ASU painting major Paul Booth has carved a colorful niche for himself in the local artist community.
Booth, who also has a strong interest in printmaking, has showcased his work at ASU's Step Gallery, Tucson's Patenia Gallery and at the Eye Lounge and 515 in Phoenix.
Booth, 24, says he's been interested in art for as long as he can remember. "I was pretty shy as a child so I would spend hours doodling and making things from stuff around the house," he says. "As I matured my interest in art became more intense."
The State Press Magazine chatted up the artist to learn more about his craft.
SPM: How did you get into painting and printmaking?
Booth: I think it was just a natural progression. I loved drawing when I was little, then I tried painting, and now printmaking. I would like to be well-versed in as many media as possible. Sculpture and photography are both things I would like to experiment with soon.
SPM: For those who aren't hip to the art scene, what is printmaking?
Booth: There are many different types of printmaking. Most often, prints are created through the production of a matrix from which multiple prints can be pulled. You can create a matrix through a number of techniques, from burning an image onto a screen in screen-printing, to etching into metal for intaglio.
SPM: Who are some artists that you look up to?
Booth: There are many artists I like all for different reasons. Matthew Barney is my favorite right now. He made a series of videos called Cremaster, which is the part of the body that is responsible for testicles shrinking when they get cold. I like his work because it is so elaborate and feels very fresh. I also just saw a really great Web site by a photographer called Asian Punk Boy. The Web site details his life and his friends through photography, correspondence and a bunch of other crazy stuff. I generally respond to work that has superb craftsmanship and talks about religion or sexuality or both.
SPM: What are some of your favorite paintings?
Booth: I love a lot of David Hockney paintings and prints. Picasso, Pierre and Gilles [photographers] and Francis Bacon are also favorites. If I had to choose a favorite painting it would probably be one of Peter Paul Rueben's Descent from the cross pieces. I love those paintings because they have perfect compositions and show such a great range of emotion, from Christ's limp body to Mary's sorrow.
SPM: What kind of recognition have you received in the local art community?
Booth: I feel that I am strongly supported by my peers both at ASU and in the Phoenix area. I have received invaluable guidance from faculty members including Brent Bond, Joe Segura and Beverly McIver.
SPM: Have you made a good profit off of your artwork?
Booth: I have been very fortunate that many people have purchased my work including some very supportive local collectors.
SPM: Where can students check out your work now?
Booth: I am currently a member of a cooperative gallery called 515 in Phoenix. There are 11 members in the co-op and we share the cost of the rent and any other expenses the gallery incurs. We have one group show a year and then take turns having solo shows over the next 11 months.
Reach the reporter at kelly.ann.wilson@asu.edu.
