When we last put the spotlight on 100 creative forces in Phoenix, it was no secret there were more than 100 individuals who were making waves in the local arts community. So as we count down to our annual Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome (back) to 100 Creatives.
Kyle Jordre says he considers himself a "green artist." His paintings are created using "oops" paint (or paint that's been mis-tinted or returned and can no longer be sold at retail price) from local retailers, and when the paint is gone, he create pieces from all parts of the can.
"Acrylic/latex house paint became my medium when I painted my first piece about 8 or so years ago," says Jordre. "I was remodeling my house to sell and needed some artwork on one of the walls. So I went to Michael's, bought a canvas, and used the extra paint from the remodeling to paint the canvas. 'At least the colors will match,' was the thought going through my head, and that was how this all began for me. (My folks have that first painting hanging on their living room wall.)"
I came to Phoenix with . . . the goal of becoming an artist. I had no idea of what that really meant or what that would entail ... I was uneducated and underexposed to that world and therefore incapable of knowing what not to do; who to talk to or which process to follow. I just jumped in and started to paddle. I believe it was my ignorance that allowed me entrance to the Phoenix art world and it is my hope that my work is what allows me to stay.
I make art because . . . it feels like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I've had a few different careers, including 11 years as a middle school social studies teacher, as well as a corporate trainer at a technology company -- I've enjoyed my other jobs, although I never felt that "I love my job, and I love waking up every morning so I can go to work" feeling that some people talk about ... I don't have that feeling about being an artist, either. The important part for me is that feeling I mentioned before. I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
I'm most productive when . . . I'm able to shut out all the spin and noise. Then I can sort through my head and thoughts and be purposeful in what I'm doing, or be a productive contributor within the circle(s) I am a part of at the time.
My inspiration wall is full of . . . music, stories, individuals, family, friends, you, me, everything around us.
I've learned the most from . . . observation, experimentation, and questioning.
Good work should always . . . create dialogue.
The Phoenix creative scene could use . . . more people engaging in the dialogue created by Phoenix's good work.
The Creatives, so far ... (And while you're here, check out 100 Tastemakers on Chow Bella.)
100:Lara Plecas 99. Isaac Caruso 98. Brandon Gore 97. Kelsey Dake 96. Hector Ruiz 95. Caroline Battle 94: Jennifer Campbell 93. Jeff Chabot 92. Tiffiney Yazzie 91. Daniel Germani 90. Irma Sanchez 89. Daniel m. Davis 88. Kirstin Van Cleef 87. Emmett Potter 86. Sarah Hurwitz 85. Christine Cassano 84. Fred Tieken 83. Lindsay Kinkade 82. Ruben Galicia 81. Robert Uribe 80. Heidi Abrahamson 79. Josephine Davis 78. Travis Ladue 77. Taz Loomans 76. Mikey Jackson 75. Alex Empty 74. Joe Ray 73. Carol Roque 72. Daniel Funkhouser 71. Carla Chavarria 70. Hugo Medina 69. Cavin Costello 68. Claire Carter 67. Lindsay Tingstrom 66. Catherine Ruane 65. Christopher Crosby 64. Aaron Johnson 63. Brenda Eden 62. Colton Brock 61. Ernesto Moncada 60. Benjamin Phillips 59. Brad Armstrong 58. Angela Hardison 57. Tyler Quinn 56. Andrew James Benson 55. Charles Anthony Darr 54: Tiffe Fermaint 53. Eric Cox 52. Victor Vasquez 51. John Randall Nelson 50. Lauren Lee
