Conversations with John Koller

My mom is from El Salvador and my dad is from Germany. I definitely think their unique backgrounds shaped my wide range of interests and appreciation for the arts. I have two younger sisters and we all have a love for education and giving back to the community. Although we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, my parents were able to take us on road trips to enjoy the outdoors and some beautiful destinations along the California coast. I feel very lucky to have been raised on the West Coast and I appreciate the diversity, the museums and the landscape I was exposed to at an early age.

I’m originally born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area but have called Southern California my home for the last 20 years. I moved to Long Beach in 2002 to attend graduate school (MFA- CSULB) and am now living and working in Torrance. I have a background in design, web marketing, photography and advertising. My wife says I have an uncanny knack for recognizing faces and voices in commercials. I’ll take her observation as a “compliment”! I’ve always had a keen eye for editing and paying attention to media and messaging. My artwork is an extension of how I see the world, and interdisciplinary communication is central to that voice.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Smooth? Not exactly. Like many people, I’d say that finances can often be a challenge and an obstacle. But I consider myself fortunate. I have what I need, but there are always compromises that have to be made. I’m pretty good at making the most of what I’ve got — in my studio and in life. In fact, many of my artworks are made using odds and ends I have laying around. I don’t waste much! It keeps things interesting.

My creative practice is a melting pot of references and aesthetics. Most of my favorite artists, both in music and painting, fit that kind of sensibility. Think Prince and Lee Scratch Perry.

I tend to work on multiple series at once. I combine printmaking, sculptural and painting processes with unconventional materials that are often hard to pin into a singular category. Resin, encaustic (wax), glitter, collage and found objects all find their way into my work.

From the outside looking in, it might not all make sense. But my job is to take chances, and to pay attention to the common denominators.

Likes:

The climate.

I love my neighborhood and living close to the beach.

The creative energy of LA is great and I have a slight fascination with Hollywood, especially Old Hollywood and historic buildings. My wife and I recently went to the Magic Castle and had a blast. It was pretty awesome.

Dislikes:

People who ignore greetings.

Leaf blowers.