AS IS | Tiko Kerr

Artist

From Canada

Based in Vancouver, Canada

We had the honor to interview a very special artist - Tiko Kerr, who shared with us his art journey, gave some tips for those who are just at the beginning of their art way, and shared his must-read book (we already started and it's so worth it)!

A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?

T: I have been an artist to my core for my entire life. My professional career that’s spanned over 3 decades developed from early drawing and painting into explorations into sculpture, assemblage, set design, art direction as well as teaching/mentoring, and social advocacy.

I’ve exhibited my work in public and commercial galleries internationally. I am consumed with creating.

A: What inspires you the most?

T: Good deeds done by good people. Art that is authentic and unself-conscious.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?

T: I maintain strict hours of working in my studio, from 8 AM until 4 PM six days a week. I work to music. I never answer the phone or door when I’m working. I work until I’m exhausted.

A: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (rather artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?

T: Educate yourself. Let art excite you. Be voracious about knowing more. See and remember as much art as you can. Read about why and how the art is made. Study art history.

A: Your top 3 favorite adjectives related to art?

T: Unique, strong, and painting

A: The best angle to look at art is from...?

T: From the point of view of the artist.

A: The Perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ...?

T: “What I like about this is…”

A: Must-read books to talk about art (or do we even need them)?

T: The notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (in 2 volumes).

A: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?

T: To eliminate the condescension and exclusionary attitude of academia.

A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art)

T: “There is a time in everyman’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, or worse, as his portion… The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you!

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