We’re excited about the upcoming Vans House Parties in Brooklyn, featuring Slowdive on June 30th. Not only are we excited about the music, but also by the installations and visuals experiences that will be provided by artists Drew Reynolds and Ivan Seal. We had a chance to chat with photographer Drew Reynolds who has worked with bands like Slowdive and The Kills as well as magazines like Pitchfork and the Rolling Stones. We find out more about Drew’s photography, what he’s prepared for VHP that night, and about some of his favorite photographers in this Art School with Drew Reynolds.
Photographs by Jonathan Mehring
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Drew Reynolds, and I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I’m currently based in Brooklyn and have been here for nearly three years. I’ve been fortunate to photograph musicians and other artists for Rolling Stone, 4AD Records, Red Bull, MTV, BuzzFeed, Pitchfork, and Microsoft. I’m also a competitive distance runner with the North Brooklyn Runners, and just recently placed 3rd for my age group at the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
I also have an amazing twelve year old pit bull mix named Cleo.
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I discovered photography in high school, went to undergrad at Columbia College in Chicago, and then did some assisting and a ton of black & white lab work before moving to Los Angeles for a four year stint, honing my skills in music photography. I missed the city, so I moved back to my hometown, Chicago. Since moving to NY, I feel my work has excelled, and I’m psyched to say that I’m working with a couple photo agents.
For the upcoming Van’s House Parties, what will you be preparing for the folks coming that evening? What should they expect? Any surprises?
I will be projecting portraits from my ongoing personal series called “The Panel Project.” They’re individual portraits of band members to create a grid / panel. The final piece resembles a “proof sheet” that play with my roots in film photography.
Some of the artists I’ve worked with are Slowdive, The Kills, The Radio Dept., Sneaks, Saul Williams, Run The Jewels, Autolux, MØ, and Manchester Orchestra. Viewers should expect BIG portraits that will be constructed as they’re being projected. I’m excited!
What are you looking forward to the most at VHP’s that evening?
I’m super excited to share the night with friends. Seeing Slowdive for the sixth time, and photographing them again. They’re incredible people.
Who are some photographers’ works that you really admire? What about their works really hits a cord with you?
Irving Penn, his portraits are breathtaking. They make you stop, explore, and examine.
Autumn De Wilde, she captures music lifestyle and portraits on location like no other.
Simon Larbalestier, he with the design of Vaughan Oliver influenced me to pursue photography as a career. They created album covers & posters for 4AD artists- Pixies, Dead Can Dance, Red House Painters and others.
What are some of your favorite things to photograph and why?
Musicians, artists, and runners. Because they all inspire me to be a better artist and runner.
What is your favorite thing about what you do? What do you do when you’re not photographing or working on your craft?
My fave thing about what I do is the variety of people that I’m able to meet being a photographer. When I’m not shooting or working on my craft, I’m most likely running, rock climbing, or hanging out with my love and our animals.
Give us your best tip? What do you think every young photographer should know?
Photograph what you’re passionate about, and try to build a body of work from those images.
Lots of times music helps folks stay inspired, what are you listening to when you’re working on a project?
Lately… Beach House, Slowdive, U.S. Girls, Chromatics, Cocteau Twins, and Wild Beasts.
What are your favorite Vans?
Sk8-Hi Pro. So cushy.
You’ve taken portraits and photographs of various personalities and people, who has been your favorite subject and why?
Slowdive, because I’ve been a fan of their music for over twenty years. I just photographed U.S. Girls again… she’s always amazing.
A few nights back the House of Vans Brooklyn welcomed Pennywise, Sick Of It All, and Slashers to thrash up the venue! With an art installation by cartoonist and artist– the one and only–Jay Howell, it was an epic night of awesome art and punk rock. We chatted with Jay about his latest solo show Here Comes the Howellman, his Characters for Characters workshops, and about his VHP mural install. Learn more about Jay by TAKING THE LEAP. . .
📷: Laura June Kirsch
Introduce yourself.
Jay Howell, Los Angeles. Also I’m like a cartoonist or whatever.
For the upcoming Vans House Parties in Brooklyn, what did you end up creating for the installation?
I knew the Pennywise, Sick Of it All and Slashers show was gonna be super fun, so I wanted to paint a ton of characters dancing around and making it look like a fun party was happening. It worked out real great.
How did you come up with the concept for the workshop? Is the Characters for Characters something everyone can learn from? Like do you even have to draw well?
