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Interview Sal Marino Funism 1st Angel Arts Magazine June 2011

Blog: #1 of 6 by Sal Marino

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Q: When did you first become interested in art?
A: My first awareness of a creative pulse came when I was six years old. I was sitting alone, playing with crayons and straight pins, thinking I needed to make something but I didn’t know what. I suppose that’s the dilemma most artists carry throughout their whole life…
I wrote about this in my Book, “Guy Talk, Girl Talk.
Q: What style of art do you use most?
A: I’ve been doing cartoon doodles from the beginning, some hundred and eighty seven years ago… In my early twenties I was deeply involved in photography and was fortunate enough to work as an assistant to Ralph Gibson, a well known American photographer with ties to Dorethea Lange and Robert Frank. This relationship enabled me to be a fly on the wall of the 1970’s New York Art Scene elite inner circle. I met far too many ‘big names’ to mention and the experience is something that couldn’t be bought at any trendy art school. It was an experience that shaped my point of view going forward. Many years and creative endeavors have lapsed and I ultimately decided to make paintings out of my doodles.
Somewhere around 2001 I founded what I called The Funism Art Movement; something that started as a joke but blossomed into an identity which several artists, imitators and the like have adopted. Jay Smithline of Calabasas, California is an American artist who became the movement’s West Coast Ambassador and together we formulated a non-credo, credo which in its simplest definition was to “break the rules of traditional understandings of over-intellectualized art”. I’ve seen some press where the movement is considered a sub-movement of contemporary art, but as far as I’m concerned it’s merely an identity I created, which to this point has brought some limited notoriety to the participants.
Q: Has your style changed from when you first began as an artist?
A: I’ve done many things…Art, Music, Writing, Business, etc., and yes, stylistic approach does change from time to time. However, my ‘Funism’ images have remained somewhat consistent throughout my entire life. Some artists, especially novice practitioners, can go a lifetime without discovering something that is unique to them self. I suppose I’ve been lucky…
Q: What medium do you use?
A: These days I use acrylic paints on canvas. I also make painted wood relief sculptures, but my primary interest is content. Technique is easily assimilated so to me the message of the work is paramount.
Q: What made you choose that medium?
A: Easy to work with, I guess…
Q: Do your ideas come from life or imagination?
A: Social commentary coupled with my point of view.
Q: How do you choose your images and colours?
A: It’s always about the muse. Most of my images are rooted in social commentary, satire and poking fun at everyday reality. I don’t choose my subject matter, it chooses me.
Q: Who is your favourite artist?
A: It depends on the day, but mostly artists with individual signature and prominence of message.
Q: What is your favourite piece of work by yourself?
A: My own favorite piece of work is usually the one I’m working on at that time because my focus is to that particular circumstance.
Q: How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?
A: I never time my work. I do it when I feel it.
Q: How well do you take criticism?
A: Nobody is perfect. It doesn’t matter what others say. Only history is the true judge.
Q: How do you know something is ‘finished’? Is it easy to walk away?
A: I know it’s finished when I feel it’s finished.
Q: Have you had exhibits in galleries?
A: Yes, but lately I don’t show. A personal thing I guess, but if the right deals come along, why not?
Q: Have you any exhibits in galleries planned for the future?
A: Not at this point, but I’m open to suggestions.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Hopefully I’ll wake up tomorrow…
Q: What advice would you give new artists?
A: Choose another profession, but if you must, create art only when you have something to say and only when you can say it in your own unique signature. Either that or get paid big bucks…
Q: Have you done any courses to help you?
A: I took some photography courses at The School of Visual Arts in New York when I was a ‘youngling’ but I’m primarily self-taught.
Q: What do you do to market your work?
A: Beg, Plead, And Steal! Just kidding! For the most part I don’t do much other than promote “Funism”. Maybe this mouse trap will someday lead a path…
Q": Do you use social networking in your day to day life?
A: When it comes to social networking to help market and promote your stuff, it’s sort of like taking a date to the prom, only to discover she’s wearing a padded bra…doesn’t work for me!
Q: Are you available for work (commissions)?
A: Yes, I take commissions.
Q: Have you got hobbies?
A: Guns, Girls, Gargoyles and Giggles
Q: Where are you based?
A: Stamford, CT USA

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