“Learning to trust yourself and what you’re doing is key, and the rest is about just doing it. All I really need to have is an idea of what I’ve drawn or want to draw, the colors I want to use, and the time to do it.”
Name: Vincent Rizzo
Occupation: Artist / Student
Creative Industry: Visual Arts & Crafts
Creative Industry: Visual Arts & Crafts
1. You experiment with a lot of different mediums, is there one that you’re more drawn to than others?
I really enjoy using a variety of different media when making stuff. The experimentation portion of the process is crucial, and allows for a lot of new ideas and perspectives, but more often than not I do find myself coming back to my “comfort zone,” if you will. For me, that consists of making things with spray-paint, paint markers, acrylic paint, inks and any other types of drawing tools, really. I often paint and draw onto larger wooden panels, but enjoy working with different types of fabric and canvas. I think I am able to mix up and experiment with the different mediums I choose, because as long as it essentially involves drawing, I’m down with it.
2. As a graffiti artist; what’s your approach to filling a blank wall?
There’s very little planning honestly. For me painting, or making any art object really, needs to hold some sort of total abandonment, which can be easier said than done. Learning to trust yourself and what you’re doing is key, and the rest is about just doing it. All I really need to have is an idea of what I’ve drawn or want to draw, the colors I want to use, and the time to do it. I would say then the next step is to enjoy. Filling a wall is awesome, but the best part is seeing it pop when you’re done!
3. How do you think the city and local artists could work together to create more public art?
I want to say the most direct way would be by simply meeting up, getting and idea of what you want to do, and doing it. Starting an art group is a good way to go! By having a solid community of people dedicated to a specific cause, in this case public art, then getting in touch with the city, or a host in making that happen is what would come next. Hosting start-ups, or curating events dedicated to making public art would also be a good way to go.
4. How can Birmingham retain its creative talent post graduation?
By having outlets for it’s creativity! Having a place for the creative talent to go post-graduation is the best way for the talent to continue growing here. Birmingham is getting better about having places for artists to express themselves, but I do feel as though there is still room to grow. As long as there is a place for the creativity to go, then it’s just a matter of honing into that and aiding in it’s success, which is directly through support! I am so very grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and amount of support I’ve had in Birmingham, and am excited to watch the city’s creative energy continue to grow.
5. Are there any projects you are currently working on?
Oh, absolutely. I am always trying to keep myself busy by working on a couple of different pieces at the same time. It’s a good way to explore ideas in depth, and even multiple ideas at a time. I am admittedly a busy-body, so I have to continuously be doing or working on something, so making art is a great place for that. I’m currently working on a few paintings, one of which I’m exploring the idea of a diptych painting with, or two paintings that work together to make one. Lately I’ve also been working with transferring drawings I make onto different objects and surfaces and I like where it’s going. I love working on stuff and keeping myself entertained, so at any given time I probably have something I’m working on at home or in the studio… or both.
