Get to Know the Maker: Inauguration Special
Post by Scott Sigel from Makeably
In the first of our favorite ongoing series, Get to Know the Maker, we’re joined by our friend Travis Pfeifer. Travis has called both California and New York, home. He’s a Google-man by trade, a painter by love, a comedian (when granted a stage) and an aspiring musician.
M: Travis, thanks for taking the time to chat! We’ve been sitting here over a coffee but for the readers could you tell us a bit about yourself?
T: Well, I'm a fourth-generation Californian. I'm fascinated by people. Donuts are a weakness. Artistically, I'm an odd duck because art and drawing defined me as a child but I first painted at 28.
M: Tragically, no donuts in this cafe... why the switch from drawing to painting?
T: My family was pretty traditional, so very little TV and one soda each week. Once I got to high school, I felt pressure to focus on academics and sports, particularly football which became a big part of my life. I'd be so exhausted from practice that I had no energy for sketching. Life just got in the way. Meanwhile, fast forward a dozen years to living in New York with a new and vibrant group of friends that know nothing about my artistic skills! This was 2008 in SoHo and paintings are sold on the street every block. I love vibrant color, and big canvases so I wanted to reinvent myself. I didn't have any training but this was the time to experiment and grow. So, I threw myself into technique, experimented with new materials, and do things I couldn't years ago. Acrylic paint is bold and solid and fits the way I dream.
M: What would you say is your favorite painting memory?
T: There’s one that sticks out right away. For my best friend's 30th birthday, I made a piece dedicated to his favorite musician. He and his wife arrived at my SoHo (NYC) apartment where they would take a needed vacation - I was leaving for a wedding anyway - and I surprised him with the painting right before I left. He started throwing compliments my way but I had to catch a train and left. Twenty minutes later his wife calls me - she never calls me. She said "Travis, I've known my husband since we were 14 years old and I've seen him cry twice in my life. As soon as you left he broke down in tears." I've been hooked ever since.
M: That’s a really sweet story! Where do you draw your inspiration? Who or what tends to enthuse your creativity?
T: There’s a range. Mostly people, problems, and the human physique inspires me. Each make me eager to send messages and connect. I appreciate social commentary. I like the idea that I can make a contribution through simple and beautiful images that resonate with people. I think we need commentary and dissent for dialogue. I like stoking the fire a bit.
M: What's the best thing you've ever done with your talents as a painter? Do you use your powers for good or evil?
T: Haha, I’d say mostly for good, but that depends on your point of view! I'm most proud of my Obama pieces. Four years ago I spent three weeks completing over 40 paintings of a simple and colorful profile of Barack Obama. I rented a van and drove 5 hours to DC from downtown Manhattan. I slept for a few hours at a friend's house then awoke at dawn to get a good spot. Somehow, without restriction, I was able to park only yards away from the Washington Monument while thousands of people poured in to see the inauguration ceremonies. The paintings sold as soon as I could bring them out of the truck. People were posing proudly next to my work, I was interviewed, and several customers asked for additional pieces for their home and offices. The work resonated with people of all types.
M: Such a great story. We’re lucky to have those listed on Makeably as well! A perfect fit for inauguration day. So, just for fun, if you could swap artistic abilities for a day, what would you do?
T: I would switch with Dan Auerbach, guitarist and vocalist for the Black Keys. He captures the way men feel... love, heartache, rage, and sincerity all with a kind of musical soul that few can master.
M: Awesome pick, I could get involved with that! So before we say farewell, any advice to aspiring painters from the hobbyist to the professional?
T: Like anything else worth doing, I’d say hard work. There are many people with artistic talent but only a few combine that with an enterprising attitude and a diligent approach.
M: Great advice. Travis, thanks so much again for joining us for a chat! For everyone else, be sure to check out Travis’s work on Makeably. He’s an awesome guy, a fantastic painter and we can’t wait to see what he does next!