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Larry Roberts |
What can I say…I’ve known Larry Roberts and his work for almost twenty years. The first time I met Larry I was barely an adult, but his work spoke directly to the old man in me. It was sophisticated and enlightened. Dark, rich and textured, like the atmosphere of our oppressed Midwest burg. I thought…”How can someone from this background create such refined and evocative work and not already ‘Be’ someone?” I couldn’t believe that art so honest and genuine could be done only for therapeutic reasons. For it to go unnoticed in this landscape of never-ending posers and repetition was frightening. Things have changed and since then I’ve witnessed Larry Roberts move to the windy city and become someone. I’ve seen his work progress to something unimaginable. I’ve seen it scale up and take on amazing forms of painterly and sculptural presence. The most impressive thing is the process in which it all comes to life: by hand, by tool, and by will. There is nothing “low-brow” about Larry’s work, nor is there an intention. It is simply and profoundly what it is. Found, seen, and realized. Amazing.
Now at his openings art “critics” from the “major” magazines, dumbfounded, whisper to each other; “This is the abstract expressionist of our time.” They become increasingly awestruck as they progress from piece to piece. This month Larry opens his studio for the Pilsen Art Walk. A festive event where the artist studios of South Side Chicago are opened for the public to walk through, witness the underground fine art movement of Pilsen and drink free wine. This is no paid endorsement for Chicagoland, it is simply an opportunity for you to witness what I and many others believe is one the greatest “fine artists” of our time in his natural environment… so share a glass of wine. Just be sure when you talk to Larry about his work you don’t ask: “What’s in there?”
Wide-Eyed: What was your initial inspiration to paint?
Larry Roberts: I think it was both a natural progression material wise, but I also felt drawn towards elements involving the subconscious mind.
WE: Where is your work intended to take the viewer?
LR: If possible, to scratch their inner cortex, far past the initial glance, through subliminal dimensions slowly revealing themselves, each time and at every angle.
WE: Many people see everything from horses to deviant sexual acts embedded in your imagery. Is it all intentional?
LR: Wow, all at the same time? Most of my images start from nothing other than raw emotion and gravity. As the liquids congeal and the layers build, the images begin to reveal themselves, still hiding in shadows or illuminated by color and light. I chisel out the details or obliterate them with the edges of subject and suggestion.
WE: Can you explain your use of materials, specifically the found object nature of your canvases?
LR: I tend to work with thickly poured acrylic grounds over panel board with paper or canvas sub-straights in-between. Finding these panels in various shapes or cutting them presents me with a new set of mind games each time, I can explain. Once the painting is finished, I then build the frame around it using metal, wood and other found objects. This environment is unique to each piece. Nothing worse to me, than a store bought frame.
WE: Chicago is your home base. How does the city influence your work?
LR: Chicago’s chaotic industrial nature acts as a catapult for creativity since most of my work is anxiety driven. I initially thought I would not be able to find any good dumpsters to dive in, but my worries proved unfounded, the garbage is good!
WE: How would you describe the Chicago art community?
LR: The current Chicago art scene is an outstretched limb with many tentacles shifting from one hot spot to the next. The alliances I have formed with other fellow artists, like David Aschenbrener. Who unintentionally stole my marble slab to make a base for his “fucking amazing” bronze sculpture. Who also became my music saviour (now in Wisconsin). Kenneth Morrison, sculptor and leader of the Ever so Secret Order of the Lampreys art group. Davide Nanni, whose selfless process and ability to orchestrate incredible recycled sculpture and Andy Barker, musician/Co- Producer in my music and other art. These are just a few of the many connections this community has given me.
WE: Your techniques are very hands-on. How did this approach develop?
LR: I don’t know if you want to go that far back? I think it has always been there.
WE: What artist or individual has had the biggest impact on your work?
LR: Jesus and Satan, Greek and Hebrew mythology, the Dalai Lama, the Great Spirit or there is none… I remember Heironomous Bosch, the availability of good drugs… what was the question? I strive for the opposite, though the events of the world and my wife, Laurie, are impossible to avoid.
WE: When did painting become your medium of choice and why?
LR: I began experimenting with paint in my early 20’s. Before that, it was graphite, then ink, which gave way to inky translucent paint. First and foremost, the saturation there of, while constantly testing out different materials, that’s the physical, the rest is therapy. The sheer fact that I have to see segments of my mind in tangible forms.
WE: How would you describe your work?
LR: I wouldn’t… {laughs}… As if to look at reality as illusion and the dream world subconscience, a pathless stretch of life to travel down.
WE: What other creative endeavors are you involved in?
LR: I’m co-producing a project called Toucher NonToucher Recordings which spans not only the 2 year course of its origin, but delves into nearly fifteen years of self produced experimental music, many which were produced on cassette using various recording devices. The collaboration of my friends, coerced or voluntary, were involved in the making of all these projects.
WE: How has your success changed your approach to your work?
LR: a) I haven’t noticed any, b) I tend to hide away more often, c) I have become larger, d) I like having enough supplies of materials to work with, e) these cocksuckers won’t leave me alone, f) I love you David.
Next month see Larry Robert’s work appear in Elle Decor magazine in the “Dream Home Feature.” See more of Larry’s work at wideeyednation.com, larryrobertsstudio.com and his music at www.myspace.com/touchernontoucher
Click here to see his work his the Wide-Eyed photo gallery
