Todd Gardner

Todd is from Indiana and now living in Baltimore. Todd graduated from Herron School of Art in Indianapolis in 1994. I met Todd at Herron in 1990. 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:

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.”

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.”

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.”