We had an inkling this would be a strong show from Sam Flores when AM first hooked up last month for a creative process article for his upcoming show. As we saw more images leaked from his show entitled “Ego, Addiction, and Other Bedtime Stories,” opening this Saturday, May 2nd at Subliminal Projects, we became more and more excited about this body of work.
Flores really pushed himself creating works for this exhibition. As he puts it: “this new show is a transformation. I wanted to have each piece an exercise to train myself to do things better, and with more heart and attention. I wanted each piece to make me better and not just spin my wheels doing the same thing over and over.” Check out the rest of the preview and interview after the jump…
Arrested Motion (AM): Can you tell us a little about your body of work for your show? The title “Ego, Addiction, and Other Bedtime Stories” is quite interesting but seems to cover some diverse topics. How did you choose it?
Sam Flores (SF): The topic for my show is just the basic struggle everyone goes through – trying to balance good and bad, control their inner demons, thought and conscience. We all have something that we have to battle with, something that visits us in the night or makes you do right or very wrong. I’m showing that in a storybook illustration world, where beauty, hope or innocence might be illustrated as a girl or a rainbow or light shining through a black smoke-filled sky, being threatened by darkness (addiction, doubt, non-acceptance). It’s a little intimate field trip through all sides of dark and light, and what’s in between.
AM: Are you looking forward to showing at Shepard Fairey’s gallery? Can you tell us a little about how you met him. Have you guys collaborated on any projects before?
SF: I met Shepard a while ago through Upper Playground and would do group projects that we both were part of here and there. Then, last year, he did the Manifest Hope show in Denver for Obama, and I went out there to participate in that awesome display of talent and support for our new President.
AM: I remember watching some video interviews in the past and learning about your signature style in emphasizing the hands and feet in your paintings. You mention that as a self-taught artist, you found those parts of the body the hardest to draw. That’s why you did them larger to prove that you could do it right. After hearing this, some other collectors and I began looking closely at different paintings and realized your were right, there are artists out there who really mess up the hands and feet. How do you feel about ruining paintings for others now that you have brought attention to this problem area haha?
SF: I’ve found a few things really hard to paint, and it feels good to constantly practice and push yourself. This new show is a transformation. I wanted to have each piece an exercise to train myself to do things better, and with more heart and attention. I wanted each piece to make me better and not just spin my wheels doing the same thing over and over. I think everyday, you should always do something that you’re dreading, but know it’ll make you better or aid in your development for the better.
If feet and hands are one of them then do it…
AM: Any shows or projects you can share with us for the remainder of 2009?
SF: August, I’m going out to Mexico City to the new Upper Playground Gallery out there to do a installation and work on some new work
Hope to see everyone at Subliminal on Saturday, May 2nd!
AM: Thanks Sam. We will definitely be there to cover your show.
