How KAWS Became the Face Of Contemporary Art | Blueprint

Summary

The video features a candid conversation with a Brooklyn-based studio owner discussing the evolution of their creative practice. They share insights on managing a small team of ten, the challenges of delegating work while preserving their artistic vision, and the importance of maintaining financial stability through optimism. The speaker reflects on their creative journey, emphasizing the excitement of exploring new ideas and the need to set low personal expectations to avoid paralysis from external pressures. They also highlight the significance of trusting one's instincts in the face of criticism, particularly in the graffiti community, encouraging a personal exploration of art.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker runs a small Brooklyn studio with a team of ten, emphasizing the significance of effective team management in a creative environment.
• 😀 Transitioning from solo work to collaboration required a learning curve, showcasing the challenges of integrating assistants into the creative process.
• 😀 Financial stability has been a consistent aspect of the speaker's career, rooted in a positive mindset and appreciation for their current circumstances.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the unpredictability of the creative field but remains optimistic about future opportunities and personal growth.
• 😀 They advocate for setting realistic expectations to avoid paralysis from pressure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on self-improvement.
• 😀 The art community can be critical, particularly regarding the distinction between 'real' graffiti and other forms of expression, highlighting the subjective nature of art.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on their journey of exploring new artistic avenues, such as phone booths and toys, which may be viewed unfavorably by traditionalists.
• 😀 It is crucial for artists to stay true to their vision and resist the urge to please others, as external validation can lead to creative stagnation.
• 😀 The speaker expresses excitement for future projects and the potential to innovate within their practice, indicating a commitment to evolving their artistry.
• 😀 Ultimately, the dialogue reinforces the notion that personal choices and artistic direction should remain at the forefront of an artist's journey, free from external pressures.

Q & A

What does the artist say about the size of their studio team?

The artist mentions that their team consists of ten people, which they consider relatively small for a studio that produces a significant amount of work.

How did the artist feel about managing their first assistant?

The artist describes the experience as a learning curve, noting the challenges of transitioning from working alone to having someone in the studio.

What factors contribute to the artist's sense of financial stability?

The artist expresses a longstanding feeling of financial stability, attributing it to their optimistic perspective and the understanding that their situation could always change.

How does the artist view the urgency to create new work?

The artist feels a real urgency and excitement to engage with new projects and push their creative boundaries, continuously thinking about what they can make next.

What strategy does the artist employ to handle pressure in their work?

The artist keeps low expectations for themselves to avoid the paralysis that can come from the pressure to constantly outdo previous work.

How did the graffiti community react to the artist's ventures into new styles?

The artist encountered skepticism from the graffiti community when they began exploring styles like phone booths and toys, which some viewed as not being 'real' graffiti.

What does the artist say about external opinions on their work?

The artist emphasizes the importance of not letting external opinions dictate their creative choices, stating that once you start trying to please others, you lose your direction.

What has been the artist's approach to personal growth in their creative process?

The artist focuses on pushing their work and themselves forward, responding to what they see and continuously looking for ways to evolve their practice.

What does the artist mean by 'toys' in the context of their work?

In the graffiti community, 'toys' refers to lower-status work or styles that are not taken seriously, which the artist has explored despite the negative connotation.

How does the artist feel about the balance between personal vision and external validation?

The artist believes that personal choices should guide their work rather than seeking validation from others, suggesting that authenticity is key to maintaining creative integrity.