In an effort to fully relate to and understand the creative process of some of his idol-worthy colleagues, Joe Fig set out to produce mini studio replicas of his favorite artists. Fig began intricately studying the studios of his muses, down to the finest detail. He conducted interviews, took photographs, and collected research, which he used as a blueprint for his studio replicas.
Fig’s research led him to publish his comprehensive findings in a book titled, “Inside The Painter’s Studio.” The book takes the reader inside the mind of 24 of Fig’s idolized artists and walks you through a day in the life of their artistic process.
Fig gave ChinaShop a behind-the-scenes peak inside the project and shared his techniques for completing such an intriguing task.
What originally led you to be interested in exploring the working methods of artist’s studios?
I’ve always been interested in other people and how they spend their days. People spend so much time at work I’m curious about their day-to-day routines.
How do you spend your day?
Well, eventually after years of making art I was back at grad school and realized I’d been an artist for 10 years and that this was my profession. So I was curious as to how other artists really spend their days and wanted to get a better understanding of the real day-to-day practicalities of the life of the contemporary artist. I wanted to demystify the myth. I also thought that if I understand how other artist’s work and how they set up their studio’s it would make me a better artist.
How did reproducing mini studios of your idol artists help you to understand them better?
Well, I’d say that actually my whole process gave me a better understanding. That would include the one-on-one interaction, the formal interview I conduct and the types of questions I ask which don’t necessarily focus on their work but more on how they go about making their work.
Tell me about your process of recreating the studios…
I start with a visit to an artist’s studio and then conduct a formal interview, which I record. I then photograph and measure everything in the studio. So armed with all this reference I decide on the composition and size and just begin building.
All this research led to your book, “Inside The Painter’s Studio.” What is your book about in your own words?
My book, “Inside the Painter’s Studio,” offers a rare glimpse into the universe of the artist’s studio. The book contains interviews with – as well as exclusive visual documentation of artists and their studios. The questions asked deal with the day-to-day creative life, and the real practicalities of what it takes and means to be an artist.
How did you decide on the 24 artists you feature in your book?
I’ve interviewed over 50 artists and it was hard to whittle down the list to a manageable 24. In the end, it was about choosing a cross section of artists who are at different stages in their careers from the then 26-year-old Dana Schutz to the octogenarian Philip Pearlstein and everyone in between.
What is your favorite thing about art?
Creating something from nothing.
What is your favorite type of art to create?
It changes. Currently it is painting. I never know which direction my work will take and pretty much follow one piece to the next. I have to be excited about what I’m doing and challenged by it. Once you have a formula it becomes boring and derivative.
How long have you been creating sculptures?
Well maybe I’ve been making sculptures my whole life? Lego’s as a kid, building forts for my GI Joe’s, that kind of stuff? But, the body of work I’ve become known for (miniature sculptures of artists in their studios) I began in the spring of 2000.
Were you the kid in elementary school that had to make a window box diorama that went above and beyond with intricate details?
Not that I remember, but I could always draw and enjoyed drawing. I have an identical twin brother named Thom and when we were kids we would both draw all the time, mostly baseball and football players. It was a lot of fun.
What was your favorite studio to recreate and why?
The parallel studios of April Gornik and Eric Fischl. It was a huge undertaking, which took over half a year of work. I think it was my most ambitious undertaking and I was just really happy with the way it came out, it’s presence as a sculpture. Not to mention that I adore both those artists and appreciate their generous spirit.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Making my parents proud and debunking the myth of the lone crazy artist. I found that the most successful artists were successful because they were incredibly dedicated, hard working and generous. No assholes.
What is the next direction you see your art taking? Any new endeavors?
I’ve gone back to my roots and began painting again. The new paintings, which I’m excited about, will be showing at Cristin Tierney in NYC. The show runs through April 9. I was inspired by the book The Judgment of Paris by Ross King and the subject of these new paintings allude to the art historical moment in Paris during the 1860′s.
For more information on Joe Fig including upcoming exhibitions, news and images please visit his official website: www.joefig.com
Words by Nicole Pajer (@NicolePajer)
