"Faith" 2011
GR: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.
EO: My name is Erik Otto...some peope call me Otto. I am full time artist currently living and working in San Francisco. I haven't owned a car for over 5 years and love the freedom of riding a bike. I have a passion for making something from nothing often creating work with reclaimed materials.
"Parallel Universe 1 & 2" 2011
GR: Inspiration / influences?
EO: I am inspired by all those who disrupt the norm and pursue their passions at whatever cost. Influences range from my artistic peers within SF and beyond, making music with my friends, riding bikes, backpacking, and the current state of our global economic climate.
"Let it flow" 2011
"Yesterday is history" 2011
GR: Favorite band(s) at the moment.
EO: Electric Wire Hustle, Mulatu Astatke, Flying Lotus.
"Never Forget" 2010
GR: Do you normally go into a work of art without thinking or with a thought process?
EO: I'm heavy on the thought process -- I often write and brainstorm ideas for hours before I start creating. I draw from personal life experiences making connections to the world around me. Locating a purpose in the work before I begin helps create the constraints needed to produce more conceptual work with a focus.
"Release" 2009
"When it rains, it pours" 2007
GR: Night owl or early bird?
EO: I'm all over the place when it comes to any sort of schedule, but I work best at night.
GR: 3 places to visit in San Francisco.
EO: Mission District on bike. Chinatown alley ways. Get lost in Golden Gate Park.
"Chosen Destiny" 2009
GR: What kind of mediums do you use & how does this effect your paintings?
EO: My paintings are typically made up of house paint, spray paint and collage on canvas, panel, or paper -- all recycled materials. My installation are mostly wood. There is an abundant of material wasted every day that I have my ways of acquiring. Working with found stuff forces you to keep an open mind throughout the process of making a body of work -- allowing the influence of the materials guide the process.
"Silence Speaks Volumes" 2009
GR: Favorite alcoholic beverage.
EO: Dark beers.
"Moment of Truth" 2008
GR: You have $8 in your wallet, what do you spend it on?
EO: I always forget to eat...a sandwich would be nice.
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To view more of Erik Otto's artwork
www.erikotto.com
All original images via website
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