Well that’s the thing. I don’t think I can even draw all that well. What I try to go over is how I got my artwork on TV, how I create my characters, and how you can too. I’m really into the whole DIY spirit, getting people excited to draw and giving beginners a safe and fun enviorment free from judgement where they can work on their ideas.
What was a memorable experience you’ve had leading these Character workshops in the past?
A stuffy business guy who brought his kids came up to me after drawing for a few hours and told me he hasn’t felt creative or relaxed in a long time. He said he was going to make creative time for himself more in the future as a form of therapy. I couldn’t stop smiling.
You just opened your solo show Here Comes the Howellman at Subliminal Projects in LA? First who is the Howellman? Is he a specific alter ego of Jay? What were some of the highlights that night?
I had the idea for this name for a show for years now and thought it might be too egotistical and silly. Then I just went for it and it got funnier and funnier ( for me ). I’m like the Kool Aid guy of the art world, blastin through the door uninvited. It was the exact show I wanted to make and see. I’ve never been happier with a presentation of my work. I’m just happy anybody showed up.
When you walk into your show there’s an amazing centerpiece. . . Can you tell us about the puppet? How that came about? Who made it and when did you have an idea to make one!
Yes! Viva La Puppet. I worked with Michelle on a project for Sanjay and Craig. We had such a good time that we swore that we’d work together again. This show was the perfect reason. I showed her one drawing, and she built it perfectly. She’s amazing.
Have you considered a live action Jay Howell character inspired puppet tv show? I think it would be rad, what do you think?
Always. I love the Henson stuff so much it’s insane. I wish I was Grover from Sesame Street.
What is your favorite piece or pieces from this last show? Like is there just some you are super stoked on or just specially attached too in a weird way?
A lot of it is development work for a television show my partner Jim Dirschberger and I are creating. I’m super attached to it, I love the characters, I believe they’re real.
What’s a super good day in the studio like for you? What’s your process like these days? Are they different at all from before?
Any day I get to be at home in the studio is a good day. It’s my favorite thing to do. It gets even better when there’s a lot of tv I haven’t seen yet. Just TV abnd drawing together forever.
Who is weirder to take on a walk, Mary or Street Dog? What’s their favorite human food?
Mary is a insane puppy still, and Street Dog is a wild man. I like to walk them together and see the stuff they get into. Street likes turkey and Mary will eat anything, buttons, bugs, leaves and fuzz from tennis balls.
Whose art are you super into these days? Are you collecting anyone in particular? Get any new pieces lately?
I like Tara Booth, Cleon Peterson, Mark Whalen, Helen Jo, Stacey Rozich and Johhny Ryan.
When you’re not working your butt off, what are you doing? Where would we find you?
Playing Cali Cruzin with the crew at Dave and Busters every chance I get.
Besides Alan Jackson, the Dead and Law & Order theme song, what are you jamming to these days tune wise? Like what’s some new stuff you’d recommend folks to check out.
Lil Ugly Mane, Kate Bush, Cate Le Bon, Commodo, Nosoj Thing, The Lilys, Metro Area, Pye Corner Audio and Tamaryn. Iv’e been listening to Wham and Sheryl Crow probably a little too much.
What are your all time favorite Vans?
Black Authentics. I have 2 pairs.
Weird story about yourself you can share?
In 1999 I was skating in a Vans store in Pleasanton California. I slipped out on a ollie to tail, fell to the flat on my board and twisted my leg around. Broke both bones in my lower leg. The funny thing was that when they called the ambulence the paramedics were downstairs at the starbucks. They walked up to me in aggony sippin on frappachinos.
What advice do you give to folks who want to be an artist or cartoonist like yourself?
That being cool and creative is just as good as being skilled at drawing.
What do you have going on coming up that you can share?
I’m gonna go down to my local bar Walt’s in Eagle Rock. They have good hotdogs and great beer. I’ll do a lil self reflection, open myself up to the universe, and let the ideas flood in :)
We grooved all night with The Drums at House Of Vans Brooklyn with a huge crowd coming out to see the band. Their new album, Abysmal Thought, is out June 16th and we can’t wait to pick it up and give it a spin in full.
Missed out on one of the Vans House Parties shows? We got you covered, check out photos from THE DRUMS and Princess Nokia’s performances at the House of Vans Brooklyn!
RSVP for the next Vans House Parties show by visiting HouseOfVans.com | Art by MichaelHsiung
