An interview with Scott Radke
Please talk a lil’ bit about your work and the main inspiration that fuels you to keep creating.
I’m not sure there is a main source – there is this dark/warm world in my head. I can feel it when I create. There isn’t a clear picture or image but I know it’s there and pretty much always has been. I guess that is what is driving me. I soak up as much from nature as I can, and it all gets mixed up upstairs and these little creatures come out while I am working. Does that explain it?
Please tell us a little bit about your early work with marionettes.
Making marionettes is where I initially felt comfortable with sculpting and painting. It was not until I combined the two that I felt confident in what I was doing. I was able to make some for films and stop motion. I’d like to go back and explore marionettes again but I am happy with what I am doing now.
When did you know you wanted to follow the path of being a full-time artist?
I ran machines in a bed frame factory for 9 years. I just could not see myself doing it forever. Creating makes you feel good. When I quit the factory, that’s when I began the path. Fortunately, that was over 10 years ago.
What led you to sculpture as your main outlet of creative expression?
I was always frustrated with painting as well as sculpting and whatever I made never felt like it was finished. Even what I do now sort of feels that way but when I combined the two it just felt right like the right place to be.
Describe your dream project if time and money were not issues.
Hmmm. Really, my current show at Thinkspace is a dream project. I’d like to do more large scale pieces for sure. I’ve always wanted to do a large scale window display. To be able to create environments to go along with the sculptures would be nice. I usually do not have the time or space to do stuff like that.
Take a look at the works coming to life here:
www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157626187159349/
The digital preview for the show will be spread tomorrow morning (Thurs, June 16th). If interested, be sure to shoot a mail to contact@thinkspacegallery.com and we’ll be sure to follow up once the preview has been spread.
Scott Radke ‘Burlap’
Reception with the artist: Sat, June 18th 5-8PM
Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd in Culver City / www.thinkspacegallery.com
