Interview With Joe Sorren

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By Adam Szrotek

Please tell us about your roots.

I was born in Chicago and have long ears.

Do you remember your first art encounter?

Yes, it was at the Chicago Art Museum. Amazing.

Are you artistically trained?

I got my BFA from Northern Arizona University.

It looks like you create your own reality in your works. Would you like to be a part of it?

Um...I think I would need glasses to be there.

Where do you think your inspirations come from?

The local food mart, and finding shiney things on the ground.

Do you remember your dreams?

You know, i don't usually. But the other night I dreamed I was sleeping in my bed while sleeping in my bed. Very strange.

Do you think, they (dreams) play important part in our lives?

Not so much for me, but for others, sure. They seem to.

Is your art a reflection of your experiences or rather desires?

Good question. Probably a bit of both.

What medium do you work in primary and why?

I have recently switched to oil paints, mostly for the smell.

I know your are involved in music. What was first ,music or art, and is there any connection between them?

I became interested in music when I was a teen. Ideas definityl bouce between the two as far as feel goes.

Do you listen to any music while painting?

Yes, and books on tape sometimes too.

Is there any schedule in artist's life?

Usually early morning until dinner, and sometimes back at night.

Do you sometimes give up on your work and never finish it?

Yes, from time to time a painting gets crushed in the dumpster.

Do you like commision work? Please tell us about the process of it and how much freedom you have.

I love making commissions. I ask for full freedom to do something I can believe in, otherwise the work turns out stale.

Is hard to find a cheerful faces in your works. Is there a reason for that?

I am not really sure about that.

Do you think your characters would be able to walk with such big heads?

I hope not.

What are you trying to achive through your work?

A believablilty that this could all happen.

Joe Sorren
Interviewed by Adam Szrotek