve found that still works during the most stressful times are following my intuition. When I have the urge to create, I simply make it happen. Make it a priority. Explicitly commit a time-frame devoted only to creating every day or week. Having a
partner who’s also a creative is very motivating and can help hold you accountable. Considering art making as a form of self-care always works too, just like keeping a meditation practice, smoking a joint, or watching a shitty movie for no reason.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? My goal is to continue using art making as a way for self-discovery. Being spontaneous, challenging myself to use foreign materials, staying attached to the process as much as the end result, and staying committed to my artist self separate but alongside my professional counseling self as I use creating as my primary tool with my clients during therapeutic work.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Creating is essentially trusting the symbolic, experiential side of yourself, and also a devotion to the unique place you have in your surroundings, politics, society. The creator is inner reliant and has a commitment to personal health.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I’m inspired by my own dramas as much as others’. I love hearing the stories, processes, philosophies and surrounding culture of creators at least as much as viewing their work themselves. I’m inspired by my own clients’ artwork and the relationships they have to creating.
EVAN
Honerkamp
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EVAN HONERKAMP | 67
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I think it’s great! I’ve been contributing to the art and music scenes here in Denver for almost half of my life. People are (mostly) humble, and very supportive of each other even if they are not in exactly the same “scene.” Larger scenes in bigger cities can be much more alienating and isolating. People in Denver are nice and stick together. I have always been proud to call Denver my home.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I always dream of wandering, but living in Denver has afforded me the opportunity to travel a lot. I feel like Denver is a good home base for me as long as I can get out of town 3-4 times a year. But I’m about to graduate, so you never know.
What is your artistic process? I like to envision what I want to create, and then research it and get ideas. Then I usually clean my kitchen, waste time on the internet, stare out the window, etc. Then I FREAK THE FUCK OUT because I need to finish my project in the next 4 hours and bust it out.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? The same time that I realized I make really good Top Ramen, and could live off of it for the rest of my life. That was also around the
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same time that I realized that time, dreams, and the pursuit of making the world a more interesting and beautiful place are all more important than chasing money.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I grew up in a small town north of Colorado Springs called Monument. Pretty beautiful place, but not much to do for a bored teenager. I have lived in Denver for most of my life after high school. I have also lived in Gunnison, Boulder, and San Francisco and spent extended periods of time touring the country with various bands. I am currently attending Metropolitan State University of Denver finishing up my 14 year Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I always really enjoy the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Clifford Still Museum, Robishon Gallery, and The Redline Gallery, but a majority of the awesome and inspirational artwork I see is just walking around in the streets.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? Nothing currently, but I am planning a guerrilla-style, alleyway art show with some of my Revisionist History pieces (the stuff in this book) this summer.
How do you make time to
create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) That is a really good question that I ask myself all the time! When inspiration strikes, you just have to go with it. I remember reading a quote about Keith Richards (that’s the guitar player of The Rolling Stones for you youngsters) waking up in the middle of the night and recording the riff to “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” and then going back to sleep, and thinking it was crazy, but later I realized - its true! When you get a good idea for anything, you have to act on it, or it will most likely be lost.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? To be happy and make other people happy.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Hmm...Too many to name. People that push boundaries, take risks, and like to raise questions or address issues and keep things weird are who I usually fall in line with. Kurt Vonnegut, Darby Crash, Jamie Reid, Rene Magritte, Gee Vaucher, Mike Kelley, Cindy Sherman, The Stooges, Barbara Kruger, Winston Smith, and Kurt Schwitters just to name a few.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Believe in yourself. Don’t take yourself to seriously. Don’t let the dollar be your guide. Party on!
M IC HA E L
SCOTT
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Weston HUMANN
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? Denver seems to be a pretty thriving place for creativity in general. There really is something for anyone, no matter what sort of art you like. The whole idea of the “art scene” is kind of weird to me though, I usually feel somewhat out of place at traditional gallery openings and things like that. I just enjoy making art with other people that are passionate about making art. There is some really amazing stuff that goes on here, and some really amazing, talented and genuine people, and that’s the part of the scene that I want to contribute to.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I will be in Denver for a little longer I think. I have started to make some good connections here and have met some really amazing people that I would like to continue to work with in the future. But I’m from Colorado and I definitely need to get out and see some more stuff. I think that’s important as an artist, to get outside your comfort zone for a while.
