Born in Pittsburgh in 1953, Peter Stanick is a pretty badass American artist, known through his many exhibitions and interesting art style. We had a few questions for him, so here you go. A little more information on the artist you probably didn’t know about but are glad you do now.
When did you first decide that pop art was the thing for you?
Peter Stanick: I never made a decision to pursue Pop art, it was part of the natural process. To me, the things that we interact with on a daily basis are the most interesting sources of subject matter.
Which one is your favorite painting and why?
Peter Stanick: I don’t have a favorite painting. Each painting is part of a process where I’m searching for imagery that reflects my interests at a given point in time. The process or search is more important than any given piece.
What kind of materials do you use? Did you always need a studio to work?
Peter S.: My early work was acrylic on canvas. Over the past ten years I have been working with new ways to produce images on a variety of surfaces. Many of my current pieces are simply ink on paper, sometimes ink on aluminum.
A studio is essential. It’s important as both a physical and psychological environment.
How did it all start? What was your big break?
Peter S.: I never decided that I wanted to be an artist, it was always part of me like a physical attribute.
In 1983 I was having an exhibition at the Mendelson Gallery in Pittsburgh. John Caldwell from Carnegie Museum of Art saw the show, bought a piece for the Museum and asked me to have an exhibition there in 1984.
[adsense300gray]Do you feel like you’ve gained enough notoriety? Will you keep painting and exhibiting?
Peter S.: Notoriety or fame is very relative. It’s always gratifying that your work is appreciated, but it is a never ending process. Since there is no end point to my work, the pursuit is ongoing.
We know everyone would love to know. What advice would you give to young aspiring artists?
Peter S: My advice to anyone is to be prepared to completely re-evaluate everything. Things are changing at such a quick pace, that everything you have learned may become completely irrelevant and obsolete tomorrow.
To a large degree, understanding historical context can be a valuable guide.
You can follow Peter Stanick on facebook!
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PS: You can get some pretty awesome iPhone cases designed by Peter Stanick, right here.