I am an Artist: Aaron Czerny

1. Why are you an artist?

I was born one. I believe we are all born with a myriad of talents, but there is usually one which stands out from the others, and for me it happens to have been under the definition of “artist”; which itself in many forms and through many mediums.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.

If I were to define a concept behind all my work, it would be a broad based definition, one that essentially addresses the fundamentals of creation itself; the duality’s and the contradictions, and the emotion/mental/spiritual aspects of these processes , before, during and after the actual moment of itself. Each Series or Body of work ends up having it’s particular “concept”, but only after it has begun.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?

It allows the best means of being able to translate the messages coming through me.

4. In terms of your current series, tell us why you have chosen to reuse materials for your “canvas”?

The decision initially came about out of necessity. I did not have enough funds to purchase materials I normally use, so I looked to see what I had on hand, and it happened to be old fencing that I had taken down from a section of our property. The material ended up being a perfect representation for what I was experiencing in my life at the time. When I started the current series the material actually took the work in a new direction and helped define the concepts behind it. As the old saying goes: Necessity is the mother of all invention…

5. Tell us about your process. Is the work planned or more automatic/intuitive or both?

The work is never planned. I start with an emotion or a thought, pick a color and go from there. I always let it take me where it wants to, for however long the piece needs. It can be very quick and effortless or long and grueling. There is always a dance that happens and the type of dance depends on the music of the piece… Once a language of a new series or body of work is established, thought or idea begins to shape the direction more, but it always remains within an intuitive state of play. I then stay in the rhythm until it subsides.

6. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in New Mexico?

There are as many different roles the artist fills as there are different forms of art; that being said, I do believe that the essential foundational role of the artist, when at their best, is as an antenna for society- A traveler between worlds- A translator of experience and perception- A conduit through which passes forms of truth and understanding, hopefully bridging different worlds and peoples.
The role of artist in New Mexico: has been and continues to be most of the above, and it takes its form in the role as “cultural” representative; which changes demographics, tourism, business and economy, perceptions etc.; sometimes for the good and sometimes unintentionally for the worse…

7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

I hope to be better well known and somewhat financially stronger, as to allow the continuance of the art making itself, and to have greater opportunities to collaborate with other artists, and the means and time to do so; and perhaps be able to help support other peoples creative endeavors.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

To become a better human-being.

9. What does art mean to you?

Everything- it is the well from which I draw sustenance.



10. Does music play any role in your creative process? Please explain.

Music plays a very crucial role. I always listen to Jazz when I paint; Jazz above many other forms of music I enjoy, allows me to go into a trance like state, and therefore allows “flow” to occur. I even describe my paintings sometimes as visual jazz memory compositions. Jazz takes one on a long journey beyond the known, but always brings one back. I like that controlled sense of chaos and beauty.

To see more from this artist, visit his website:
http://aaronczerny.com/home.html