Artist AlannJ--Humor in Art Part 1
Hello readers. Sorry to have been absent a couple weeks. I taught a woodworking class that was a bit more demanding than I thought and an emergency health issue with a pet (our doggo is now fine) set me off my schedule. I will make up the “missed time” by posting again next week.
Today’s post features an artist’s work that I stumbled upon in January while at a conference. The artist is Alann J (https://ironplanetstudios.com/) and his work features humor, whimsy, thought-provoking images, as well as a healthy does of fun and play. I had the chance to meet him at a show, speak to him briefly, and pitch the idea of featuring him on my Substack. He agreed. Like my earlier post featuring the author Andy Weir, I am interested to see how these creative folks find ways to use humor. Below is part 1 of the interview. Between his images and the responses, there’s enough content for two posts.
Q) How long have you been a professional artist?
A) The only jobs I have ever held were art related except for a short stint in college working at Govn’rs Park Restaurant in Denver. As far as professional painting artist, that started in 2015. I was only trying to decorate our Florida house and I wanted weird beach scenes. When I could find any that were weird enough, I painted my own. Eventually I painted more than I had walls to hang them on so I decided to take the show on the road.
Q) Have you always used humorous and humorous imagery in your work?
A) Yes, for the most part. I had to be serious for 14.5 years while working as an Air Force Technical Illustrator, but I still managed to slip in a joke or two along the way.
Q) Do you always try to incorporate some elements of humor in your work?
A) Yes, I think happy is better than complacency so I try to make art that causes a positive outcome for the viewer.
Q) What's your general process as you create your work?
A) I first get the idea in my head. Sometimes it is an ironic image that sets me off, or a real life situation that could go wrong. There’s an element of humor in every situation if just one little thing were to change. That’s the stuff I see in my head, so I make a sketch and show it to my wife. If she laughs, I proceed with the concept and work it up in my mind. Sometimes for years.
Q) Is humor an element you often want to use?
A) Is this a trick question? It seems like I just answered this. I use humor to attract the viewer like light attracts a moth. Once they come in for a closer look the details start to reveal a little information and hooks them. The astute viewer will know there is something special about the painting that others might not see. That’s where the story teller in me rises to the surface. Is it something you feel is part of your identity as a visual artist? The story telling aspect of the art, and the research I put into the piece is definitely different from any other artist I’ve ever met.
Have a good week.