Featured Artists

Todd is from Indiana and now living in Baltimore. Todd graduated from Herron School of Art in Indianapolis in 1994. He attended grad school

I met Todd at Herron in 1990. He was a young man at the time ready to take on the art world with his unique and alluring work. Thirty two years forward to today, I had the pleasure of catching with Todd and asking him to describe his work and his inspiration behind his love of art. His multi-medium work today is two and three dimensional. When I spoke to Todd, here is what he had to say:

Tell me about your current work versus your earlier work.

 “My earlier work was two dimensional and tended to be fairly geometric. I eventually started adding shelves, and objects so that the pieces started to enter the 3-D realm. I recall making a kind of carnival game inspired piece in school. Eventually the works left the wall completely, and became free standing sculptures of clowns, and various other things. Now I actually do circus sideshow acts, and old-time strength feats.”

What’s the purpose or goal of your work? 

“The goal has always been connection. I want to tell a story, be it through a painting, a drawing, or a performance. Art is transformative, and speaks to us in many ways.”

Who are biggest artistic influences?

“I’m a big fan of Max Beckmann, a German Expressionist painter, as well as professors like Richard Nickolson, and Jim Steven in grad school. Now I look to Chris Rider, and Harley Newman who’ve taught me strength feats, and sideshow stunts respectively.”

Where do you find inspiration?

“Puns, language, storytellers, audiences, friends, other performers, painters.” 

What motivates you to create?

“Connection. I am an extrovert, and love the almost audible but definitely palpable feeling of clicking with others, be it one person, or a thousand.”

How has your style changed over time?

“I think my aesthetic has stayed the same, now most of my painting goes into props, and making them look like the vision of carnivals that I have in my head.”

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

“The strength work, and the sideshow work have definitely contributed to a better understanding of myself and my place in the world. I better understand what drives me, and what I’m working toward. I have also realized that some of the things I want to do will take time, and that the journey and destination are equally fulfilling.”

Describe how art is important to society.

“Art is so very important. The pen you write with was designed by someone, the roads were drafted by architects. The dishes we use, the clothes we wear, EVERYTHING started as an idea in someone’s head. We use art to communicate, and to function.”

What mediums do you work with and what is your favorite?

“When I do paint, I prefer acrylics, or house paints. They are fast drying which makes them easier to “age”. While I admire the glazing process of oils, I know myself well enough that I can’t make that work. 

What have critics said about your work?

“As far as 2-d art, critics never said much one way or the other. I remember a particular critique where we were assigned sides, so to speak. By that I mean that you had to make a list of pros, or cons. When my piece came up, the pro list and the con list were identical. Can’t win ‘em all, I suppose. As far as performance I guess I’m doing well in that I keep getting booked, and have made some inroads into festivals, and expos.”