What is your artistic process? It’s different all of the time. It’s always changing. But I guess it does help me by starting with some sort of inspiration, whether it’s reading something, taking a walk or a drive, looking at other artists’ work or whatever. It doesn’t really matter what it is, because I get inspired by a lot of different things. That seems to be a good starting point for me though, exposing myself to something else. Looking through my own journals helps me get started sometimes too. Just looking through all the old ideas and weird shit I have thought of over the years. I definitely listen to music every time I am making work in a studio space too, that’s always a must.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I don’t think there was ever a specific moment in time. I always liked art when I was a kid, drawing especially. Then I
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started skateboarding and listening to a lot of music. It also helped that I had two of the best art teachers in the world growing up in middle school and high school. I never had an epiphany or anything like, “I think I’m going to focus on being creative from now on,” I just think that’s sort of how I’ve always been.
Good question. I’ve been asking myself that one for a while now. The thing is I think I would go crazy if I didn’t make art. It is such an outlet for me that my life wouldn’t be balanced without it. So I guess I have to make time for art to make time for everything else and be a functioning and happy person. It’s all a balance.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator?
I am from Fort Collins, Colorado. I went to the Fart Institute of Colorado for a few semesters before transferring to Metropolitan State University of Denver where I currently am getting my education. I graduate next fall.
To be able to sustain myself independently through creativity. I don’t know I guess that’s every artists dream. To be able to make art on a daily basis and actually care about what I’m doing and not just have a job I don’t give a shit about to make the bills.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating?
I don’t know, it doesn’t really matter to me. I guess I’m definitely drawn to the more DIY shows. I think it’s cool to see people throw shows at their houses and stuff like that, or repurposing existing spaces that don’t normally function as galleries for shows. I like seeing cool art out in the public or on the streets too.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? Nothing now. The most recent show I did was one at Emage Skateboard Shop with Earl Snyder and some other friends. I also did a couple really successful shows with a collective called Totally Totally that is run by a few friends of mine, Riley Doyle, Xavian Lahey, and Alex Page. They basically won this contest and were able to take over this super nice gallery at the Taxi building in the Rino district in Denver and threw a few shows there. They were all amazing. They called it Agrigit gallery. It was so rad. I am really thankful that they included me in those shows, it was a really good experience, and now we are all really good buds.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?)
Creation is subjective, I think it can be and is defined differently by everyone. To me a “creator” is someone that doesn’t think of themselves as a creator, they are just creative and do things with that creative energy. A lot of things go into creating, but I think the true “creators” are passionate, genuine, hard working, perseverant, and most of all true to themselves. Be yourself, because your true self is unique, and unique art gets noticed.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? My main artistic inspirations are the people I have direct contact with because I get to see their processes first hand. Earl Snyder, Kit Ramsey, Skye Mitchell, Chad Seidel, Taylor and Jazzmyn Barbosa, Xavian Lahey, Riley Doyle, Brittany McDonald, just to name a few. As far as other artists people like Mark Gonzales and Ed Templeton, lots of dudes involved with skateboarding, Todd Batrud, Dennis McNett, Olly Todd. Recently I have been stoked on a couple dudes, Will Laren and Jesse Jacobs. There is so much talent out there, I could list artists forever. Herbert Baglione rules. I don’t know I’m missing a million and a half names but those are a few.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Stop reading this and go outside.
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? It’s rad. Denver and Colorado both seem to be attracting a lot of young creative people and that’s good for everybody working together to make a lot of cool shit.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Yes. I love it here, though I love to explore and travel, I found a home and cool community in the friends I’ve made here.
What is your artistic process? I like to keep a journal handy to write or sketch ideas out as they pop up. When it’s time to get working on something I refer to it for inspiration.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? When you put something together and people appreciate it and tell you it works and you respect their opinion because you feel the same way about work they’ve done, that’s why I like doing what I do.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) Started with a Journalism degree in Western colorado, then transferred to Communication Design at MSU DENVER in 2011
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Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) The MCA is my favorite place by far, but I also really like smaller galleries popping up all over the place and seeing exhibitions thrown together with concerts too.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? NOPE.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) It should be a part of your life that you shouldn’t have to think about how to make time for. I’m always thinking about design and taking things from my personal life into my work and vice versa.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? Try new things and maybe at some point do something that’s never quite been done the same way.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Too many to list.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Stay cool. Peace world.
