Erik Otto Chases The Sun In His Return To 1xRUN

1xRUN Thru Interview
Chasing The Sun by Erik Otto

1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this original piece, what materials did you use? Is it still for sale?
Erik Otto: The original painting was 18 x 24 in. and was created with house paint, spray paint, screen print and pencil on panel. Yes the original is still for sale here for $900.

1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about? How long did the piece take?
Erik Otto: I just returned to San Francisco from a 6 week trip to Arizona to visit my parents then 4 weeks in Mexico City — both very sunny and warm places. Mexico City is quickly becoming my new urban playground and source of inspiration. After getting accustomed to the weather and then returning to a very cold San Francisco, there was nothing I wanted more than warm weather again. With trips coming up to Hawaii and back to Mexico City I have been daydreaming of the warmth again and this piece is a result of that. As well, the piece carries a metaphorical message in that chasing the sun symbolizes going after what you love. This piece took about 8 – 10 hours. 1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Erik Otto:  It has a new color palette.    

1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Erik Otto: Serves as a positive reminder to do what you love.

1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Erik Otto: Confident.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Erik Otto: As a kid. Professionally, since 2001. My last job where I had a boss and paycheck, was in 2001. My first solo exhibition was in 2007.

1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Erik Otto: Early on it was American Abstract Expressionists. Robert Rauschenberg, Japser Johns, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko. They still inspire me today, as well as new contemporary artists — Jenny Saville, Nathan Oliveira, Os Gemeos, Barry Mcgee, Phoebe Washburn, AJ Fosik, Mia Pearlman, Revok, Sam Messenger and Chris Duncan.

1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
Erik Otto: I do. Can, DJ Shadow, Electric Wire Hustle, Explosions in the Sky, Flying Lotus, Jose Gonzalez, LCD, Matthew Dear, Mogwai, Nujabes, Passion Pit, Prefuse 73, Tommy Guerrero and Wu-Tang.

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Erik Otto: Olafur Eliasson for his scale and sensibility.  For the latter, Robert Rauscheberg for his prolific yet thoughtful art making process.

1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last?
Erik Otto:  The first was a trade with Blaine Fontana. Yes.  The last was a Mark Warren Jacques screen print.

1xRun: Is this your first year at Pow Wow? If so, how did you get involved?
Erik Otto:  Initially, my friend Aaron De La Cruz put me on to it. Last year, I showed up with my bike and paints ready to work. I’m no stranger to Hawaii and have visited and explored Oahu over 5 times.

By the second day, Jasper gave me a wall and by the third day I purchased all my own paints and painted as big as I possibly could without access to any ladder. I actually ended up scaling the side of the 2 story building to add the final touch of the sun rising from above.

1xRun: Any particular artists at Pow Wow who’s work you are excited to see in person?
Erik Otto:  All of them.

1xRun: Any other excursions or plans while you’re in Hawaii that you’re excited about?
Erik Otto: Rock jumping. Waterfall hikes. Exploring North Shore.

1xRun: What else have you been up to lately? What do you have coming up?
Erik Otto:  Commission work with local architecture and interior design firms in San Francisco. Mural work with CANVAS and ARTO in Mexico City in April. Upcoming solo SF solo exhibition in August. Road trip. World travels.