My mother comes from a fine art background and my father is avid photographer, growing up I was consistently exposed to the arts in one form another. I have loved drawing for as long as I can remember and am thankful for having artistic parents.
I have always had a multifaceted approach to making work, painting, drawing and sculpture. I have been spending quite a bit more time with sculptures recently, more specifically the masks. I enjoy the entire process from finding object, having then lay around the studio for six months and finally utilizing them in one way or another.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I spend quite a bit of time looking through old books, instagram, art shows, magazines, museums, tumblr and various other imagery outlets. The sources are endless.
I enjoy having beautiful women in my work. Fashion magazines are readily available full of excellent imagery.
You mentioned you recently started doing sculpture pieces and that you find many “found objects” on the streets, like wood pieces, etc. What is the best piece you have found so far to make into a sculpture?
There isn’t one particular piece that stands out as any better the the rest. It is most satisfying when the pieces organically fit together and work ascetically. A fully formed sculpture consisting of pieces of whatever uniformly fitting, its just great.
What do you want people to understand or take away form your art?
My work is absolutely open to the viewer’s own interpretation.
What is / was your most favorite piece completed so far?
I usually have the strongest affinities toward the most recent work.
If you could collaborate with one or two other artists – anyone?! In the world who would they be and why?
Steven Parrino would have been interesting.
What are your ideal upcoming plans for your art?
I am participating in three group shows this summer, two at Bushwick open studios and one in Richmond Virginia. Things have been progressing at a good pace.
Can you tell us what we will see in your upcoming solo exhibit for Brooklyn Open Studios?
"Wild Hearts" will consist of an entirely new series of large scale mixed media works on canvas and medium sized mixed media sculptural works, here's the info:
"Wild Hearts" at 1977 Gallery
476 Jefferson St., #210, Brooklyn
Opening 7:00pm-10pm Friday June 5th
Saturday 12:00pm-7:00pm Sat. June 6th
Sunday 12:00pm-7:00pm Sun. June 7th
I am also participating in the Roberta's group show, and the Seeking Space group exhibit put on by the wonderful Arts in Bushwick organization. This will be the inaugural show at 1977 Gallery. As of now we are planning on our second show some time at the end of August, more details soon to come
What type of music do u listen to while creating?
Usually jazz or classical, something without lyrics.
Other inspirations?
I am just enjoying the process. I am lucky enough to have a supportive loving family and couldn't be more grateful.
If you could have dinner with one or two people, dead or alive who would they be and why?
My grandfather Lou, he died way too young and I unfortunately missed out on a chance to know him.
Have a look at more of Dane's work and don't miss Bushwick Open Studios this weekend.
Saturday 12:00pm-7:00pm Sat. June 6th
Sunday 12:00pm-7:00pm Sun. June 7th
I am also participating in the Roberta's group show, and the Seeking Space group exhibit put on by the wonderful Arts in Bushwick organization. This will be the inaugural show at 1977 Gallery. As of now we are planning on our second show some time at the end of August, more details soon to come
What type of music do u listen to while creating?
Usually jazz or classical, something without lyrics.
Other inspirations?
I am just enjoying the process. I am lucky enough to have a supportive loving family and couldn't be more grateful.
If you could have dinner with one or two people, dead or alive who would they be and why?
My grandfather Lou, he died way too young and I unfortunately missed out on a chance to know him.
Have a look at more of Dane's work and don't miss Bushwick Open Studios this weekend.
You can learn more about Dane Rex here: http://danerex.tumblr.com
and here on Instagram @nonesuch_ .
