The Inspiration
The postmodernist painter and stage designer muses about life from his sun-bathed studio in Brooklyn.
... PICK UP A CRAYON AND START DRAWING? I started sketching when I was 6 years old, and then I began looking at art books when I got older. I became conscious of art as something that exists in the world. I was drawn to paperback monographs, particularly Paul Gauguin; his experimental use of colour really captured my heart.
... ESTABLISH A MORNING ROUTINE? I read before heading off to my studio. Sometimes, I write in my diary as well.
... TAP INTO THE CREATIVITY OF OTHERS? I would love to have collaborated with the great writer, and friend—George WS Trow, author of ‘Within The Context Of No Context’. He had an eccentric personality; we would have had much to discuss on individuality, American public culture, and history.
... PONDER ON LIFE’S WHAT IFS? I have no clear idea what I would be if I wasn’t creating art. I will probably be a writer. It is also another form of art, and also a good way of letting my creativity flow.
... DIVE INTO SOMETHING UNCONVENTIONAL? I’ve made images that are daring and open to interpretation, and my book of essays titled ‘How To See’ represents majority of my work done over the years. Three of my paintings, inspired by Michelangelo’s ‘Sistine Chapel’, are now part of the permanent collection at New York’s Parrish Art Museum.
... BE BOLD AND COMPLEX? The intricate ballet costumes and sets that I designed for Karole Armitage have always highlighted the story of the dance production. It also complements the flow of dancers in motion and their raw emotions. www.davidsallestudio.net