Alex Selkowitz: Timeless Nostalgia
Alex Selkowitz is an oil painter who resides in Los Angeles, CA, creating scenes inspired by his experience working in the film industry and the bright Southern California light. Selkowitz’s works are set in a familiar suburban setting of quiet stillness, that evokes a subtle mystery or loneliness in the viewer, while emphasizing the artist’s technical skill and understanding of naturalism.
How did your creative journey begin?
To the best of my recollection, my artistic journey began in childhood. I was always inspired by cartoons, TV, movies, video games and comics. The colors, different styles, and the creativity behind it all really spoke to me. It made me want to create images but also stories. I began drawing constantly. In school, I took every art class available. In my early twenties, I moved from Northern California to Los Angeles where I began to work in the film industry. For roughly 20 years now, I have worked as a grip - which primarily supports the electrical and camera departments of a film set. During this time, I learned a lot about lighting, shadow, composition, and storytelling. Despite being around all this creativity, I had let my own practice wither away. At some point, I began drawing again. It felt good to do it but I wanted to do more. No disrespect to drawing in general, but for what I had in my head I needed a medium that could give more - messier, thicker and a touch more organic and unpredictable. I began researching painters and artists of many practices to continue to inspire me. Eventually, I stumbled across oil painting and began to focus on that.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Inspiration comes from observing the world around me. I am particularly drawn to melancholy, lonely scenes. A child’s big wheel on a front lawn, a chair in an empty backyard. It has to have the right “feeling” before anything else. Once that happens, I feel more comfortable digging in further. There is a flywheel effect involved. As I create more paintings, it helps train my eye to see the world around me through a painterly lens. I take what I enjoyed making before and look for similar subjects as I am out and about in the world. This increases my chances that I might make a painting I am happy with the next time I am in the studio. I emphasize the word “might” because although I am inspired by many things, it doesn’t necessarily translate to a good painting.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
I've become more intentional about subject matter and storytelling. I spend more time developing the overall structure before getting absorbed in details. I find myself being less cautious and willing to experiment, trying to get rid of the idea of making mistakes or failing. I have also been working to create more series of paintings, taking the time to explore a particular subject over and over. My series “Behind the Scenes” was my latest endeavor into that.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
I don't have a typical schedule - I balance painting with parenting and a film career. I work in bursts of focused energy, usually a few hours at a time. During that time, my attempt is to eliminate all distractions and finish as much painting as I can. Some weeks I am able to work every day, while other times I only get a little bit of time on the weekend. Before beginning a session, I may choose to meditate. Other times I go right into the studio and begin to paint. If I find myself intimidated or unable to start, I will do a task such as clean the pallet or brushes from my last session. There is a wonderful quote from a book by Rick Rubin called the “The Creative Act”. At point he says something to the effect of “There is no right way, only your way.” I'm sure that’s a misquote but you get the general idea.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
The biggest experience that impacted my work was becoming a father. Nothing will right size your sense of existence in this universe like having kids. What I mean by that is you suddenly have this full timeline where you are not the main focus anymore. Your parents are ahead and your children are just beginning their journey. Perhaps that’s where my idea of nostalgia stems from - observing the world through my children’s eyes is an amazing experience. It makes me remember my childhood and what I can pull from that helps me in my studio practice later.
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media expands my reach tremendously but can also drain creative energy if I become preoccupied with posting. Like everything in life, I just try and balance it as best I can. I believe that I found the Visionary Art Collective on Instagram so it does speak to the idea of connecting artists and foundations all over.
Your work has a strong sense of nostalgia. How do you choose the scenes in your paintings?
I don’t have a set formula in how I go about it. I look for everyday scenes that feel like a transition - something might have just happened or is about to happen. There is a story there but it's shrouded in some mystery. I believe that is a fundamental aspect of my work. When looking for particular objects to place in the painting, I try and choose objects that are not of a modern era. I was born in 1981 and have an older brother, so my childhood was filled with 80s stuff and some 70s hand me downs. That aesthetic is what I am naturally drawn to. My belief is that I when I combine these elements together I create a painting that is both relatable and timeless to the viewer.
Website: www.alexselkowitz.com
Instagram: @alex_selkowitz_painter