What is the advantage of making fine art works with the experience and background of a designer?

My work is very process-driven as I do a lot of sketching and refining before developing multiple solutions to review, re-consider, and eventually finalize. I am primarily concerned with the design basics: composition, line, shape, and color. These concerns develop out of a design background and education where clear and direct visual communication is the goal. In many ways, this approach is in direct opposition to the mythic artist hero who has flashes of inspiration and attacks a canvas.

Do you feel you are among a group of artists who were noticed initially by products such as T-shirts, skateboard design, commercial goods, etc.

Perhaps. I really don’t know. Perhaps recognized by a different audience outside the traditional art world.

You still make many product items, what is attractive about making all those items? What are your favorite items you’ve ever made and why?

I find it empowering to be able to make the objects that surround my life after having lived so long with having everything dictated to me. It is this rejection of the status quo that pushes people to make things for themselves and not fall into the trap of accepting the imposed mono-culture.

Favorite products I’ve made: The Supreme Pantone Skateboard decks, because they combine strong background cultures that have shaped and define who I am: skateboarding and design. The Beer Cozies, because they also reflect a culture that I grew up in: white trash beach culture. The “pieceofmind” book, because I love the book format, and this is one of the first time I was able to play with inks overprinting. But really, my favorite products are the ones that I am currently working on, because they have so much promise.

What are you working on now besides preparing the Tokyo show?

I am preparing for a solo exhibition and party at Printed Matter here in New York which is titled, “Products Are the New Art.” It will celebrate the release of many new products: a book, DVD, calendar, canvas bags, t-shirts, cups, etc.
I am also working on a group show at Deitch in December and a solo show at Black Market gallery in Los Angeles in February.

Also in February I will be coming out with a new line of t-shirts. And next spring a follow-up book to “flatnessisgod” titled “flatnessisgodREDUX” will be published. Long term projects include a book called “selfsameness” that I’ve been working on for three years, and a book called “installationview” which is a follow-up to “pieceofmind.”

Ryan McGinness “This Dream Is So Life-Like”
Date: December 18th, 2002 – January 26th, 2003
Place: Gas Shop Gallery
Address: 1-28-14 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 (0)3 5721 0233
https://www.gasweb.jp