Gallery visitors have been full of questions about our currently featured solo artist, so we decided to sit down and ask him some questions. Meet Victor Grasso.

Victor in his studio with *Last Tango In Xochimilco*

Hi Victor! So, I know your basic biography, but other than things we have spoken about in person and the picture I have about you from your social media presence, I don’t really know that much about you. Is there anything specific you’d like to share? Why have you decided to become an artist? Was there a defining moment in your life when you knew you were an artist?

Since the earliest moments of my memory, I have been infused with an innate desire to create and express myself through art. From a very young age, I knew that I was destined to pursue a career in the world of artistic expression. The desire to explore and push the boundaries of my creativity has always been an integral part of my identity, driving me to experiment with different mediums and techniques to find my unique artistic voice.

My artistic journey began with a childhood love of drawing comic book characters, which eventually led me to discover my passion for painting. For years, my focus was on achieving photorealism in my work, striving to create images that were indistinguishable from photographs. However, as I matured and immersed myself in the world of art, I began to see the beauty in embracing the touch of the artist's hand in creating something magical. This realization led me away from photorealism and towards a more imaginative and fantastical approach, fueled by my own creativity and the stories I was inspired to tell. Today, I am delving deeper into the realm of watercolor, exploring the possibilities of this medium to create characters and worlds that exist only in my imagination. It's a thrilling journey that has reignited my love for art and opened up new possibilities for my creative expression.

Do you have a formal art education or are you self taught?

I am a self-taught artist with a passion for drawing and painting that has been ingrained in me since my childhood. From my earliest days, I was drawn to comic book characters and monsters. Though I never had any formal art education or training, I was fortunate to land a job as a mural painter right out of high school. Through four years of hard work and dedication, I learned the basics of painting from established veterans of the field, honing my craft and paying my dues along the way. In my free time, I devoted myself to creating my own vision and making paintings for myself. And when I wasn't painting, I was immersing myself in the world of art, visiting museums and galleries to study the work of other artists and gain new insights and inspirations. This single-minded focus on my passion has defined my life for over 25 years now, and I continue to create and explore with a fierce devotion to the craft.

Victor in his studio with *Nimrod Ascending*

You have a unique perspective and really, two distinct voices that come through. Where do you look for inspiration? What themes do you find most interesting?

As an artist, I am fascinated by the enduring power of mythology, folklore, fairy tales, and religion as sources of inspiration and creativity. These timeless themes offer a rich tapestry of characters, stories, and symbols that have captured the human imagination for centuries, and continue to do so today. Through my art, I seek to explore and interpret these themes in new and unexpected ways, bringing a fresh perspective to the ancient tales and symbols that have captivated generations. Whether I am drawing on the archetypes of mythology, the mystery and magic of folklore, or the spirituality of religion, I am always driven by these themes, and a desire to create art that is both meaningful and thought-provoking.

My sources of inspiration are scattered everywhere - in the pages of books, the reels of movies, in the strokes of other artists, in fleeting thoughts, in old sketches, in the delicious aroma of food, in the mesmerizing waves of the sea, in the beauty of animals, in the playful innocence of my children, and the list goes on and on.

What do you do when you’re not inspired?

I tend to sulk and wallow in misery.

Hahaha - so, then what research do you do to find new inspiration when beginning a new piece?

As an artist, my creative process varies depending on the piece. If I have a specific vision in mind for a piece, I'll do my due diligence to research the subject matter and make informed decisions. This could include delving into historical events or exploring various mythologies. Other times, I'll draw inspiration from past artists who have tackled similar themes. However, there are moments where I'll simply let my creativity flow and see where I end up.

What are your ideal working conditions?

As a dedicated artist, I have carefully cultivated an ideal environment for my creative process. The “Lab”, my studio as I call it, is adorned with art books, carefully chosen to inspire and inform my work, I am surrounded by the tranquility of a cool, quiet atmosphere, complemented by the soothing melodies of chill music, when heavy metal needs a break. And my dog, Tomahawk is never far from my side, a loyal presence hanging out on his fur blanket waiting for the next walk in the beach.

Do you identify most with any specific genre?

As an artist, my creative interests have evolved over time, bringing me to a place where I am drawn to the captivating worlds of magical realism, fantasy, and the baroque. These genres offer me a canvas on which to explore the depths of the human imagination and tell stories that are both fantastical and deeply resonant.

Your show, Paracosm, has been installed in the gallery for a couple of weeks now and I see the way people respond to each piece. Do you have any really memorable reactions to your work that you’d like to share?

One of my painting heroes, who has become a friend, gazed upon one of my pieces and said, “That’s a really good painting”.

Gallery installation view of PARACOSM, on view 4/12 - 5/27/2023

Do you have a favorite aritst?

I have a deep appreciation and respect for the work of countless creators and painters throughout history, making it difficult to choose just one who inspires me the most. Rather, my favorite artist and sources of inspiration shift and evolve over time, reflecting my current state of mind and creative focus.

Name three artists you’d like to study with, from the past or present and why.

I have many artistic inspirations, but at this time in my life the top three would have to be Frank Frazetta, Andrew Wyeth, and Walton Ford. Frazetta’s work has had a lasting impact on me since childhood, while Wyeth’s art revealed a push-and-pull between meticulousness and freedom. Ford's paintings are grand, humorous, historical, and probable yet improbable all at once, making for a multifaceted and inspiring body of work. I love that all three artists have excelled in both watercolor and oil painting, which are mediums that I'm most passionate about.

Do you think the arts have a place in politics?

Art has a place everywhere, even in the most unexpected places. It can be political, social, or simply an expression of the artist's imagination. Nothing should stop the creative flow, whether it's for a grand message or not, it’s entirely up to the artist.

Should art be publicly funded?

Hey, if it can jazz up a boring public space or honor something important to society, why not help artists create something that can make people stop and take notice?

What is your dream project?

The possibilities are endless. I've dreamt of designing a whimsical hotel and restaurant filled with fantastical paintings that transport guests to another world. Or creating a larger-than-life sculpture that people can interact with and climb on. And directing a movie that combines my love for art and storytelling, that’s a dream project worth dreaming about.

I always find it interesting to find out - what jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Back in my teenage days, I was a cook and to this day, I still have a deep passion for whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen. One of my all-time favorite recipes is a dish I learned to make when I was just 16: Beef Boscaiola. This pasta sauce is traditionally made with mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon, and cream, but our twist on it involved juicy filet tips that take it to a whole new level of “oh so good”!

What is the one thing you couldn’t you do without?

Beef Boscaiola

What do you think are your strongest abilities contributing to the success of your work?

I am a passionate and honest painter, creating works that are true to myself. I believe my dedication and perfectionism result in paintings that resonate with the viewer.

What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?

Artists have always been record keepers of their time, reflecting what's going on in the world. Today's artists continue to document society, whether intentionally or not, as a default of being an artist.