Mark Bradford
Mark Bradford
Mark Bradfordis an American artist living and working in Los Angeles...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionArtist
CountryUnited States of America
amazed central constantly los pattern south studio work
In the neighborhood where my studio is, in South Central Los Angeles, there are a lot of immigrant-owned businesses. I'm constantly amazed at the level of work they do. It's above anything. For me, I think I pattern myself on that work ethic.
change depend details life looking observing
In the city, you're always looking around, observing everything. In some neighborhoods, your life can depend on it. The details change constantly.
might people room
Generally, when I tell people I'm a painter, they ask me if I have a card: 'Yes, we'd like this room in this color.' I still might get cards that say 'Mark Bradford. Painter.'
belong choose expected figured people room run society suddenly visit
I never expected to run into a room and suddenly I belonged. I figured people who live on the fringes of society, they're more free. They can choose to visit anywhere; they don't belong to anywhere. It's like being without a nation, in a way.
religious organisation tobacco
Tobacco and religious organisations.
art important stores
The most important imperative to be questioned is the one that tells you to go the the art supply store to be a painter.
art thinking practice
My art practice is very detail-, labor- intensive and I think that that's a way of slowing myself down so that I can hear myself think. That quieter voice has sometimes the more interesting idea, if I can get to it.
art artist stuff
I always made stuff but never thought, I'm going to be an artist.
believe blanket statements
I don't believe in blanket statements on race.
I don't look at things in black and white. There are big gray areas. There's a lot of slippage.
home
If Home Depot doesn't have it, Mark Bradford doesn't need it.
I figure if you have one person that loves you, that's enough, growing up. You just need one person in your corner.
below businesses damage moderate
I'd say right now that moderate damage was sustained. The businesses down here below have significant damage.
time wonder
About the time I was 7, I got really into black-exploitation films, so I made my own Wonder Woman, but I made her black.