Humdrum Artist Series: Scott Solano
Portraits by Heather Suarez.
‘Humdrum’ is a series of profiles on twelve of Los Angeles’ finest up and coming multimedia artists, reflecting the roster of the group art show of the same name opening at des pair books in Echo Park on September 16th.
I don’t know if it needs to be said, but I’ll say it anyway: you should be at that opening. Not only because the art is good and worth finding parking, but because print is important, physical space is important, and supporting artists is important, and by attending, you knock out all three. Scott Solano is an artist that makes work that haunts, entices, and lingers. What more can be said? Scroll down.
How did you get started as an artist & how has your practice evolved to where you are now?
I started writing graffiti in middle school because everyone who I thought was cool did. My dad, my brother, and the bad ass silver teeth kids at my school. Plus I thought it looked sick. I don’t think I was necessarily an artist then but I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t my introduction into art. My practice has evolved in the way I execute things in terms of precision of my craft. For the most part the feelings I portray and reflect in my work are along the same lines I did back then. But change is inevitable so I believe my work is growing with me.
How does your creative process usually start? Does a vision or motive come first or do you find the meaning/end point as you work?
Usually I’m chasing a feeling or thoughts that I have. It’s like a journal for the most part. Things that weigh on my mind throughout my times. Although sometimes it writes itself in the process while I’m getting lost in the details. I usually end up back to that initial feeling I started with whether it’s on purpose or subconsciously. I recently told my roommate Bobby that in the end making a good piece feels like pulling off a magic trick. He started laughing.
Have there been any significant feelings, experiences, or themes that have influenced your work?
Shits sweet now but it wasn’t always like this. Even now it’s not always sweet. I say that proudly too. My work reflects that. While I do often pay homage to cherished moments I experience in my life through my work, it’s usually balanced with something not so hopeful. Sometimes there's no balance in this imagery as well but still essential to be made. I use my work to say what I don’t, which is rare.
Los Angeles is a particularly intense and often uncomfortable place to be operating in. Do you feel like this pressure of perception and competition has affected your work or identity as an artist?
Recently I’ve been considering perception more in the early stages of making work and I’m not sure if I like it completely. It can be important for sure but also slightly creatively draining. Making art that stands for more than yourself and can shine lights on perspectives not always seen is important. I sometimes miss making selfish art, creating my own world that I thought no one would ever see. Not that this is completely gone in my work I will always make work close to me, it’s just now a big part of my process is intent and decision making. In terms of the “competition” I’m not even sure I’m in the contest? In terms of identity - I was born and raised in Los Angeles and I make art. I couldn’t change those things if I wanted to.
What do you feel is lacking in the modern art scene and why?
I’m not sure that anything is lacking. There is so much of everything always now. I can’t even tell if that’s good or bad anymore. Maybe bad? I’d hope good. I don’t think I’m in the scene enough to even say that though.
What role does technology play in your practice and how might that change over time?
I use technology as a tool in preparation during my practice but always keep my final product very hands on and analog. That’s something I don’t see changing. You can’t beat it in my opinion. It’s raw and real. Seeing art existing in person, not on a screen is really important.
Do you believe your work belongs to you or the viewer?
I appreciate whatever time spent thinking or emotion my work brings to the viewer, but it’s my work. For me it’s like when you hear a banger on your homies speaker and you turn it up and say “this is my song” you don’t mean it’s yours. It’s more about your connection with it. Even if someone buys my work- they may own it now but the work is still mine.
At what point do you believe a piece of work is ‘finished’?
“just ruined my piece boys.. i reckon this itch is something only a shotgun on the roof of my mouth could scratch … “ - A text from my friend Trent.
Idk if I can even do this but I wanna give some shout outs if I can:
Shout out Ali Omran. A good friend of mine who challenged me and changed how I look at art forever. I miss you habibi
Shout out my people in CMS & HS. I love y’all
Shout out AGH crew those kids from my middle school who were bombing the streets at like 11 years old, especially Blusk & Force AGH
Free my brother Mikey “Lefty” Rodriguez.
Shout out to my Mom for being my biggest supporter and the best mother anyone could ask for.
Shout out to my Father for paving the way for me. I think he’d be proud that I’m a part of a show in the city he raised me in.
And a big thank you to Sierra Skinner for even considering me to be a part of this show.
“Humdrum” Artists:
Opening September 16th, on view through December at des pair books Echo Park.