LEHI KANO
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I love it! I feel like we have a very open and supportive community here. It’s only growing and becoming more accepting as time moves on.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I plan on keeping Denver as my home base for a very long time. I’ve been lucky enough to do some traveling for art/tattooing but just can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Such a beautiful and inspiring state, I love I that I can jump up to the mountains in no time if the pressure of the city gets too great. Getting some fresh air and a new perspective gives me some needed creative juices to brainstorm on new ideas/pieces.
What is your artistic process? I have a giant list of project ideas in my phone all the time to prevent artist’s block. I usually run through the list and pick out my favorite. I’ll throw on some music, crack open a beer and get to it!
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I always wanted to make creating art my life but unfortunately what you want doesn’t always work so I had planned on getting myself an office-type job and to do art on the side. After college I had the opportunity to apprentice under a tattoo artist so I took it and have been paying the bills with art ever since.
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Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) Born and raised in Denver! I went to UCD for their recording arts program so I do a lot of music playing/recording on the side as well.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) One of my favorite places is TRVE brewery, they have a radical track record of super bad ass artists! I tend to stay away from museums/higher class galleries. Something about when people splatter paint on a canvas and call it art drives me insane.... maybe I’m just over opinionated on that topic, but I hate it.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? I have art up now at Sputnik for the rest of April, I will be showing at Big Hairy Monster and will have a painting in a Big Lebowski themed art show in L.A. for May, and have a larger showcase at TRVE brewery in August. Possibly some smaller shows tucked in between.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Since I do tattoos professionally, I honestly have all the time in the world to work on art. I have a wonderful, supportive family and girlfriend who only push me towards
my goals and I am so thankful for all they do for me.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? My lifetime goal would be to be able to travel to other countries and tattoo. To continue making music and art until I die and to leave behind a legacy of being an excellent artist and a good person, that is the dream.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? I would define creator as anyone who goes through the creative process. This is a difficult question for me because I feel like it could be so many different things. From someone who loves to cook, creating new dishes to a person working on a garden. Even if that person is following a recipe to create that dish, there is still that thought process.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Oh man, endless inspirations, there are so many phenomenal artists out there. Most of my inspiration comes from movies, music, and stupid jokes with friends. Some of my favorite artists (to name a few) include Wayne Barlowe, Derek Noble, Jeff Gogue and so many more.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Be excellent to each other, keep it wizard, and work hard. Good things will come.
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? It’s budding, generous and communicative.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Accepted into the MFA/MA Program at California College of the Arts for Art as Social Practice and Critical and Visual Studies
What is your artistic process? Proprioception and self-awareness.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? Never realized, always did.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) Bred in Denver, Colorado, navigated the University of Colorado system.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) MCA Denver or Robsischon Gallery
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? Some stuff in the streets, some stuff still up in Boulder in the art building. Have a book coming out soon.
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How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Being an artist is a lifestyle choice that predicates creativity and although sometimes other facets of my life suffer, I cannot change who I am. I love people unconditionally and exude that love through my art because I can’t always present my love personally.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I want to make being a human an easier process for everybody to understand and go through. I’m more of a humanist than artist.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Creator is one that makes; so on a semantic level one just needs to make in any facet they find fit. Creator also implies a god complex (cue Damien Hirst) which I’m not into. I’m here to help people and make others feel good and know that other’s share a similar perspective.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Barbara Kruger, Richard Saxton, Reiland Rabaka, Amilcar Cabral, Malcolm X, Tupac Shakur, Angela Davis, Huey Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, Fritz Haeg, to name a few.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Be humble, be patient. Approach life with an upward head and an open heart.
Evan
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver?
necessary for my routine I began to pursuemy artistic education.
The art scene in Denver is very diverse from what I have experienced.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I would eventually like to travel with my music. I love Denver, but I will not end up here. I still have more places to see.
What is your artistic process? My artistic process can be very spontaneous. Most of the time I getinspiration in the most random inconvenient places. It helps to keep a notebook in my pocket. I also get inspired by songs or books. If I’m writing music, it helps to form a full concept or a 3 part story before I start.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? When I was very young I always was drawing and recording. I stole my mothers camera a lot and made short films. In high school I began to realize that creativity was
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I am from Michigan where I began photography and video classes. I moved to Denver in 2009 to attend The Art Institute of CO.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
life. Its more of a necessity than a hobby.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I would like to create music and the art for my records. Its gratifying to me when I can be involved in every aspect of building an album. I would also eventually like to make music videos. I studiedvideo production or 5 years and I still enjoy it.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating?
