In these uncertain times of questionable politics and challenged leadership many of us need an escape, even if short-lived. Especially short-lived. Walk into Pinellas Arts Village’s COVE Gallery and find yourself in a place far removed from reality. What is This Place? Is a fully-immersive installation by artist Sebastian Coolidge.
The exhibit beckons from the front door, leading visitors into a universe of suspended disbelief and subtle social commentary. Standing in the center of this universe feels a bit like waking up as Bob Hoskins in a Who Framed Roger Rabbit? sequel. The mixed media installation is comprised of visual, tactile and moving elements that challenge the viewer’s perception in tongue-in-cheek manner.
Mr. Coolidge is a bit of a celebrity in the internationally-renowned St. Petersburg, FL art scene. Leading the muralist pack in number of public works to his name, it is practically impossible to travel anywhere within the city without feasting one’s eyes upon one of his rich surreal creations. Most know Sebastian for his mural work but he is also prolific in other forms of artistic expression. In addition to the current installation at COVE, he has set his sights on the fashion industry with plans to break through as a Fine Art Designer. In anticipation of a What is This Place? closing reception on June 24, Sebastian and I sat down in my studio for a chat.
John Gascot: This show is a bit of a “trip”. How did the concept come about?
Sebastian Coolidge: The concept for this show happened very organically. I made some loose sketches of what I thought would fill the space nicely and cut out a few of the wood pieces and placed them around the gallery. Most was painted freehand. I guess subconsciously it is tied to a lot of social things but I tried to keep it very playful. I just want people to go in there and have fun.
JG: Most of the components of this exhibit are temporary. What about creating art that has a limited lifespan appeals to you?
SC: I like the fact that only a certain amount of people will see and enjoy it. I think that will bring around more people for later work. If they miss this experience maybe they’ll be sure to catch the next one.
JG: How do your pieces come to life? Can you share a bit of your creative process?
SC: It happens so organically that I really don’t have a process. I think of an idea and I draw it out then try to recreate it the best way possible, as far as the final product goes. Some don’t even have a sketch. I love being in the moment and not having a sure way of doing anything. Everything is a surprise for me as well. I’m learning with every piece.
JG: Other than the obvious, do you approach mural work differently than other disciplines?
SC: No. I approach it all exactly the same. Sometimes there’s a sketch for a mural and sometimes not. I’ll approach the wall as my sketchbook. I like to scare myself. To start things not even knowing what they’re going to be and work my way through them. The “unknown” factor is very fun for me. I like to remain uncomfortable through it.
JG: One must be quite established to have people give you a wall not knowing what’s going on it, no?
SC: It takes a lot of convincing on my end.
JG: Still?
SC: Oh yeah. I’ve painted a lot of murals but that’s just a fraction of what I’ve tried to paint. Probably a third.
JG: Your work is ever-fresh and non-derivative, but we all have influences. What works or artists would you name among yours?
SC: My biggest influences are Disney, Dr. Seuss and Robert Crumb.
JG: Your pieces are all signed and dated “1912”. Tell us about that date.
SC: There are multiple reasons but I think the truest is that I didn’t want people to categorize my art in a timeline. It’s all now documented with social media, obviously but I didn’t want people to say, “Hey that’s a 2006 piece.”
JG: What’s the first thing you can remember drawing?
SC: Probably a game character. Sonic the Hedgehog. I remember being in first grade and having a rivalry with another kid in my class about who could draw Sonic better. That was the first time in my life when I was like “I wanna be the best artist in my class.” I was very competitive.
JG: Are you still competitive?
SC: Oh yeah, for sure. But not in that way anymore. I try to hold my work to a certain quality (standard); being looked at as fresh and modern. Those are things I strive for.
JG: What’s on your easel right now?
SC: The easel (at the moment) is not an easel. It’s a sketchbook where I’m drawing concepts for my clothing. I’m trying to approach my clothing line like paintings. I’m a very unconventional clothing designer. I’m trying to keep coming up with new concepts you haven’t seen before.
JG: “What is This Place?” closes on June 24th. What can we look forward to next?
SC: The release of my clothing line. All of my clothes are in production right now. The St. Pete unveiling will be at the Mesu Gallery and the Tampa Bay grand unveiling will be before that at Fly in the International Mall. I’m going to make some window displays for that.
The closing reception for What is This Place? will take place at COVE gallery, 5705 Park Boulevard, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 on Saturday, June 24, 1-10pm.