Interview by Tara Sasiadek:
The Buffalo Expat Network, the Emerging Leaders in the Arts and HandsOn Greater Buffalo are pleased to present the echo:
Art Fair which connects experienced collectors and first-time buyers
with emerging local, regional and international artists in a centralized
and creative environment; the Buffalo Central Terminal. echo:
Art Fair will showcase a broad scope of fine art disciplines, including
painting, photography, sculpture, print, works on paper, video and
combined-media. echo will commence with a VIP Reception on July 8th, 2011. On July 9th, the echo:
Art Fair will run from 9:30am until 5:30pm. The After-echo party, also
to be held in the Terminal, will take place shortly after the ending of
the fair featuring live music from The Albrights, Alex Kelly, and will
wrap up with a dance party featuring DJ Cutler and AVDJ PROJEX. Here is the next in a series of Buffalo Rising interviews with one of our featured artists, Ben Perrone:
Who are you, and what do you do?
I’m doing sculptural work now after being more of a painter.
What are the most essential elements of your work?
I have been working with paper for several years sometimes using paper bags other times colored paper for collage.
If you had to choose only 5 materials or tools to work with, what would they be?
I would use paint, paper, and whatever the project needed. Some of the enjoyment of art is the creative use of materials. Brainstorming to find the answer to new problems, especially in sculpture, brings new materials to use. My extensive experience in woodworking feeds into the need to come up with creative solutions.
Do you have a connection to Buffalo?
I’ve lived here most of my life, enjoying the art and landscape and especially being able to relate to the art community. People here are friendly and social.
How do you define success as an artist?
Success as an artist is relative. You have to succeed with yourself first, knowing the satisfaction of your art. Then it helps to have feedback from other artists that you respect.
I have been overwhelmed by the response and interest from the public on my last project, “War Ongoing Project” at the Burchfield Penney AC.
Do you have a set schedule for studio time? How do you structure your creative life?
I live above my studio so it’s always easily available but making time for social events and relaxation determines how often I work. Energy is a factor although I seem more energized now because of the number of Ideas and work that I want to complete.
Can you tell us about where you find resources or inspiration for your work?
I don’t know what inspires the creativity. In this world of vast communication we are bombarded by information that can be a source. The problem is filtering out what is more important to you and what you can do with it. I would like to see more artists involved with current social problems rather than the pure acts of creativity that I am also taken with.
What quote or mantra or words of wisdom do you have for other creative types?
From the musician Mose Allison: “The artist is the one who never gets it right.”
Where can we find more of your work?
My work and the work of other good artists I know/have known can be seen on the web site www.art-wny.com.
Also look up “War Ongoing Project” in youtube. Or call for a studio visit, 716-884 8563.
For full details on echo: Art Fair, visit the site at www.echoArtFair.com, or find us on Facebook.