My favorite art in Denver is usually random. I find the best art in murals and small galleries in breweries or shops.
A creator is somebody who is transferring there ideas into a creative media. It can be a painstaking process but, to create is to use yourimagination and channel your thoughts into an outlet.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
Who or what are your artistic inspirations?
No. I paint quite a bit and I shoot a lot of film and video but, I would mostly like to concentrate on my music.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Art is what helps me stay sane through
Whether events that I have experienced, or books or word of mouth. My family is also a huge inspiration of mine. They are a very creative group and have always been helpful andsupportive of me.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Fuck you
MICHAEL
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I like the Denver style, it’s diverse and usually has a hint of weird mixed in. I love it.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Denver is home, but I’d never close the door on experiencing more of the world and the different cultures it’s made up of.
What is your artistic process? Depending on my mood and the medium I’m working in, my “artistic process” usually consists of the Black Keys and/or Black Snake Moan soundtrack and always a little solitude to get tha mind right.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I’ve been in love with art and the process of creating it my entire life. It is a big part of who I am.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I was born in Wichita Kansas but I’ve live in Colorado for 19 years, I went to the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design for a few years.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I like the different styles Family Affair has
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to offer, there’s a few really sick hole in the wall galleries all around Denver, and first Friday is always a good spot to see and sell new works every month.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? I’ve been in a few shows but I’m not currently hanging anywhere at the moment.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Making specific time to sit down and get creative is tough but if you love doing something you’ll always find a way to get your fix one way or another.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? My goal is to never stop, if I can make solid work that I’m proud of and enjoy then I would just want to keep that train rolling as long as I could.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I have a few favorite artists that inspire and motivate me, but I wouldn’t say our styles are anything alike. I love to see different processes and techniques, creative people and all of the different art they produce is fascinating.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? What up world?
DANIEL La w son
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I feel like the art scene is great here! There are so many talented young artists and they are making a name for themselves here in Denver. There are lots of opportunities to show work and be seen.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere?
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?
I really I can’t say. I am moving to Morocco for two yeas in January and I am hoping that coming back from that will leave me inspired and ready to make work.
Its hard. I feel like I spend my time doing other things until I can’t hold it in anymore and I have to make something.
What is your artistic process?
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator?
I like to hole up in my room, put on some music I can get into (usually hip-hop or ambient world music junk) and I work until my brain feels like it has said what it wants.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? After I took my first graphic design class sophomore year in high school I knew I wanted to do something creative
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
Nothing showing at the moment.
I want to make things that make me happy. Ultimately I’d like them to make other people happy to but I want to do it for me.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Anyone who makes anything at all! Your whole life goes into creating. Its every single thing that you have experienced and every person you have met up until that point in time when you are making. All of that goes into your creation.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations?
Born In Florida, though I have been in Denver the majority of my life now. Attending MSU Denver, graduating Spring 2014
I am inspired a lot by Kazimir Malevich. I think his ideas about art and what it means to be an artist and represent something are really interesting and are constantly on my mind.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
Do you have anything else to say to the world?
I like seeing it at small galleries where I know everyone involved, but the
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museums are great too.
Not really.
Ryan
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I think Denver’s art scene continues to grow larger and more diverse every year. There’s galleries popping up all over and it is really exciting for artists and viewers too.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I am a bit of a nomad so it is hard to say if I will stay in Denver. Over the past few years I’ve lived in cities all over the country. Experiencing new places is important to me so I have trouble settling down in one place for too long.
What is your artistic process? Since much of my work involves found objects I spend a lot of time collecting artifacts. I’ll visit abandoned spaces and pick up objects that I think are interesting or weird. I stop in at pretty much every antique store I pass as well. Some of the objects don’t get used but others will spark an idea in my head. Then I incorporate glass into the piece.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I always liked to draw as a kid. When I got to high school I started to really focus on my art courses. I was exposed to more sculptural techniques and mediums such
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as ceramics and metals. It was at that point that I knew I wanted to use my hands to make objects.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I grew up in a small town in New Jersey. After high school, I attended Rochester Institute of Technology where I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass and Glass Sculpture.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I really enjoy checking out new exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Afterwords I like to eat lunch on the rooftop cafe and sketch.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? I don’t have any current exhibitions at the moment; however, I am working on long distance collaborations with artists in various cities. You can expect some sort of exhibition of the final pieces whether it be in a gallery setting or some type of digital showcase.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?)
