1. How did you get involved in the arts?
Oh jeez, that takes me back. I guess when i was a kid my Dad or some teachers gave me a box of crayons and i just never stopped! I think, I’ve been lucky to just always be around cool, supportive people who for some wild reason egged me on and believed in my weird little visions. Coming up in the DIY music scenes and Minnesota in general was a major reason I kept going (tho many times I’ve gone on pause to do “real jobs”.) This area and those scenes can be incredibly supportive and inspiring and I’m pretty grateful for that.
2. Who are the artists that you admire?
Too many to name. Some of my earliest inspirations of “fine art” (or what I perceived to be at the time) were Bob Camp who did the Gross Up Close Ups on Ren & Stimpy. Lots of comic artists. As a teenager and early 20’s I was really into Xerox’d flyer art from old Punk shows and more professional gig posters from the bands i was in love with. The people i was around at the time probably had the greatest admiration tho. my buddy Tyler Huss and Duluth local musician Anton Jimenez Klockl. Honestly I don’t know a ton of art history and can’t remember peoples names super well. I think the biggest inspirations are just people I’ve gotten to meet. I really love local artist Cherry Koch’s work. Annmarie Genuisz’s ability to play in multiple mediums and her work ethic is AMAZING. Like everyone who did stuff under the Embassy Art Collective was always just so inspiring. Musicians really keep me motivated and i super admire that artform. Yeah, too many to name, I don’t want to leave anyone out. Basically if I’ve met you and you do cool shit, I admire you! Thanks for the inspiration!
3. Where can people find your art and more about you?
My instagram is @tompantss. I have some murals and posters around town. Head to Studio Cafe for some great coffee by amazing folks, I’ve got a legion of Eyebagoobs in the windows there right now. ALT creative, too! Def check them out for art in general. Sometimes I’ll pop up in posters, and walls, sometimes online. I dunno a little all over the place
4. What is the greatest accomplishment so far in your career?
$#!t these are some taffies! UMMMM… I guess in general somehow being able to keep my head above water. My time doing branding and assets for Duluth Coffee Company was a treat. My approach and style was the polar opposite of their branding, but finding a happy medium to coexist and put work out that i liked and fit into the ethos and brand of that company was awesome. Being in the Embassy Art Collective was also a point of pride, i really like to think fostering community and giving space for weirdos and silly gooses and folks who may not always find spaces to showcase their work in traditional venues: was an amazing feeling to be a part of. It was majorly a group effort so I guess I’d say just being a part of that.
5. Do you have any words of wisdom for those starting off in the art world?
This sounds cheesy, but hey… I LOVE cheese… but BE YOURSELF. We all admire and emulate art, but take time to find your voice. Be as weird or out there as you want. Definitely take time to work on your craft, but don’t waiver on your vision. (And i say this as a person who has at times to pay bills or thru self doubt) People can smell bullshit, don’t waste your time or others time creating something you simply want others to like. Like it first and foremost for the love of the game, make something that makes you smile. Get obsessed with your work, be delusional and whimsical… why tf not. That’s a better story than the one you think others want.
In my experience, that attracts much more light to your work. Don’t be afraid to experiment and/or fail. (Because you’re going to) That learning and growth is going to help produce your best work. Oh and for the love of all that is holy, value your work. Don’t work for free. There’s a time and a place for sweat equity, exposure and charity… but unfortunately the art world, and artists, let the free thing slide too much. Learn to say no to things if they don’t fit or fund you and your future goals. It hurts you as an artist to be taken advantage of, and it perpetuates a stereotype AND an economy of the “starving artist” (or the exploited) that is so old hat it hurts. No shade to the importance of all workers, but end of the day. Art is what inspires us to live. The songs that motivate us to strive for bigger things, that can articulate the bliss of love and the hole left when it’s gone, the movies that help us relate and comprehend the bizarre reality of existing, The colors and shapes that brighten up walls that may just be there to house folks or businesss But yeah. Authenticity. It’s cool stuff.
