Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024: ART OPENING, 7 - 10 PM
Group Exhibition “American Punchline”
Subliminal Projects Gallery, 1331 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
(Exhibition continues through early November)
As one of the shows featured in our April First Thursdays, Los Angeles-based artist Nathan Bell’s upcoming solo show ‘Mixed Feelings’ will featured 400 works using materials such as french paper, coroplast, and mixed media. Self described “introverted over thinker with a design background,” Bell expresses himself through the painted word, or rather words –a whole lot of them. Through experimenting with “language, typography and aesthetic,” Bell’s work focuses on thoughts, ideas, wordplays, inside jokes, reflections, all of which he has been creating for the last two years!
We’re excited to feature him on Art School where we find out more about his works and words! From working with new materials to his process to what we should expect in his solo show ‘Mixed Feelings,’ which opens Saturday, April 22nd at Subliminal Projects in Los Angeles.
Photographs by Katherine Sheehan
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Nathan Bell. My parents almost named me Bruno, which would have been weird because that sounds like an MMA fighter. I reside in the amazing, sunny bubble that is Los Angeles, California but I am originally from the midwest. Its been a long time since I lived in Michigan but I still have a nostalgic connection with it and have family there. It sometimes shows up in my work. I think the more I keep that connection in tact the more grounded I feel. Plus, I can’t get a decent pierogi in LA.
How would you describe the artwork you create to folks?
My work is what you get when an introverted over thinker with a design background picks up a paint brush.
Could you tell us what drew you to incorporate the textual aspects into your work? How do you find the right word?
I’ve always incorporated my handwriting in my projects. Even with my corporate jobs my scrawlings were featured frequently. It never felt like a planned direction, but it was very natural for my fine art to have a text based emphasis. To me its a way to keep it real and personal. The advertising world is very calculated, and the output is so polished. So stripping that perfection away and getting to the root of an interaction with myself and ultimately with the viewer is a great feeling.
What’s your process like? Sketchbook or Spontaneous? Or a little bit of both?
My process is pretty random tbh, definitely spontaneous. I rarely just just sit down and sketch, its more of a continuous knee jerk hand reaction. I do keep small and large sketchbooks, but mostly just loose pieces of paper and scraps. Plus I have a million notes on my phone with ideas and words that come to me through out the day or get my attention at some point. I’m surprised I haven’t gotten one of those texting while driving tickets yet. Knock on wood.
What are your favorite materials? And what do you love about this medium? What’s a new medium you’d love to try?
Untraditional ones for sure. I use coroplast for a series of works in my show. You see it all over the place in the form of telephone poll signs and political ads. I am also obsessed with found objects. I have this romantic notion about bringing new life to something that was forgotten or thrown away. As for a new medium, I want to start experimenting with clay sculpture.
You’ve got a show ‘Mixed Feelings’ at Subliminal Projects opening soon in LA. Could you tell us a little about the theme behind the show? And what folks should expect?
Yes! The title “Mixed Feelings” is pretty on point for what you should expect. Its mixed in the fact that I use a bunch of different materials and mediums. And its the culmination of works from over 2 years, so there are tons of emotions and views flying around. Expect to be overwhelmed in a good way.
Could you tell us about a specific piece in the show that you’re the most proud of and why?
Thats a tough one. This show will have over 400 works in it. And I enjoy so many for various reasons. I’m like a proud papa with way too many kids. This is my first solo show, so the installation itself is what I’m most proud of.
Where do you find inspiration? And what 5 artists do you think are the most influential to you?
Its a tired expression but I genuinely find inspiration all over the place. The eclectic LA city landscape, hand painted signs, good music, my friends, my enemies, old books, magazines and clothing, pop culture.
5 artists that influence me:
Mike Kelley
Tom Sachs
Ry Rocklen
Raymond Pettibon
Derek Boshier
What’s an art question you never get asked and want to answer?
“How was your art residency in Italy?” I have never been asked that, because it hasn’t happened. So if anyone wants to give me a residency in Italy so I can answer that… that would be great.
What are your favorite Vans?
My studio shoes are a pair of black slip-ons. I have been feeling these brown chukkas I have that they released for the 50th anniversary.
What would you tell folks who want to follow in your footsteps and make art?
Don’t follow footsteps. Look at what other people do in moderation. Do things that make you feel good. You will be the most happy while creating without limits, even if just for yourself.
Finally, what’s next after ‘Mixed Feelings’ for 2017?
More shows and feelings. I have a few other bodies of work I have been hoarding. And in general just making as much work as possible and meeting good people making things.
I’m thrilled to be a part of the “American Punchline” exhibition at Shepard Fairey’s gallery Subliminal Projects here in Los Angeles, and the opening last Saturday was fantastic! Many thanks to Shepard and the gallery, to Sue for being my ever-present partner and accomplice, and to all the friends, family, and Kelly fans who traveled from Brussels, NYC, Seattle, Minnesota, Colorado, San Francisco and more to attend.