Most of my jobs have been in creative settings where making work just comes naturally. I draw in my sketchbook daily. I find that no matter how busy life gets, you can always have your sketchbook with you and at the very least create new ideas on paper.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I want to continue to advance my skills in blowing glass. It’s a medium where there really is no end to learning and getting better. I just want to continue to have fun making work and hopefully continue to have galleries host exhibitions of my work.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? I think everyone is a creator. You wake up and create breakfast. Or you create a plan for your day. Everyone is constantly creating in different ways.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I draw a lot of inspiration from science fiction, urban decay, abandoned objects and spaces, and machinery. I like to take things that are often overlooked and perhaps add a bit of beauty or style that makes people reconsider their purpose.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Stay weird.
Michael
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? To be honest, I haven’t been as involved as I would like, but I do see pockets of inspiring work.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I really enjoy living here and have no plans of moving any time soon.
What is your artistic process? I usually focus on one medium or idea for an extended period of time. Once momentum begins to lurch to a crawl, I shift to another medium to keep things productive, whether it is music, design, art, or websites.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? The need to create has been frequent and relentless since I can remember, although I feel it at some moments more than others.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) From Oregon. Attended The University of Colorado
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?)
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In studios and solo exhibitions.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? I am in the process of releasing my band’s (True Lust) debut full-length and have a new line of shirts being released very soon through my clothing company, Fake Diamonds. I would be thrilled to also have a body of art ready for a solo exhibition later in the year.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Life consists of what you make a priority. There are some things I sacrifice or put on the back burner to focus on others.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? To never be stagnant or complacent.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? I’ll get back to you on this one, haha.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Inspiration is an infectious thing, but I would have to pinpoint red lighting, plastic foliage, and leather gloves at the root of it.
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver?
happening right now...past, future endeavors?
I think there are some really creative artists in Denver, but I don’t think Denver has enough places to invite artists to showcase new work in.
I just had a piece up in Astoria OR, and a piece up in the curated CU Darkroom Exhibition. I am moving to Taiwan in a few months, so I need to collect everything from here before I leave, hopefully find some amazing places to put up work in Taipei once I get there.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Definitely moving elsewhere.
What is your artistic process? I make amazing friends who are willing to get naked for me, so I can take their picture.
I take pictures of the people I love; they are a part of my creative process. I take inspiration from everything, even my day jobs.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take?
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator?
I think everyone and every job takes creativity. But I do think an artist is a self-created path and takes a lot of work, so I really deiced in college that I was willing to do that to myself.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) From Boulder Colorado, went to University of Colorado Boulder.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) Redline Denver.
Do you have any shows
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How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?)
Keep creating art. Put a vignette on everything.
How do you define “creator,� and what goes into creating? Someone who not only makes something new, but gives life to that piece.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Francesca Woodman was the first photographer I found inspiration from, I still find myself emulating her work.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Be grateful. Be kind.
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I love the art scene in Denver. It offers so many avenues for emerging artists as well as showing well known artists from around the country.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I do plan on venturing out for an MFA, which I think is necessary for anyones work. However I will be back to Denver.
What is your artistic process? My artistic process is sitting down and meditating with my drawing, usually with some Law and Order on in the background or listening to music.
I have been in two shows for the Mo Print month of printmaking. I am always looking for future possibilities!
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) I make my art from my memories and the emotional pull i have from them. I use people, places and things that surround me. So family and relationships are a part of my art and my day to day interactions. I have enormous support.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator?
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take?
I honestly want to do so many things. MFA, Masters in curatorial work, as well as opening my own print shop.
Creative process has always been a part of my life, but it was when I turned 25 and started meeting an all women’s art group that I knew I wanted to make more art and all the time.
What is your lifetime goal as a artist / creator?
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I am from Colorado and I am currently earning my BFA in Printmaking at MSU DENVER.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I love the Clyfford Still museum, DAM, any small art galleries as well as coffee shops and restaurants. I really enjoy seeing the art that people around Denver are making.
