Work by Toronto-based abstract pop artist Adam LAncia reinterprets pop art. He uses washes of color and detailed line work to create compositions that reveal the layers of messaging and content we are bombarded with every day. Through this process, he attempts to reveal a manufactured reality. We interviewed Adam to learn more about his practice, inspirations, and what he is working on today.
1.How does your creative day look like and what inspires you to make art? Has your creative day changed due to Covid-19?
My creative day definitely involves music. Being alone in my art studio, working on new pieces, and having the music playing allows me to get into the proper headspace. This definitely gets the creative juices flowing. Covid-19 has changed my day just in the sense that I’m able to be in that creative headspace for longer periods of time and get more work done. I’ve been able now to work on art for 8 to 10 hours a day which is great.
2. Tell us more about your art studio.
My art studio is located at my Nonna’s (grandmother’s) house. I decided a couple of years ago that this is where I wanted to work. It would be the best of both worlds as she had the extra space and I know she’d really want my company in the house. Also that I would be there for her to help in any way I can make me happy.
3. How did you first get interested in your medium/s?
I believe this style came from trying out all styles and mediums used. My time at OCAD University really helped develop this. It felt natural and right when I landed upon acrylic paints and the way I work with diluting them.
4. Describe your style in one sentence.
My style would be contemporary pop art done in a cartoony realistic aesthetic.
5. Has your style changed over time?
To get to what I’m creating now I tried all different mediums and styles. Everything leads to this. Even in previous styles, I was able to take techniques/ knowledge and apply it to the style I’m creating now.
6. What are your main artistic tools?
My main artistic tools would be all different brands of acrylic paints, various sizes of flat and round brushes, acrylic markers, charcoal pencil crayons, and water.
7. Do you ever experience creativity blocks and how do you stay positive and inspired?
I think every creative person goes through it and it’s fine. You never want to force things out. The time apart from a piece allows more thought and perspective to go into it that the piece will come out better in the end.
8. What artists - either contemporary or from history - have had an impact on you and your art practice?
I’ve always had an open mind for art and so many different artists from different time periods have inspired me. Even if I’m not creating a certain style, any piece can inspire the creative juices to flow in color, shape, or composition. If I had to give two artists who really changed my view and helped shape the art in which I’m creating, it would be Klimt and Warhol. I love the portrait, pop art, colors, and implementing designs/ patterns in a piece.
9. Do you think the art world has changed or will be changing due to the pandemic? If yes, how?
I think we won’t be having public events for a while but I do think things eventually will go back to normal. For now, we can use our social media tools to engage and get our art out there.
10. What project are you working on right now? What would you like to do next?
For me, the silver lining to this pandemic has been that more people are at home and on their phones. My artworks are being noticed/ discovered a lot more and it leads to consistent commissions. So that’s what I’ve been up to and hope to connect with more people and get more work done.
