By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Akron, Ohio. For the past thirty years, I’ve lived in Raleigh and Charlotte and now most recently in Trent Woods. I was the chairman of the public art commission for Raleigh Arts for six years.
How did you get started in art, did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
I’m a self taught painter and designer. I started when I was about 8 or 9 years old with a beginner watercolor kit. Funny that I don’t paint with watercolor much anymore.
Is there a central theme to your work, or several themes?
I probably have a couple themes that seem to work for me. Much of my aesthetic is Asian inspired, so simplicity and texture play a large role. As a result, contemporary abstracts and conceptual portraits are themes that interest me the most.
You work in several mediums, do you have a favorite and why (or why not)?
I most often use a combination of water mixable oils and acrylic for the under-painting. Oils provide for heavier texture, especially when applied with palette knives. This almost creates a 3D appearance. At least 95% of my work is created this way. From a practical view, water mixable oils are much easier to clean than conventional oil.
You are also an interior designer, what relationship do you see between that field and your work as an artist?
Without a doubt, it’s composition. Design plans and the canvas, both start as blank slates that come to life through balance, scale and harmony. The spatial relationship between objects is central to an image that pleases the eye, whether it’s within an interior/exterior space or as a work of art. Another way, perhaps to answer the question, is from an empirical perspective. Truth is, many of my design clients are also collectors of my paintings.
Is there an artist in your field or any other whose work you admire or inspires you?
I admire the aesthetic of Ou Baholyodhin. He wrote a book called, Living With Zen. From Thailand originally, his design style is deeply rooted in simplicity, mindfulness and harmony, much like my own.
What specific award, exhibition, or piece are you particularly proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of a project I completed in Longford, Ireland several years ago. Tasked with designing a large Asian Modern furniture store, I utilized 4’ x 8’ decorative panels that hung from steel rails and played the role of walls within a display vignette. Various materials were used to create these interchangeable panels like shoji, Varia by 3Form, aluminum daisy chain, and Nida-Core poly honeycomb. Much of these materials were fabricated in Raleigh and shipped to Ireland. It was a huge success.
In one sentence what is art to you?
True art should provoke an emotional response, be it pleasure or pain, joy or sadness.
Do you have any advice for people just starting out or wanting to get into the art field?
Aside from being prolific with your work, I think it’s very important to learn how to market yourself and learn the business well. Building relationships within the industry is crucial because an artist needs the help of others to expose the work. Many artists disproportionately focus only on the art and struggle to find an audience that will buy it.
I know you’ll in the BIG exhibition at bank of the Arts in February, but where else can people find your work?
Buyers and collectors can find me on the Internet through Instagram, #leetripiart or my website, site-leetripi.mystrikingly.com.
Additionally, my studio is in the Ocean Isle Beach area where guests can book it on airbnb.com/h/plumcoastalcottage and purchase directly from there. Also, in 2022, my work will be coming to galleries in Durham and Charleston.
317 Middle Street | New Bern, NC | www.cravenarts.org | 252.638.2577