Artist Interview: Perry Burns

What is your name: Perry Burns

Do you have a formal art education or are you a self taught artist: Formal. I went to Rhode Island School of Design.

What is the style of your pieces: I call it "organic geometry," a hybrid of Islamic pattern & abstract expressionism.

What is the medium in which you work: Oil on Canvas and Prints on Paper.

What started you on your path as an artist: I've been painting since I was 5 and have always loved it.

What is one of the most important things that art has brought to your life: A sense of God. I am not religious, but when I paint there is clearly some other greater force that comes into play, a force that feels like it often moves through me or around me when I paint. I feel that it is that force or energy that transcends the materiality of paint, and transforms the material, movement & intention into something much greater. That is the magic of painting and, indeed all the Arts.

What is your favorite genre of art besides the one you work in: Music, architecture, photography & "guerilla" art.

Do you have art showings, and if so what are they typically like: Yes, often. One person & group shows. The one person shows are based on ideas I have about the bridge between painting & spirituality, art & politics, aesthetics & culture.

Do you have a certain set of clothes you make art in: Yes, both clothes and shoes I can get plenty of paint on.

What has been the most frustrating part of being an artist? The current business of Fine Art - In the current gallery system galleries hold all the cards. There are some fairly standard practices but nothing is regulated and artists really have very little power. There is a very real reason people say, "starving artist" because it is very hard to actually make money as an artist until an artist reaches the upper echelons of the art world. 

What is your favorite sandwich of all time: Interesting question(?) A "Combo" from Villa - East Hampton, NY

Has this year brought about any changes in your work, and if so what are they: Major changes, although it is the result of years worth of developing some new ideas and work.

Who is your favorite artist alive or dead: Currently 2 who are alive - Mark Bradford, a painter in LA, and JR, a french photographer & guerilla artist.

What is the most moving piece of artwork that you have seen in person: Bernini's 'Apollo & Daphne', The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Gehry's Disney Concert Hall in LA.

Do you have any animals, and what do they think of your work: 1 cat - As he mostly eats, sleeps & poops, I'm not sure he even realizes my work exists.

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions you would like to share with us: Yes, an exhibit titled, '3 Visions' @ the Flinn Gallery - 101 West Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT. The Opening Reception is Thurs. Feb. 3rd  6-8pm.

Web address - www.perryburns.net                   

email - perburns@yahoo.com