An artist profile of Tristram Lansdowne
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Describe your process of creating a piece. What materials do you normally work in?
I start by taking photographs of vacant areas of the landscape, usually buildings that are no longer actively being used. I use bits and pieces of the photos to create my own scenes, often adding impossible architectural elements to the buildings. Right now I work entirely in watercolour on paper.
What projects are you working on? What do you have coming up, any shows?
I have two shows coming up this winter that I’m working on. One in Toronto at LE Gallery in November, the other in New York at Joshua Liner Gallery. I’m also in group shows at both galleries this August so I have my hands full right now.
When are you most productive?
First thing in the morning. The earlier I start the better.
When did creating art become something important in your life?
I think when I decided to go to art school I realized that I had to get serious, but it’s slowly become more and more important over time.
What are some of your favorite spots in the city? Some favourite places to go, eat, drink, bike ride?
I like drinking beers on the patio at Peppers Cafe and I’m often wandering along the train tracks taking pictures of junk.
What are you currently obsessed with? Any blogs, pod casts, films, artists?
I’ve been looking at the paintings of Walton Ford a lot recently. He paints these incredible life-size pictures of animals, in the style of 19th century natural history illustration. He’s one of the few people I know of that are using watercolour on a large scale.
What are your thoughts on the Toronto art scene compared to everywhere else you’ve experienced?
I’m from Victoria, which is a much smaller city with a much smaller art scene, so I love how much is going on all the time in Toronto. At the same time it’s small enough that as an artist just starting out you still have a chance of getting noticed, getting some attention.
What is your survival food? Cheap eats for the starving artist?
Dosa Mahal on Bloor and Emerson has the best, cheapest samosas in town.
Any last words?
Nope.
