A Conversation with Ani Garabedian

ANI GARABEDIAN

What are you currently working on?

I just finished an oil painting that is 15” x 15” and a large-scale mask made out of paper, tape and paint that is about 36” x 22” x 20”. I am preparing to start a new oil painting that is 30” x 30” and am taking this time to build new frames that I will stretch and gesso for future paintings. I also have begun a body of work tentatively titled ‘The Leftovers’ which are small scale portraits.

Has the format of your practice been impacted in the last few weeks? Are you using different mediums or sizes?

The format of my practice has stayed basically the same. However, I am making time to experiment more with a few side projects – large scale mask-making using paper, tape, and paint, and will also be experimenting with some linocuts. I have more time to dedicate to my practice currently, and therefore feel a bit more relaxed in that sense. However, considering the current state of the world, I feel it is a bit harder to stay focused and inspired.

Does the social distancing aspect of this period help you focus or has it changed the trajectory of your work?

I think this answer is explained in number two! However, I can add to it by saying that the solitude helps me focus, but the concerns of our state makes it very challenging.

Are there any apps or online tools that you find helpful in this time? (They don't need to be related to art making).

Not particularly.

How are you remaining connected to friends and family?

Through phone calls and texting. I stay in touch with coworkers mostly through email and online meetings.

What do you do to separate your practice from the rest of the day? Have you set boundaries or is it permeable?

I haven’t really set boundaries. I find it hard to set boundaries around art-making as the studio work tends to permeate my living space and work space, literally and figuratively. Studio Creep! Art and art-making are part of my life, work, and existence, so it seems impossible to separate the two.

What have you been using for inspiration from home (tv shows, movies, cooking, reading)?

Mostly music, books, and art podcasts

Do you have any recommendations for books movies or other media?

I recently read ‘Man with a Blue Scarf, On Sitting for a Portrait by Lucian Freud’, by Martin Gayford. I think I am late to reading this book, but it was great! The next book I plan to read (I am waiting to receive it in the mail) is titled, ‘The Worst Hard Time’ by Timothy Egan. I tend to gravitate towards biographies, autobiographies, and nonfiction.