1xRun Thru Interview
The Gift by Audrey Pongracz
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this original painting, when was it created? How long did this piece take from start to finish?
Audrey Pongracz: The original was created in July of this year. It was created for the group show “Blood”, which was the first show for the PRISMA artist collective. The idea I guess you can say is derived from the saying “Blood, sweat and tears” Pouring all of yourself out, and also allowing yourself to be a recipient. Giving and receiving the real Gifts in life. From start to finish it took about 3 weeks.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Audrey Pongracz: The execution is a pretty basic process, A sketch first, then working in thin layers of oils, usually around 5.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Audrey Pongracz: I don’t know if its unique, but the piece is a personal one. And is, in a way a little statement piece of the path Im on right now.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Audrey Pongracz: If it makes them happy, or if they feel a connection to it.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Audrey Pongracz: I started using oils at 13. My first piece was a terrible abstract of a rose. My mother has all my starting pieces hanging in her house, and whenever I’m there I have to look at them. They are a awful reminder of adolescence.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Audrey Pongracz: Bob Ross kick started my desire to paint! I would watch his show when I came home from Kindergarten. I was too young to use “real” paint so I would try and paint along with him, using those Crayola watercolors or some crappy poster paint, it was very frustrating! Then in my teens, I bought the 4 Non Blondes album “Bigger, Better, Faster, More!” and I just thought the albums cover art was so rad! The style was very inspiring, but I never bothered to look and see who created it.
Years later I discovered Mark Ryden’s work, and saw he was responsible for creating the album cover art, and was also responsible for other album covers that I admired as well. So his work was a gateway for a whole new style of art that had a great effect on me. Right now I admire work from, Nicola Samori, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Brandi Milne, Ray Caesar, and I can always go to the old Masters, like Bouguereau and Rembrandt for inspiration.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Audrey Pongracz: Always. As of late Ive been listening to a lot of Interpol, Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, and The Innocence Mission. And Radiohead is always there.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Audrey Pongracz: Aside from prints. I think the first original piece of work I bought was by a local artist Teresa Peterson. She does collage work that’s very whimsical and fun. It’s hanging in my studio right now.
1xRun: What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Audrey Pongracz: Last piece I bought was from another local artist, Dennis Jacobs. (A piece from 1xRUN!)
1xRun: What else do you have in the works?
Audrey Pongracz: Glass Cinder and Thorns @ 323 East is next. I’m Also in the beginning stages for shows at Subtext, WWA and Distinction Gallery, and a 2 person show with Lora Zombie at Gallery 1988 next year!
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Audrey Pongracz:
-1xRUN