Jesse Aridoux: Studio Visit
“The studio is a totally separate world for me where everything is ok”
INTERVIEW WITH JESSE ARIDOUX AND LAURA DAY WEBB
NEW YORK, NY, USA
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to be an artist?
I aspired to become an artist at a young age. As a young kid growing up in the Caribbean, I was exposed to art and creativity. It was everywhere and I was inspired. But after high school, like many others, I gave into the myth of what many people think it means to be an artist. So, I went for design because it was “more secure” knowing that at some point I would want to explore the possibility of becoming an artist. I love design and the influence it has on my work. It gives me the skills I need to digitally enhance the pieces I create.
What is your approach to starting a new work?
The approach depends on what I’m looking to create. I usually go from idea, to sketch and quick research, if necessary. Although, the ideas often evolve as I work.
Do you listen to music when you are working and what do you listen to?
I listen to a lot of music while I’m working. Growing up in a multilingual culture helped to enrich my taste in music. I listen to classical, jazz, contemporary, pop, rock, gospel, blues, reggae (and other Caribbean genres) ... The list could go on for a while.
What role does your studio space play in your practice?
It’s the world I escape to. It’s where I unleash my creativity and the only place where I can paint over my mistakes and start over.
Are there any elements or objects in your studio setup that have special significance to you and your practice?
I have a small sculpture my mother gave to me a few years ago; it has become part of the setting. I also have some artworks from high school and my early college days that I keep around. I look at them occasionally to keep me grounded in my journey.
What are you working on now?
I have been working on a collection of digital works for the NFT market.
How did you come about your current studio? Any interesting, funny, dramatic, inspiring stories to share?
I set up this studio at home due to covid. And I realized a couple of months later that it was the best thing I could have done. As I mentioned, the studio is a totally separate world for me where everything is ok. So, in 2020 when the world was seemingly falling apart, it was my sanctuary away from the mental distress caused by covid, and the flood of breaking news that came from every angle.