#sparkchamber 111819 — Connor Villard
A short and sweet, wild and deep ride in #sparkchamber today as we welcome artist, Connor Villard. Just 18 years old and already so accomplished! Originally from Burbank, CA, he is currently working toward a BFA in writing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Both a painter and a singer-songwriter, his process in each medium, though distinct, derive fundamentally from exposure to something new. “My visual art is most often inspired by the discovery of new materials — I’ve made sculptures out of police barricades and paintings out of bacon grease. My music, however, is a document of my experiences, thoughts, and feelings. A big part of my musical inspiration comes from being exposed to new music. I started listening to a new album every day starting when I was 16. I would then compile my favorite songs into a playlist — now over 20 hours long — and I try to add to it as often as possible. The more I listen and the more I experience, the more I write."
Listen to his music on Soundcloud or relive a live set from the Whisky A Go Go. For a look into life and art, check out his Instagram.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
The ideas for my paintings typically come from the discovery of something, this could be new materials, a person, or even a TV show. My music comes from a similar place, although my art tends to say something about the world around me, while my music is usually about working through my own thoughts and feelings. If I have the urge to create something but I don’t have an idea, I usually doodle or take a walk. Doodling is especially helpful.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
It’s not specific. I just know if I don’t express myself I’ll go nuts
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
I’m an all or nothing sort of guy. So usually I’ll work constantly for a few days and then I’ll be lazy for a while. My lazy period ends when I get an idea, and I don’t stop working until either I have a product I like or I'm convinced I never will. I rarely finish bad paintings, I gesso over them. But I save my bad songs because they usually have a line or two that I can repurpose.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
When I feel that adding to the piece is more likely to ruin it then help it. However if I think it needs something I’ll add it regardless.
