Latest Interview with DILLON

Latest Interview with DILLON (translated to English)
By French Art Director Jeff Roland

James Dillon Wright is one of those who thinks that destiny is ours to lead, and his painting expresses that precise feeling with great strength. In a flamboyant and striking style, he reinvents the art of portrait making. Dillon’s work is the best of what has been produced during the last 30 years. Through pop art, abstract, graphic design, this ultra gifted painter invents every time a little further. He spent most of his life in Las Vegas, but recently moved to Italy, where the influence of the Great masters has shown in his latest paintings. I am sure James Dillon Wright will surprise you through his inventiveness. Do not miss this great artist, you'd be sorry.

When and how did you start to draw or paint?
I believe my artistic talents derived from my ability to write cursive before I was even able to attend school. I have my stepmother to thank for that. I asked her to show me how to write due to seeing my brother go to school. Then I started drawing comics. When I was about 12 I sent a letter to Marvel Comics inquiring on how I could be a comic artist. They actually wrote back which gave me a little courage to keep on doodling. Of course, there were a lot of other direct influences as well, like my Mom being a graphic designer and my Dad having my elementary school art teacher give me private art lessons.

What or who motivated you enough to make it your main activity?
A mixture of people; my idols first and for most; people like Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Picasso, Temara de Lempicka. The list goes on and on. Great artists weren’t the only ones to motivate my hand to the canvas. I also greatly admired many actors and musicians as well. To name just a few: James Dean, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, Kurt Cobain. They essentially gave me the passion to be great at whatever I do. Secondly, my immediate peers (the ones who believed in me). The ones who would give me that ever so appreciated pat-on-the-back. And honestly, a little of believing in myself. Which of course is the default motivation when there is no one that believes in you, right?

As shortly as possible, how would you describe what you are trying to do?
Leave something behind

What is the position of an artist in today's society according to you? For example, do you reckon to have any influence on the world?
We are only as good as the risks we take. We as artists definitely have an impact on this Earth. We are the signs of our times and the interpreters of the world we live in. Some of us even get a chance to shape it. Those are the ones we need to watch out for. That is the artist I strive to be.

Is it reasonable to be an artist?
If I were to say no than I would be denying myself as an artist. I believe whatever situation we are in, whoever we are; it is merely just a virtue of circumstance. If life hands you an orange paint cherries. Always do the best with what you got and if there is an opportunity - do better.

Which other living artists do you like? Which artists of the past do you admire most?
Right now a little of Shepard Fairey and Banksy. They seem to be conveying some powerful messages. An artist of the past… I would definitely have to say Temara de Lempicka. Although my style of art does not relate to hers at all, she has been a major influence on me. Since I was a kid I would catch a glimpse of one of her paintings in a text book or in a store somewhere and immediately stop to stare. I liked her art before I even knew what art was. Maybe it was the cubism that attracted me, or the classic look of early 1900’s meets modernism, I am not sure but I do remember wanting to paint because I seen her portrait somewhere.

How would you like people to see your art? What reaction has most struck you? Does it influence your painting?
I don’t expect everyone to admire my work and I know my style isn’t for everybody. That being said, I simply enjoy providing desirable art to a loyal following and my dedicated fans. They are the ones who inspire me and they are the main reason I exist as an artist. I love to receive feedback from them whether it is negative or positive. Their reactions on my work do play a part in future projects.

What sort of environment do you like to work in?
While here in Italy I enjoy getting up early and heading down to the inner city. I get a hot cappuccino and walk through the streets of Pordenone, Italy while absorbing the culture. I listen to the locals chatting endlessly. I watch people ride their bikes through the streets. I admire the old buildings, walls, stone roads, and rolling scenery. I take in every thing I can and when I have built up more than enough inspiration I open the windows in my studio and begin to create. I would say the best environment for me is change.

Is it necessary to have followed an academic training? Which qualities do you need to be a real artist?
I believe the main source of any kind of training is born out of passion. Obviously the more training or school one has had, ultimately effects how one sees the world. The more one is able to use tools they haven’t used before. The sharper one’s mind is when making decisions. The broader the palette of colors one can mend. But the only true quality an artist needs… is an open mind.

Do you have a message to give to people who have never been to any exhibition or museum?
Yeah, try to leave your cave more often.

If you were to address the readers of this blog, what would your message be?
By expressing my freedom through art I am afforded the responsibility of delivering truth. The truth of my personal opinion. The truth of my own perspective. It is my obligation to create this truth. Not for the sake of creating art or expressing one’s self. But for the sake of being free to make that choice. This is a freedom worth spreading. That is where the beauty of art lies. That is where the beauty of art will always remain. Art is the truest form of freedom yet known to man. -DILLON