Art Buff: John Santomieri

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Where are you from originally?

I'm a Niagara County boy.

What is your medium?

I use oil paints and mediums including acrylics, sprays, charcoal, wax and egg washes in my work.

How has Buffalo influenced your work?

Buffalo is a significant force. I'm constantly influenced by context and urban dynamics living in the city. The romance of architectural and material preservation, use and decay is a heavy visual source for my work as well as the trees and green-spaces. Most of what I paint I find here.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My art is conceptual. I find its roots in everything.

Name an artist (or more) that most inspires you?

Magda Cordell and John McHale, Frida, Niki de Saint Phalle, Clyfford Still, Wolfgang Laib, Cindy Sherman, Robert Adams, Martin Puryear, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Cai Guo-Qiang, William Maggio

What is your preferred subject matter?

Typically I reference concepts that compose our environment or how we understand it; philosophies of perspective and time, 'abstract' history, physical systems and growth ratios, plant biology. My current series illustrates clonal identities.

What is another medium that you would like to learn?

I'd like to learn to cast although I'm sure it will get me into trouble.

Is there a purpose to your artwork?

To create exchange.

How often do you work on your art?

Every day.

What or who first prompted you to venture into the art world?

Kids in my kindergarten who needed things drawn and made requests.

Where is your current/next show in the city? Dates? Opening night?

Next is Echo Art Fair July 7, 8 at the Larkin Complex. Then in 'Organismic', an emerging and contemporary artist show at the Benjaman Gallery in August.

What's your favorite movie?

Anything Miyazaki.