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Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
Creator is how someone who makes art deals with creation. It is up to them to offer a sense of understanding with what is in front of them.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? My inspirations are the things around me and the experiences I have that help me feel what in turn goes into my work. Currently my top artists are Brett Manning, Jenny Morgan and Arno Rafael Minkkinen.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? World: only do what makes you happy!
meghan
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I think the art scene in Denver is not as prolific as in other cities, but has the potential to be more dynamic and abundant, especially with all the emerging artists that are starting to get their work out there.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I would love to stay in Denver and become an educator at the high school level. I really enjoy working with students and
What is your artistic process? While working on artwork, I find it helpful to put on a RadioLab podcast on my headphones, or turn on some terrible television show. Zoning out and listening to other people talking while I work helps me focus on the process of what I’m doing.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I’ve always been involved with the arts and have always wanted to be an art teacher. When I was a kid I dressed up as an art teacher on career day.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I grew up in the Midwest and am currently attending MSU DENVER for an art education degree.
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Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I really enjoy looking at work at the Boxcar Gallery, Ice Cube Gallery, and Blackbook Gallery.
Do you have any shows happening right now…past, future endeavors. I don’t have anything up right now, but have showed at the CVA.
How do make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) I try to make art a priority, just as I would make homework a priority.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I am striving to be a working artist and an educator. In doing both I would be able to use my knowledge of the creative process to influence my students and their work.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Creating is a process that can be a lot of work. It’s bringing your thoughts and ideas into a physical existence.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I am constantly inspired by the past and how our past experiences influence our interpretations of the present.
BECKY Rugland
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? I believe Denver’s art scene is rapidly growing. Denver, overall, is a pretty artsy city. Even since I moved here in 2011, the Clyfford Still Museum has been built and the RiNo District has blossomed into a thriving art gallery and restaurant hotspot. This city also has a pretty large public art fund, and Denver is not shy about their public art. We’ve definitely got some obscure, massive public sculpture around this city. And though illegal street art is not widely accepted here, we do have an enormous amount of murals and graffiti by local artists as well as big names like David Choe.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I have no fucking idea. Maybe across the street, maybe New York City, LA, or San Francisco. I love Denver and am very comfortable here, however I feel that the art scene is very exclusive, as in it’s hard to break into it unless you’ve got direct, legitimate connections. I hope to be in Denver a bit longer.
What is your artistic process? I smoke a lot of weed and drink a lot. I read some, write a lot, and sit around and think the most. Right now, my creative process is at a stand still. I am crippled by how burnt out I am with painting and I’ve allowed it to seize my creativity. I started a blog about two weeks ago, and that’s really helped to propel me into thinking artistically again. Eventually, though, I would like to pursue installation art and set building. My artistic process for painting is usually to research the concept for weeks and then complete the painting with little to no plan in a manic 10 hour session.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? When I was 6 years old and learned how to draw the human figure. I wanted to be a fashion designer, but fell in love with the idea of pursuing fine arts in high school. I
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always knew I would go to college for art.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I am from the Reno/Lake Tahoe area, so a little bit of Nevada and a little bit of Cali. I went to middle and high school in Reno though, so I definitely consider myself a Reno kid. I started college at University of Nevada Reno, and transferred in 2011 with a scholarship to University of Colorado Denver. I graduated UCD in December, 2013 with a BFA in painting.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.? ) I really love the restaurant art scene here. Spots like Sputnik, Watercourse, and restaurants in the Lower Highlands have some amazing art! I am forever the underdog, lowbrow art lover so I’d rather check out local spots for art than museums. Though we have some great contemporary galleries here! Plus Gallery, RedLine, and Edge are some killer spaces. I LOVE the Museum of Contemporary Art. They throw the rowdiest rooftop parties in the city.
Do you have any shows happening right now…past, future endeavors. You can check out some of my paintings at SoSu Studios in the RiNo District right now. They’ve been up for two months. I need to make new paintings in order to get them into places!
