“One doesn’t need to find guidance for the arts within the arts,” says illustrator Raymond Biesinger. And he certainly sticks to his own maxim. With formal training in European and North American modern history, and a new-found affinity towards numbers and statistics, his cerebral illustrations carry influences from much more than just the (traditionally) creative realm. Raymond’s recent editorial depictions, constructed with tools ranging from ink to typewriters to photocopiers, have appeared in international publications like Monocle and The Financial Times. See how this thought-provoking artist responds to 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Functional, minimal, simple.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Hmmm…. That’s difficult. I don’t really have a singular role model in the creative arts. I can think of a few people who are doing some very good things and can provide excellent insights on the economics of creativity, or technique, or style, but they’re quite obviously following their own missions. Their missions and mine might overlap here and there, but that’s it. I’m talking about people like Frank Kozik, Marc Bell, Art Chantry, a hundred more I can’t remember right now, and a large group of people who are working in fields that have nothing to do with the arts. One doesn’t need to find guidance for the arts within the arts.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Learn to cook. Right now I can, but only in a carefully-measured-and-considered laboratory-like setting. My wife, she can improvise and make things up in the kitchen. Impressive.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
The studio, or else I’d be in deep trouble with deadlines. Or reading non-fiction, anywhere.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
My formal training is in European and North American modern history, and I would’ve loved to follow that and be a history prof for a day. I’ve done some classroom talk as an illustrator, and find that part of things natural. And though I hated numbers as a kid, in the last decade I’ve fallen in love with numbers and statistics. If I could be an accountant for a day, I’d probably never turn back.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I’ve loved using the old Belgravian Press book binder and my Xerox to make last-minute surprisingly thick perfect bound books for people. Usually they involve coming up with an appropriate phrase like “Happy Birthday Brian Hudson!” then spelling it out (one letter per page) with a “A is for His Ancient Beard,” etc. It’s amazing how quickly you can collage together something interesting when you’re in practice.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
We’ve just moved (and I’m not sure if this counts) but the whole apartment. Sizeable, bright–in Montreal that’s a rare thing–and with a balcony on the rear and front. Just big enough for my wife and I to both live and work and not get on each others’ nerves. Everything within it is secondary.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Ah, there is so much! I’ll brush aside the simple bits of advice we all get (“don’t be so smug,” “share with people you like and strangers,” etc.) and stick to this: when you’re putting together a portfolio, put in what you want to make more of, not what you think others want you to make.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
That’s difficult for me to answer. I don’t really use the Internet for inspiration. I do, though, like reading the Globe and mail every day. I also check my bank statements every morning to make sure I’m not too poor, but I won’t give you the URL for that.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
It’s done the moment the concept is satisfied and I can recognize it as one of my own. Sorry if that’s vague.
RSS - Posts