By Nick Arciero
Asymmetric Magazine: Tell us about your contribution.
Nick Arciero: My contribution is a mix of my traditional art and my digital art. They both explore the same underlying theoretical concepts with very different end products.
AM: What inspires you most?
NA: Not understanding concepts that I would really like to understand. The roller coaster of all the good and bad that happens on the journey to understanding. I enjoy the process of attempting to unravel the tangled concepts that keep me up at night and only half hoping it doesn't drive me mad.
In a strictly visual sense, I derive a lot of inspiration from ancient eastern art, traditional tribal art, mathematical algorithms and geometry, all things space and sci-fi, technology, Keith Harring & M.C. Escher, the game GO, music, and most importantly, my family, my dog and nature...just to name a few.
AM: What role does Southern California play in your work?
NA: Los Angeles has been an interesting place for me, and it's had a profound impact on my work. I could probably write a book on it. I didn't have any interest in coming out here, but a job transferred me here when I was 24. I had the intent to stay here for 2 years and then move back to NYC. I've been here 8 years now...
After years of developing visual and theoretical concepts related to my art, there was a turning point for me–probably surfing–where it all started to make sense and come together. So, my art really found its visual voice in Southern California. If I didn't come out or stay here, I'm not sure my art wold have developed the way it has and hopefully will continue to in the future. I can honestly say that I'm grateful to be here and surrounded by so many amazingly talented people that have been instrumental to my experience.
AM: What different media do you work with?
NA: Imagination with a splash of logic.
AM: What's your favorite medium?
NA: Without a doubt, sumi-ink and brush on rice paper.
AM: What themes do you pursue in your work?
NA: I generally start with a broad topic of interest. For the past several years it's been the fields of physics, math and humanity. I'm fascinated by the missing link between quantum, retaliative, astro, and meta physics. My process is to observe, explore and create in an attempt to understand it all little more. I'd have to say this larger theme is under all my work.
I never have an exact plan on how a piece should start or be finished. For me, the magic seems to happen somewhere between researching the field of interest and then experimenting with visual concepts related to the field in an attempt for a better understanding. From there, organic concepts start to take shape, and then it's off to the races.
AM: What else can we expect to see from you?
NA: I have a large cache of unreleased work in digital and traditional mediums that I will finally have the time to properly release.
Nick Arciero is an LA-based multi-discipline mixed media artist combining painting, illustration, digital design, and photography. You can find more of his work at blinding.me.
