Photography provided by Rosenthal Interiors / Artwork by Emily Quandahl
As a precursor to Art-A-Whirl, escape into an immersive world of art and luxurious contemporary furnishings at the Rosenthal Interiors showroom in downtown Minneapolis. On Thursday, May 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., mix and mingle with some of the Twin Cities’ greatest artists in an intimate setting at Art Escape with handcrafted seasonal cocktails and locally sourced, chef-inspired bites on offer as well as hosted parking available for registered guests. Ahead of this art-centric event, we chatted with featured Minneapolis artist David Cook about his creative process, his current obsessions and how he navigates the art world in the age of the Internet.
What is your earliest memory of art?
When I was a child, I made little clay people and domed them on my shelves in my bedroom. I would smoosh them up and make other things, but I was sort of obsessed with making these little people: bald men and women with long, curly hair. Additionally, I drew sailboats because we had one growing up and housing because I wanted to become an architect.
Can you describe your creative process?
I just do it. I usually have an idea of what I am going to do in the morning while I’m walking. I walk six to eight miles every day, so while I am walking, I make decisions. When I am in the studio, I use these ideas and throw them out the window. I love a blank canvas. It’s all about the flow and motion of what types of paint and brushes I like to use. There are times I make decisions ahead of what I am doing, like my recent music series.
Really the best thing in the world, though, is not knowing what I am going to do until I start making marks. Every day I tell myself, Today is the day I will make my masterpiece. But I never do, because if I did I would be done.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
The only answer is life. There’s nothing else.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Classical music: Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Edvard Grieg, Claude Debussy. I’m honestly just obsessed with painting right now. I don’t go to dinners. I don’t go to movies. I just paint in my studio. And that’s good for me, because it’s what I love to do. I am onto something right now, and it’s never felt so right. I’m afraid that if I stop it’s going to end.
How do you navigate the world of art in the age of the Internet?
It’s actually great. I am selling a lot of work through both Instagram and Facebook. A lot of people respond to my work, which is great. There are a lot of serious artists on Instagram. It’s just a really great platform.
