1xRun: Tell us a bit about these pieces, was it part of a recent series of work, theme or show that you had?
Bask: Every section of this piece was individually painted and processed over 6 times. And the Bomb was processed over 10 times to achieve the smooth but textured look I wanted. These “When It Rains, It Pours” multiples are not related to any current series but they are pieces I’ve wanted to do for a while now. I first did version of this painting back in 2004 as a gift for a close friend of mine. And most recently/notably I was commissioned by Robert Downey Jr. to recreate a 15ft tall version for Iron Man 3. But in between those, I’ve done several versions that always present this piece in a new and original way. This release is a direct example of that. I wanted to dissect the elements and create a piece that is brought together layer by layer, level by level.
1xRUN: When were these pieces created and what materials were used?
Bask: My assistant and I have been working 10 hour days for the past 10 days getting these built, painted and assembled. The materials used were fence posts, plywood cut down to size and worked over with latex, enamel, spray-paint and mixed media collage.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Bask: I’ve had the idea to make a multi level version of this piece for a while now. And after discussing the idea with Jesse Cory of 1xRUN and Inner State Gallery, I wanted to raise the bar even further by doing multiple versions of this concept instead of just one.
1xRun: How long did these pieces take from start to finish?
Bask: 10, 10 hour days where my assistant and I worked almost non stop. I treated every section as if it was a individual painting. Even though this is a set of 30, each piece was treated as if it was the only one.
1xRun: What is unique about this series?
Bask: What is unique about this series is that aside from the look and construction is that each piece is a literal original piece of art even though it’s in a set of 30. The layout is the same in them all but no two piece are alike. Every piece is one of a kind and is just in a family of 30 siblings.
1xRun: Why should people buy one of these pieces?
Bask: Because another set like this will not come around ever again.
1xRun: What have you been up to since you’ve been back home from Pow Wow Hawaii?
Bask: I’ve spent time catching up on a few commissions and getting new work ready for my solo show at Black Book Gallery in Denver this May. I also just did a 3 wall mural in my home town along with creating this new series being released.
1xRun: Any big events or shows coming up as 2014 is getting underway?
Bask: As mentioned, a solo show at Black Book Gallery in Denver and a solo show at Inner State Gallery in Detroit later this summer.
1xRun: You’ll be joining us for a solo show at Inner State Gallery, you lived in Detroit for a bit, what were some of your favorite things about the city?
Bask: There are so many things to list. But above all, I found the landscape incredibly inspiring. The look and feel of this city has a richness to it despite it’s struggles and decay.
1xRun: Any teasers of what fans can expect from the show?
Bask: I’m going to keep this one close to the chest for now.
1xRun: Any shows or artists you’re really looking forward to seeing this year?
Bask: I’m looking forward the the photography exhibit of Jeremy Deputat at Inner State the month before my show. I’m also really looking forward to seeing the awesome show that MEGGS will bring the month after. Team Ginger strikes again!!!
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Bask: Website – Facebook – Twitter – Tumblr – Flickr – Instagram @knownasbask
-1xRUN