[ARTIST INTERVIEW] Chris Piascik

CHRIS PIASCIK is an artist and designer from the Boston area. Well-known in design circles, his work is gaining popularity. The man behind PRINT BRIGADE, he is also a designer for ALPHABET ARM DESIGN as well as doing his own design work. I had an opportunity to catch up with Chris for this interview shortly before the election. So, take a look at his work and ideas, and enjoy! -B

NAME/AGE/LOCATION: Chris Piascik / 26 / Cambridge, MA

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO LATELY WITH YOUR ART? I have been posting daily drawings to my blog – ChrisPiascik.com/news – for quite awhile now. It has definitely been a fun project even when it’s hard to fit them into my schedule. I have also had some solo shows of my paintings in the New England area. Some of my paintings are currently hanging at GRAND in Somerville, MA. I’ve also been putting the finishing touches on a new line of shirts for PRINT BRIGADE.

HOW’D YOU GET STARTED IN ART? I started drawing at a very young age and I haven’t stopped. I became interested in design right about the same time I discovered music. I would take apart album packaging and then make my own…

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO COMMUNICATE IN YOUR ART? Most of my work is playful and light-hearted with deeper dark and/or political undertones. I’d like to think that when people spend time exploring my pieces they might discover new things or hidden messages.

WHAT’S BEEN ON YOUR MIND LATELY? Since it’s election season, there is really no way around that. Lately I’ve been quite frustrated with the amount of ignorance around the whole process. It seems that to a frighteningly large group of people that what actually matters isn’t important. If Bush has an approval rating in the 20-30% range and John McCain has voted with him 90% of the time and our Country is in MUCH worse shape than it was 8 years ago… then why are so many people supporting him?

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? UPCOMING SHOWS, COLLABS, ETC.? I have another solo show coming up in December at TREMONT 647 in Boston. I also have a “Get Out the Vote” poster (left) being shown at the National Design Center in New York City as well as the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

INSPIRATIONS? Music is definitely a big influence. I have a very eclectic taste ranging from bands like the Misfits to artists like Cat Power. I often work while listening to the news, so topical events often find their way into my pieces. I am greatly inspired by lots of artists and designers including Jon Bergerman, Ray Fenwick, Parra, Post Typography, Craig Thompson… and so on… and so on…

CHRIS PIASCIK LINKS: Website, Flickr, Print Brigade, Alphabet Arm Design

Ben Murphy

Ben Murphy, founder of The Father Life, is an Adventure Athlete, Writer, and Wellness Advocate who used to be obese. You can ask him your questions at www.BenMurphyOnline.com. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and three daughters.