Leif Parsons

With inspiration from Saul Steinberg and Philip Guston, and a quirky sense of humor, Leif Parsons is raising eyebrows and lip corners with his poignant artwork. Leif’s compositions aren’t just beautiful strokes and colors. In addition to his abstract pieces, Leif’s illustrations often simplify complex thoughts, like his recent satirical sketches suggesting ways to avoid cell phone bills (ie. tying your phone to a carrier pigeon) that were featured in the New York Times. Discover more about this charming artist below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Useless useful funny.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Illustration – Saul Steinberg
Arty art – Philip Guston (or Tal R) etc…

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
New projects -yay

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
I am good to go in my studio with some music
In addition the art you get to see right here in NYC is a certainly amazing.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Forest ranger – I love the world of northern Ontario lakes (Canada) -makes me happy.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Drawings.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
I have a nice pair of sequined figures and a few paintings by some locals that i am quite fond of.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Just do it…

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Not so good at keeping track – I tend to depend on others to send stuff along…
Still go to the book store though…

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
That’s a good question of which I have no good really good answer…
When I am working on art projects it is a constant struggle not to ruin things by overworking them so when the impulse hits I put the work in the done drawer and don’t look at it for awhile.

For illustration (commercial work) it is a bit simpler in that i just keep thinking on it until i get somewhere that properly expresses my idea; ideally without cliche. From there generally the execution and finishing point is clear