MITCH O’CONNELL: LOUD, BRIGHT, BRASH AND KITSCH
Loud, bright, brash and kitsch; the retina burning cult Pop surrealism of lowbrow luminary Mitch O’Connell pushes the boundaries of good taste. With the release of a career spanning retrospective book, modestly titled: ‘Mitch O’Connell, the World’s Best Artist by Mitch O’Connell’ Fused thought it was time we had a word.
You’ve been hailed as a ‘lowbrow luminary,’ the ‘master of kitsch’ and the ‘leader of the lowbrow art movement.’ How would you define lowbrow and kitsch?
First off, I’m pretty sure you’re quoting me hailing myself with those snippets of praise. I figure if I keep saying it, someone is eventually going to think it’s true. Hence the title of my new book, ‘Mitch O’Connell the World’s Best Artist by Mitch O’Connell’ available at a bookstore near you!
Lowbrow just seems to be one direction Pop Art has segued into. Kitsch is something that’s designed to be classy, cultured or cute and goes horribly, horribly wrong. I think I just said my art is horribly wrong.
What’s your working process?
Wake up bright and early at 5am and start posting things on Facebook. I always plan on getting something drawn during the day, but before you know it, it’s 11:30pm and bedtime.
The downside of this schedule is that it’s not helpful when it comes to paying bills, but the upside is that I just got my 61st “like”!
Do you have one of those palettes that is shaped like a kidney?
Please give me a little more time to come up with a funny answer. If your readers could check back in the next Christmas issue, I should have a really hilarious response by then.
You say in your book that you want your art to cover the World. Where’s your favourite place that you’ve seen your art displayed?
First of all, it’s a pleasure to be in a classy magazine where that “u” is added to “favourite.”
To answer your question; having my tattoo designs on folks is always the most flattering. So far I’ve put out three sets of flash, one book of designs, ‘Mitch O’Connell Tattoos’ and the second book: ‘Mitch O’Connell Tattoos Vol. Two’ is almost done. So if you have some blank areas on your flesh, I’ve got a lot of options for you.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work?
Me. If I don’t produce art I’m happy with, I can be quite crabby.
Is Chicago a good place to be an artist?
Yes, mainly because that’s where my drawing board and art supplies are located.
You have an instantly recognisable style, how did this develop and how would you describe your artistic style?
I’m going to take “instantly recognisable” as a compliment no matter how you meant it. I’m always surprised when people recognise my stuff, to me, it seems to be all over the place. I’m guessing the term “stunningly beautiful” is what ties it all together.
How has your approach to image making and your work changed over the years?
In the early days I used the pigments made from smashed berries to paint on parchment paper, now I use laser beams from my eyes to blaze visions in cyberspace.
What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?
Chicago winters. I like having an income that allows me to live inside. With heat.
Which piece of work has given you the most satisfaction in producing?
My children have been the most wonderful things I’ve produced. Here’s a tissue. You seem to have something dripping out of your eyes.
When did you realise you could make a career out of your art?
I’ve only had one career, and that’s been drawing. Since I just have that skill, I kinda put myself in a ‘do or die’ situation.
What soundtrack do you work to?
The theme from 2001 is played during the completion of each piece.
Who are your heroes and what other artists do you dig?
My heroes are the unsung editors, art directors, writers, photographers, in fact, the whole staff of Fused Magazine. It’s about time that the country declares a “Fused” national holiday!
Do you collect work of any other artists?
I’ll pick up oddball anonymous thrift store paintings for $20 that fill the walls of the house, but I don’t collect art of anyone I know. I wouldn’t give my competition the satisfaction.
