Artist Profile: Ellwood T Risk

Artist: Ellwood T. Risk
Location: Santa Monica

Website:
Ellwood T Risk

How do you describe your work, Ellwood?
Politically motivated contemporary art with a pop slant.

What is your creative process like?
I tend to work for long periods of time, ten to twelve hours at a clip. My process is involved and lenghty so far as fabrication and production goes. When it comes to the actual making of the work itself, I generally climb aboard the bus with no more than a general destination in mind and strap myself in for the ride. Music is a big part of the overall process though I will go through periods of listening to nothing but NPR. I rarely work in silence.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I have no formal training in the arts. Painted houses and worked as a journey level dry wall finisher for over 23 years. Much of this experience is reflected in my attention to detail on frames, panels and the works themselves. I found art through a gift of paints and canvas that my brother gave me for my 22nd birthday and it’s been an ongoing, ever changing obsession for me since that day.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Not really, you work with what you have. I’m lucky enough to live in the lap of American luxury with access to everything. If I had none of it, I’d find some way to make work with whatever was at hand.

What inspires you to create?
Compulsion plays a much greater role for me than inspiration, though I have felt inspired on several occasions. When inspiration does play a role it’s usually tied to having seen a show or exhibit of work that really moves me.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Again, the word compulsion comes to mind. I really don’t think about it much. I get up, have coffee, go to the studio and work…rain or shine..good mood or foul.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Figure out what floats your boat, put your head down, and make work.

Stay in line and wait for your turn, if you remain focused and continue to produce…the opportunity will find you and grow in kind with your ability to respond.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Sleep and running art related errands.

What’s your favorite comfort food and other favorite things?
I love all types of food. breakfast has always been my favorite meal. And the beach. every so often, i just have to put a day aside for the beach.