1xRUN Thru Interview
Heartland 2 by Jim Darling
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Jim Darling: The piece is titled Heartland 2. This window is one from my ongoing “Windows” series. I chose to share this view for my first print release as it’s middle America, which is where I grew up. This particular window was sold to the University of Maine collection at Scope during Basel last year, but there are two other windows available from this series here on 1xRUN.
1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
Jim Darling: The windows are a continuation of work from a two person show with my wife Tina five years ago. A year ago I decided to revisit them.
1xRun: When was the piece drawn and created?
Jim Darling: One year ago.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Jim Darling: The show that Tina and I had together was called “Over Under”. I concentrated on things in the air while she focused on things underwater. I was making pieces with characters sitting in rows like temporary roommates. While working on those I thought about the window seat, how special it is and how it can be taken for granted. The expansive view can be very humbling. The materials I use are what I happened to be working with already.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Jim Darling: A few weeks. I’d be faster without the day job.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Jim Darling: It is both abstract and representational. The view is abstract by nature as well as from my style of painting. Abstract becomes representational once the painting is framed by the window. Visually the frame establishes where you are, while the abstracted content allows you to be mentally somewhere else.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Jim Darling: Hopefully it speaks to you. I’d like people to look around within the window as they would from the air and enjoy it. When I have the window seat I tend to think about how small we are and about how meaningless so much of what we deal with can be. The world is huge and the view puts things into perspective for me. Again, it can be humbling. Maybe that would be different if I was drinking a Gin & Tonic from a private jet. If you are reading this while having a drink in a private jet, buy this print and the originals.
1xRun: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Jim Darling: Open. 
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Jim Darling: I think I truly started making art when I was 20, which was toward the end of art school. The piece that I consider my first was a ballpoint and coffee drawing.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Jim Darling: My friends from Denver were by far my biggest inspiration. In addition to my buddies I was into Leonardo da Vinci’s unfinished works, Norman Rockwell, Escher, Joe Sorren, Jordan Isip, James Patterson, Geoff McFetridge, Evan Hecoxx, Phil Frost, Os Gemeos, and Barry McGee. As for now it’s the same as above, but also Will Barras, Brett Amory, Revok, a handful of the MSK guys, and a bunch of photo takers I follow on Instagram.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Jim Darling: Always. I listen to anything as long as it’s good. For the last year or so Townes Van Zandt, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis and Tycho have been getting allot of playing time. When I need to wake up I might play Botch or maybe some of that Hip Hop.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Jim Darling: I’m not sure actually. My tastes are changing… I had a good time collaborating with Revok in Detroit. I’d like to do a studio collaboration with him at some point. For the latter it’d be Leonardo DiVinci.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last?
Jim Darling: I think the first original piece I bought was a Rich Jacobs piece for Tina. It is our favorite piece. As far as for myself, I bought an Evan Hecoxx painting of a Miller High Life bottle and some cigarette butts, which I also love. It’s been long time sense I bought a piece…The last may have been a small painted table from Dabs & Myla. It’s our kids’ spot for eating and making stuff. We all love that table.
1xRun: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Jim Darling: I am going to be creating an installation as part of the Coachella Walls project. I’m excited to be on that list.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Jim Darling: Website – Instagram @jimdarling
-1xRUN