Our very own Jessica sat down with Florida based artist Scott Scheidly to discuss his new solo show opening up at Spoke Art on August 1st in San Francisco. Check out this quick interview below and be sure to come see his work in person August 1st! RSVP on Facebook HERE

1) So Scott, give us your stats, where are you based and what kind of work do you make? How long have you been painting for?

Based in Orlando, Florida USA. I’m an acrylic painter and like to work in series to keep it fresh. In this way I’m always challenging myself with different styles and ideas. I have been painting my whole life but started out as an illustrator but have been working with galleries for about ten years.

2) Walk me through your creative process, is it instantaneous or do you sit on ideas for a long time?

I usually start with a main image that strikes my fancy then alter and add to it to make it my own. I never do full sketches but only small thumbnails for composition. With this comes a lot of problem solving which is my favorite part.

3) If you didn’t paint for a living, what would you do?

I’d be a rocket scientist.

4) I’m sure you get a long of attention for this on-going series, what was the most ridiculous response you gotten?

It’s funny because the viewers either get it completely or don’t get it at all. Example: “why would anyone want to hang a painting of Hitler in their home”? Also the lady at ArtPadSF that lost her mind over the Pope piece.

5) I’ve read these ‘Pink Portraits’ are less about sexual identity and more about perceived imagery, can you expand on that?

Yeah pretty much every time I see a write up on the series it refers to it as “gay”. However in a nutshell it’s how color and symbology can change perception. With that being said I guess it’s working since the series is always equated as “gay”.

6) Which figure in this series speaks to you the most and why?

Not sure any of them really speaks to me but my favorites are of the Star Wars characters being that I grew up on the movies.

7) How does authority and power play into these works? In terms of discernible traditional norms of dominance and use of iconic propaganda?

My main idea for the series was to paint evil or badass individuals. To take authority and powerful (especially evil) figures and dress them in pinks and purples just cracks me up.

8) Would you ever consider using influential feminine figures with a reverse set of imagery and color, a kind of dual opposite series?

Yes, I have been thinking of a new series down the road where I use nice/good people but paint them in blacks. Say Mother Teresa in leather and studs.

9) It’s clear you have a sense of humor about these ‘fabulous figures’, if you could give your viewers one statement about the series, what would it be?

To the people who don’t get it, stop taking life so serious!

10) So what’s in store for you in the future? Any hints on a new series coming our way?

Other than the wholesome people in black you never can tell. I’m always changing and growing which to me is what being an artist is all about.