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Inside the Creative Mind of Patrick Maxcy
"Subspecies" - Acrylic on Canvas. 38"x26"
I first met the artist Patrick Maxcy several years ago through a friend and had heard all the rumors swarming around about this amazingly talented man. I jumped on the first opportunity I had to view his art in person at a solo exhibit in Florida being hosted by The Flagler Auditorium. The creativity held within one's mind, such as Patrick's, is fascinating. Each piece had a real story to tell. There was no doubt in my mind that Patrick Maxcy was born to be an artist. When presented with the opportunity to write for The World Artist Network, Patrick was immediately the first person who came to mind, a true art genius, who graciously accepted an interview.
1. Why art?
I grew up in a creative household... music, drawing, and painting were an everyday thing in my home. Art just ended up sticking. I have always loved the idea of creating something out of nothing that in turn can create such an intense reaction, emotion, and feeling.
2. What type of art do you create and what are your methods of visualization?
People always like to put labels on things, especially art. I create what I enjoy painting. I try to convey and share a story behind each piece I paint. I usually read or hear about an event or something rare that intrigues me. From there I sketch out an idea on whatever paper is closest to me and go from there. Once the composition is complete, the design process usually works itself out on the canvas through layers.
3. What are some of the challenges inherent in this line of work and how do you deal with them?
Promoting yourself is a huge undertaking. Getting galleries and buyers to notice your work from the rat race is almost a full time job in itself.
There are so many amazing artists in the world today striving for attention. There are also so many different ways to go about getting your work out there. Basically you just have to stop talking about what you're going to do and just do it. The first part of making a dream come true is to wake up! If your art comes before sleep, then you know you are making progress.
4. What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The freedom and the hours; I can create whatever I want and work whenever I want. It's 3am, sounds like a good time to start painting! I also love hearing people's ideas and thoughts of how the piece came to be. Art is doing its job if it's getting the viewer to think more than 3secs.
5. What do you dislike most about the art world?
Living in South Florida I see a lot of people spend ridiculous money on work they are told is "real" art, work that is overpriced due to a name and an image, work that takes 15 minutes to create, created with $20 in material, tossed in a fancy frame, signed, put in a corporate gallery, slammed with a $30,000+ price tag, and it sells... Ignorance in the art world is a huge dislike.
6. Are there any artist endeavors you have yet to pursue that you would like to?
I've done a wide variety of artwork in different places with many different subjects. I love painting large murals and creating shirt designs. But one thing I've never done is illustrations for children's books. I would love to have a published illustrated kids’ book.
7. What artist(s) do you feel have been most influential in your life?
My dad was a big inspiration growing up. Watching him created t-shirt designs every week was always great. With galleries all over and the internet, I am always seeing new artists that amaze me. Every artist has their own unique style. I like a lot of tattoo artists, fine artists, as well as graffiti artists. Some of my current favorite painters working today are Johnathen Venir, Brian Despain, Greg Simkins, Josh Keyes, Ekundayo, Alex Pardee, Shawn Barber, Gabe Leonard, Sas Christian, etc.
8. While on your website the other day, I read that you designed and had a t-shirt company at the age of six. Please tell me more.
My dad has always designed shirts for various events. One day while he was dropping off one of his Daytona Bike Week designs, I walked in and showed them a drawing I did as well. It was of a penguin sitting on the beach with a crab pinching his butt. They loved it and we started a series of shirts called "For Kids by Kids." From age six to eight, I designed and sold a dozen designs that became pretty popular. I've been drawing ever since.
9. How did you feel teaching art in the high school you once attended?
I have always worked with kids in after school programs and summer camps. Teaching art felt like second nature. Teaching at the same school I attended also came easy-- I knew the system and everyone in it. I have always felt if you are given a gift, it's made to be shared with the world. I really enjoyed teaching, but it didn't give me the time I needed to do my personal art, so I left.
10. What are you currently working on?
Staying busy. During the next three months I have three live murals, two commission pieces, four gallery shows, and I'm starting to set up my art schedule for 2011!
11. Do you have any wise words for young artists trying to make it in the art world?
Don't give up. If you love doing it and you're good at it, don't stop! So many young adults give up the joy of being a kid and enjoying art for other things. My favorite quote has always been, "The saddest thing in life is wasted talent."--A Bronx Tale.
For more of Patrick Maxcy's art, please visit his website: www.patrickmaxcyart.com