Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Dodge.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I think my story is probably a shared kind between many artists.
There’s always been a constant need in my life to create, and it’s the only way I’ve ever felt fulfilled. When I was around five or six, my parents gave me a blank section of wall in the main area of our house to do with what I wanted. Paint, draw, smash, I was given permission to do anything. The freedom was amazing. I’m not saying it was a Basquiat, but I remember the feeling of exploration that comes with creativity. It’s something that’s never left me, and I was very lucky to have parents that always nurtured this creative side. Early in my teens I started to take art more seriously and discovered my passion for photography. I loved it. Photography was very good to me, and for the longest time, it gave back everything I put into it. However, in 2015 I put down the camera for good. It was that year I fell in love with a new kind of medium. Acrylic Plexiglas.
I had always kind of known about Plexiglas. I first remember learning about it when my dad would replace cracked or broken windows with it when we lived in the Midwest. I’m not really sure where the idea of cutting hundreds of multi-colored double-layered mathematically-prefect 2D sculptures came from, but I can tell you where I find its beauty. It’s not only in the initial perfection of the medium but rather the accumulation of imperfections made during the creative process and the future flaws it will gather throughout its life. When looked at in this way, this martial has such a beautiful dichotomy about it. Plexiglas is so perfect, conceptually speaking. Right after you remove the protective paper, there’s not a scratch, fingerprint or blemish. This is why I fell in love with it.
It’s a “perfect” object. It’s at this stage, the removing of the paper, where the human element is added, and the perfection is lost. As hard as we may try, we are not perfect, and the people we interact with in our lives can also be “smudged” “nicked” or “blemished.”
It’s a hidden undertone in my work. My process is my own and took over two years to work out. I hope you enjoy my work, and let nothing stand in your way creating what makes you happy.
My Name is Nick Dodge, and I’m a Contemporary Artist living in Los Angeles California.
Please tell us about your art.
You should know my works are often mistaken for paintings. It used to bother me, but now it’s more of a compliment. I accredit this to highest leaves of standards I hold myself to. It can be a grueling process — some pieces taking over four months to assemble.
I create multi-colored double-layered 2D Acrylic Plexiglas sculptures. My process is my own and was developed the old fashion way of trial and error. I cut hundreds of pieces of Plexiglas and reassemble them into the images I’ve illustrated. “Self-taught” seems like a dirty word in certain circles of the art community at times, but I’ve never let that limit my potential as an artist. I find myself trying to connect with the human psyche more often them none. Some of my works might be about a bad day, the ending of a relationship, or searching for comfort; things we can all relate to. The message or goal is to connect people to a material that to most seem lifeless, mundane, plastic.
We’re all connected in this thing called life, and one day we won’t be able to change our choices or actions we’ve made with our time here. They will be set in stone. Or in my case, Plexiglas.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I think the best way to connect, hands down, is by attending the shows and galleries of other artists.
If possible, attend opening night. Obviously, the other attendees are interested in what you came for, so don’t be afraid to use that shared interest to mingle and connect. Also, if you see something you connect with or like on social media, don’t be afraid to reach out and tell that person. Not just a “like” or an emoji, get in that DM and have a real conversation! That’s what it was made for.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I currently have work on display at Bruce Lurie Gallery in Culver City.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nickdodge.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @nickdodge_
Image Credit:
Spencer C. Amonwatvorakul (photographed “personal photo” for artist portrait)
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