1xRUN Thru Interview
Beth by Askew One
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this original painting, what materials did you use? When was the piece drawn and created? Is the original still for sale?
Askew: It’s spray paint, Acrylic, vinyl paint and waterborne glaze on board, framed 1255mm x 1255mm. It was painted late last year, it’s a portrait of a friend of mine – a local musician of Rwandan descent. She’s an interesting personality who exudes a strong sense of personal style. It was the second of many portraits I’m working on at the moment all in the style of my self portrait ‘Thunderclap Headache’ from my show ‘Smoke Signals last year. Yes, the original is still available here at 1xRUN for $1750.00 NZD.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about? How long did the piece take?
Askew: I’ve been working on these portraits of people who are the faces of the New Pacific – specifically in this region in the South Pacific where I live. It’s a dynamic region with an incredible history and a rapidly changing face. This interests me a lot. It took a few decent sessions over a few days.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Askew: It’s becoming my trademark portrait style, the way I use colour, like a multiple exposure or as if the image is solarised. I like the combination of aggressive spray painted lines and then very refined brushwork so the painting has a sense of both motion and depth.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Askew: I think people should buy prints from artists they like to help encourage and support them in developing and continuing to work. Prints allow a very accessible ‘buy in’ to an artist you follow. I like that.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Askew: Iconic. Not being an eat-arse, but I want to make iconic works based on real people I encounter.
1xRun: Is this your first year at Pow Wow? If so, how did you get involved?
Askew: Yes. Very excited. Was connected via a friend Peap Tarr, a Cambodian Kiwi based in Cambodia who has been doing a lot since he moved out there. This whole Asia/Pacific region as I said has an incredible history and diverse array of cultures. For the South Pacific, Auckland is a major city and Honolulu has the second most concentrated Polynesian population in the world after us. I feel like there should be a stronger connection between our Cities for this reason. Plus the Maori and Hawaiian people have a lot of interesting connections in culture, history and language.
1xRun: Any particular artists at Pow Wow who’s work you are excited to see in person?
Askew: Keen to see some old friends and meet some new ones. It’s a great line up.
1xRun: You’ve already worked with quite a few other Pow Wow artists, any in particular you’d liked to work with for the first time or again?
Askew: I’m looking forward to seeing Roid again and hope we can get some time to do a piece together. I’m excited to paint and connect with some of the locals and learn more about the history of their scene.
1xRun: Any other excursions or plans while you’re in Hawaii that you’re excited about?
Askew: It’s a pretty hectic schedule they’ve planned and I have two really full on works planned that I’ve been keeping under wraps for a while.
1xRun: What else have you been up to lately? What do you have coming up?
Askew: A lot of the same stuff, from October last year until the end of Feb has been this dense block of work in my calendar that I’m almost at the end of. It’s mind blowing. I’ve been to Samoa recently with my partner and some of my closest friends. I painted there too. Just finishing up a video for Ladi6 which is my best clip yet, I’ve put 110% into it and worked with some great people to make it possible. Been painting some really large scale murals at home in Auckland and recently Wellington. Things are good.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Askew: Website – Facebook – Instagram @askewone
-1xRUN