How do make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Art making is a huge challenge for me right now, so I don’t really have an answer to that! But I believe being an artist is inherent for me, and the fact that I’m not making physical paintings right now doesn’t phase me. I am constantly journaling my thoughts and observations, taking photos, and researching. Let’s just say I’m doing a life
field study.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I hope to make in impact in someone’s life in a profound way. I plan to get a master’s degree and teach at the college level someday, so this may be the answer. I am also interested in certain aspects of therapy and the psychological side of art.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Creation! What a vast concept. I think creation can be anything from a sneeze to a 2,000ft skyscraper. I fell in love/hate with conceptual art in college, almost to the point of not being able to produce anything tangible. I was bred to question everything and deconstruct art, society, and life. All that studying of Postmodernism really did me in.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Lately I am most inspired by local street art, so I walk around a lot and keep a keen eye out for hidden stuff. Dumpster art for days! I’m interested in most things lowbrow and culture based, really. Editorials like Vice and Juxtapoz are of interest. I’m also madly in love with tattoo art right now. Tattoo artist and illustrator Peter Aurisch is a huge inspiration, also illustrator and graffiti artist David Choe, Conrad Roset, Audrey Kawasaki, Takashi Murakami, Aya Takano, and contemporary painter Inka Essenhigh.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Thanks for reading! Check out my blog @ lostboysmanifesto.wordpress.com if you want to read all my embarrassing thoughts. I also feel I should leave something inspiring behind, so here’s a fitting quote by one of my favorite artists“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.” -Georgia O’Keeffe
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? Too much dub step haha juskeed! I don’t know enough about it to say yet. There’s really great people here though.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I plan on traveling to the furthest reaches of the galaxy and transcending dimensions unknown all from the comfort of friendly Denver.
What is your artistic process? Weed coffee music pagan ritual
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? April 20th 1990
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) Born in Seoul the dirty south side of Korea. Raised in sioux city Iowa. Relocated to Denver in 2007.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) Mural Walls around 5 points, Broadway, Santa Fe.
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Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? Just had a fun group show at Emage with Travis La, Whitney Wells, and Chris jones. Also got a shirt graphic on Ashbury that’s about to be released. I’d like to get into more graphic design work and screen printing.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) Gotta feel it and go.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? Lose the day job haha.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? “Man is not interested in what created man, man is interested in what man creates.”
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Hieronymus Bosch, Steadman, Dali, Picasso, Alex Grey, Pardee, my friends, life, aliens, atomic power, and M.C. Escher.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? .lla su teg ‘nog yeht meht teg tnod ew fi sllams eiggib tohs ohW
Earl Snyder
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver? There’s a lot of talent here, and the scene is growing all the time, I’m looking forward to the future.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? Gotta stay in Denver. I’ve lived in some big cities, we have it good here.
What is your artistic process? It’s pretty simple. Stick a camera in someones face. I guess I’m always thinking of photos I want to make, so a lot a pre-visualization goes into it. I try to keep it simple and not try to force anything, just trust my instincts and make it quick so people don’t get bored.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I think it started when I was 14 and began skateboarding. Shortly thereafter, I got a Pentax ME Super from my uncle and started shooting my friends skating. What sealed the deal was living in NYC and wandering around the streets and shooting.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) Colorado Springs. I have a BA in Photography from the Art Institute of Colorado.
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery,
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museum, shop, etc.?) Wherever it is, but I guess Redline is my favorite venue for art in Denver.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors? No, but I plan to remedy that soon. I have been in a few group shows in the past.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) It is tough. I don’t shoot nearly as much as I’d like. However when I’m not mixing cocktails at a certain uptown eatery or hanging out with my wife, I’m doing something photographic.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? To be creative until the end.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? Someone who creates, no matter what it is. Your whole being goes into creating.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? I think anyone and everyone that creates is an inspiration and I get inspiration from every kind of art.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Sure. Follow me on instagram @trojanphoto
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver?
I have a show at the Svper Ordinary Gallery in Denver in May. I’m very excited about it.
I just moved to Colorado and have not really been exposed to the art scene in Denver. I went to the opening of Caleb Hahne’s show at Svper Ordinary in March and it was fantastic.
I’m also going to be part of group show at The Fleming Museum in Burlington, VT in 2015. The show is organized around Picasso’s controversial Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Picasso’s original painting won’t be present, but the show is a tribute to it’s impact on modern art. I’ll be showing one of my photographs, which I’m thrilled about because I’ve only ever shown my paintings and illustrations.
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I’m a coaster.
