"I paint because I like to. I don’t give a shit whether you appreciate it or not."
-RexNickles. Artist’s statement. 2007
Jedidiah/RedTails show. daytona. 6/07."Rex Nickles (d.o.b 8-4-86) has no formal art training or degrees, failed his high school art classes, and refuses to go to college.
works freelance, mainly the gallery circuit between Southern California and Central Florida.
has been drawing since childhood. Highly influenced by the sunday comics in the Detroit Free Press (primarily Calvin and Hobbes and Bloom County), and the illustrations of Stephen Gammell, contained within the Scary Stories to tell in the Dark childrens book series.
Due to a heavy interest in psychology, and multiple stints within psychiatric institutions, most images are drawn autonomically, while others display subliminal overtones." - http://rexnickles.homestead.com/training.html
Self Portrait (2005)Aly: Hardly any of your work is done on actual canvas; Ever thought of painting body parts?
Rex: Yes, but I’ve got a reputation for being a creepy person, so I don’t bother asking.
Aly: What is your favorite medium to work with?
Rex: I really like India ink right now. I never stick with one certain medium when making a piece though. Everything I do is a mixed media project.
Aly: Have you done any experimenting recently? (Like what you did with the glass)
Rex: Not with materials, but I’ve been using different techniques lately. I’m trying to make things messier, and less structured.
Mt.Clemens Mindset.(2007) 38x12.glassAly: How long have you being interested in and doing art?
Rex: All my life. I did ALOT of finger painting for a kid. Then I started making my own comic strips when I was 5, because I was obsessed wit the Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes, and Bloom County. Then when I was 12, I started skateboarding; I would buy blank decks just so I could make my own graphics, and then t-shirts. I fell into the "Professional art world" by accident. I had some paintings that I made to spite my art teacher that I put up online.
Aly: What are a few of your biggest influences?
Rex: Stephen Gammell, crime scene photographs, Warhol, Templeton, Basquiat, the Beautiful Losers crew, Graffiti, and anyone doing something worth looking at in the current contemporary art scene.
Neighborhood (NA) (2005)private collection of K.BrubakerAly: Where do you want to be in 10 years?
Rex: California, being super rich and mean to everyone.
Aly: Name some of the various art projects you have been involved with…. for instance, music, clothing, tattoo designs?
Rex: I'm right now (literally) trying to get a hold of this guy in Philly who was supposed to put out a sweater I’m designing for his Clothing company, but I’ve been so busy with all these shows, I’ve spaced on the project. I'm showing 4 pieces this Friday in a week long show in a Downtown Deland Gallery/Cafe'. Then I’m doing another show at the same place this April where I’ll be showing 12+ pieces for a 2 man show.
I got a few shows lined up in California later this year, and a few other projects I’m currently working on with other venues. So I’m busy.
Yellow Warbler (prints $15) (2007)private collection of A.BowenAly: Normally, how long do you tend to spend on one piece?
Rex: However long it takes till I feel it’s done. I try and keep it under 12 hours.
Introsynthesis (prints $20) (2007)private collection of N.AlenikoffAly: Do you feel accomplished? Or satisfied?
Rex: I’m starting to. I’m starting to come to terms with what I’m capable of now that I’ve got a decent work history.
Aly: What’s the hardest part about being a freelance artist?
Rex: Having to work a full time job in order to support yourself.
Motown (2007)private collection of J.DonaliAly: What do you do with most of your work?
Rex: Sell it or give it away. There’s no point in me keeping it. i made it for fucks sake, what am i gonna use it for?
Aly: How does it feel when you walk into a friend's house and see your painting on their wall?
Rex: Awkward
inversion boards (2007)Aly: Do you feel your talents are progressing?
Rex: Maybe not talents, but my artistic vision is starting to translate better. I’m happy with what I do
Aly: Is there anything I haven't asked about that you want known?
Rex: Fame tastes good.
Utah 2AM (NA-2007)private collection of P.Rizzo
Detroit, Jan.26-1978 (2007)
Spring Virus (NA) (2007)private collection of N.Alenikoff
Contributor (2007)
Isotope (2007)"available for shows, gallery and private use, commissioned work
murals, drafting, and templating. for information,
contact: Rexnickles@aol.com
or find me on MySpace like a fucking retard by searching RexNickles@aol.com"
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