Inside the Studio: Chuck Fischer
Chuck Fischer's artistic journey is a fascinating blend of creativity and resilience. From a successful career in New York City’s bustling art scene, where his work spanned custom murals, product design, and pop-up books, to his transition into a full-time studio artist in 2016, Fischer's story is one of reinvention and commitment to artistic integrity. Known for his unique style that transcends the traditional boundaries of two-dimensional painting, Fischer’s work is a testament to the power of intuition, innovation, and an unwavering passion for art. In this interview, we delve into the process, influences, and evolution of Fischer's distinctive artistic expression.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Chuck Fischer :
1. Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a full-time studio artist in 2016? What inspired you to make this commitment?
I had a successful studio business in New York City concentrating on custom murals, product design, and pop-up books. My artwork became an art business, and the business side began to overtake the creative. Finally, after creating a pop-up card business that took up so much time and closed after two years, I decided it was finally time to commit to an art practice just for me.
2. Your work breaks the plane of two-dimensional painting with textured and dimensional elements. How did you develop this signature style?
When I decided to just create work from the heart and not for a client, I decided to put down the decorative paintbrush. At the same time, an artist friend suggested I think about using materials I had never worked with.
3. You mention that you don't sketch before starting a new piece and rely on intuition and materials. Can you describe how this spontaneous process unfolds?
So much of my previous work was about creating sketches and illustrations for client proposals and approval. I knew I had to break that habit, so I just dove right in with the materials. Through trial and error, my work developed.
4. The incorporation of trompe l’oeil painted fabric in your recent works is intriguing. How did the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art influence this addition?
I was always drawn to the way the Cubists and other art movements incorporated trompe l’oeil in their work, so when I saw the exhibition Cubism and the Trompe l’Oeil Tradition at the Met, it sparked an idea to use painted fabric, draped and hanging in ways to conceal parts of the three-dimensional elements of my work from the viewer to add a level of intrigue.
5. Your background in architecture and pop-up book publishing seems to influence your layered geometric compositions. How do these experiences shape your current work?
I’ve always had the ability to visualize and conceive of ways to make objects in a two-dimensional drawing into a three-dimensional object. Through the years, I have built many architectural models and mock-ups for pop-ups in white paper before illustrating them.
6. Could you elaborate on the concept of 'counterpoints' in your work and how you integrate these surprising elements into your compositions?
When I was being mentored by Bruce Dorfman at the Art Students League in New York City, He introduced me to the idea of including a counterpoint or unexpected element that works in harmony with the overall piece but adds a little dissonance to the overall work.
7. Your pieces have been compared to musical compositions, offering a meditative and exploratory experience for viewers. How does music influence your art, if at all?
The concepts of counterpoint, harmony, and dissonance are all musical composition terms that clearly influence me when I’m in conversation with a piece as I am creating it.
8. What are some of the new and interesting surfaces or materials you’ve recently explored, and how have they impacted your artistic creations?
When I discovered thin sheets of aluminium and copper-plated aluminium at my local Home Depot, I immediately wanted to figure out a way to incorporate them into my work. After much experimentation, I found that after I sanded the sheets’ surface, my modeling paste and gesso solution bonded well with the metal. The aluminium and copper have shiny surfaces, and when not covered completely, I like the reflection that shows through the painted textures.
Chuck Fischer’s art is a symphony of textures, materials, and spontaneous creativity. His ability to push the boundaries of traditional painting by integrating architectural elements and innovative surfaces has set him apart in the contemporary art world. As Fischer continues to explore new mediums and techniques, his work invites viewers to experience art as a dynamic, evolving dialogue between the artist, the materials, and the audience.
You can learn more about Chuck Fischer and his work via these links: Instagram: @chuckstudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chuckfischerstudio/
Website: https://chuckfischerstudio.com/
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