What is your artistic process? Usually feeling very inspired by other people’s work is the best motivator for me to create.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? I’m pretty sure during lunchtime once in second grade. A haiku is appropriate here: What I had for lunch I had orange juice Washing down my chicken strips Orangey goodness
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?)
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How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) It’s not really something I have to make time for. I poop when I get the feeling. I draw when I get the feeling.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I always hope that I’ll be like Picasso in my old age. Not in terms of reaching his level of fame, but in having his youthful stamina to make art everyday.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Too many. Picasso, Barry McGee, Michael Sieben, friends, to name a few.
Kennebunk, Maine. I went to college at UVM in Burlington, VT.
Do you have anything else to say to the world?
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
Hi mom and dad!
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What do you think of the art scene here in Denver?
shows and some random gallery shows, to find rad local art.
I Like it. There is a bunch of talent in Denver, that is pretty wide spread.
Do you have any shows happening right now...past, future endeavors?
Where do you see yourself going? Do you envision yourself staying in Denver or moving on elsewhere? I love Denver, but would love to live other places like, San Francisco, Seattle, or somewhere abroad, but Denver has my heart.
What is your artistic process? Usually I get the tweest going, throw on some tunes, get the sketchbook, and see were my mind wanders to from there.
When did you realize being a creative was the path you wanted to take? When I realized that working a 9-5 suit and cubicle job wasn’t the life for me. I am a skateboarder, we have always taking the creative route.
Where are you from? What school did you attend (or still attending?) I am a Denver native. I went to Rocky Mountain College Of Art and Design for 2 years then went to Metro. That’s when I realized that I hated school. Haha
Where is your favorite place to see art in Denver (gallery, museum, shop, etc.?) I’m always into the random DIY art
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Just a couple of shows in the works for this year, and making zines/limited tee shirts.
How do you make time to create art with everything going on in life (relationships, work, family, fun?) I don’t have a girlfriend; so there is a decent amount of time to art in between work and skating.
What is your lifetime goal as an artist / creator? I would love to be able to live and travel comfortably just based on doing art for a living. I just want to love whatever job I could have while using my talents and style.
How do you define “creator,” and what goes into creating? A creator to me is a free thinker that expresses themselves and inspires others.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations? Everyday life. Friends, family, skateboarding, women, food, beer, weed…the list could go on and on.
Do you have anything else to say to the world? Have fun and don’t be fucktards.
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APPE N D I X ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INDEX
I would like to thank all of the
BELL, ROBERT 4 - 8
KILTY, COLIN 94 - 99
BOUNDS, MOLLY 10 - 15
KIRKMAN, EVAN 100 - 107
BRESLIN, CAMILLE 16 - 21
LAUREMAN, MICHAEL 108 - 111
COLE, KEYATTA 22 - 25
LAWSON, DANIEL 112 - 115
DUVALL, DERRICK 26 - 33
MCFARLIN, RYAN 116 - 121
GALE, MOLLY 34 - 41
MIGLIORINI, MICHAEL 122 - 127
GRAVES, MICHAEL 42 - 45
MORTON, DILLON 130 - 133
GREEN, JERAMIAH 46 - 51
PHENIX, TINA 134 - 139
GUTIERREZ, JESSICA 52 - 55
POHLOD, MEGHAN 140 - 143
HABERKORN, TYLER 56 - 63
RUGLAND, BECKY 144 - 147
HONERKAMP, EVAN 64 - 69
SHAPIRO, ARI 148 - 153
HOWARD, MICHAEL S. 70 - 77
SNYDER, EARL 154 - 163
HUMANN, WESTON 78 - 83
TROJANOVICH, SAM 164 - 171
JONES, CHRIS 84 - 89
TUPPER, JACKSON 172 - 179
KANO, LEHI 90 - 93
WELLS, WHITNEY 180 - 187
artists who took the time to be apart of this book. You all are very talented and I cannot wait to see more of your work in the future. Kelly Monico, thank you for your guidance, insight, critiques, and wisdom. Meeting with you was therapeutic and extremely insightful. I wouldn’t have finished this book without you. Thanks to Brett Dugan for helping me take photographs of Denver. You have been extremely supportive, and I don’t think I couldn’t have finished the book without you either. Thanks to my Mom and Dad for helping me pay for this publication, without you this book would have never made it to print. Printing and Binding by Blurb.com
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[
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CREATOR
is a culmination of artists who are currently thriving within the Denver art scene.