Studio Visit: Brian Reedy, 46, of Urbana
Q: Have you always made art?
A: I was in a band years ago called Ack-Ack and I wanted to make posters for that band, but I was just the drummer. The concept the main person had for the band was unspoken, so I never did try. That was 1982 or '83. Then I moved to Virginia and came back and started playing in another band. I started making posters in 1986 or '87. They're tied directly with the music. There are phrases on the posters from the songs.
Q: Why posters?
A: When I think of traditional rock posters I think of the psychedelic movement of 1966, '67 and '68. That art work from those posters from San Francisco and actually all over were just wonderful. The colors, the images, the freedom. There was a freedom of expression that I just felt was right. I always wanted to do poster art; I had the opportunity when I was in Lonely Trailer so I did. Now I collaborate with my wife, Emily. She puts my drawings on the computer and then we add the color.
Q: Have you ever silk-screened your posters?
A: No, but I have T-shirts. I sold them at Artists Against Aids. We did one for this show (the May 24 memorial concert for Josh Gottheil) but instead of silk-screening them (artist) Michael (Mapes) suggested we do a transfer process. It's a much better process now.
Brian Reedy By Robert K. O'Daniell
Q: How would you describe your visual style?
A: I don't know what it is. (American cartoonist/animator) Winsor McKay would be an influence.
Q: Why did you decide to convert your posters to paintings on canvas?
A: I wanted to take them off the paper. This is a continuing series. I have 30 paintings at Radio Maria. I had planned to do 50 for that show but finished only 30 in time. I'll probably finish those up and have another show and add to those. They won't necessarily all be 18-by-18 inches.
Q: Why did you decide to put together an exhibition?
A: My mom suggested it. She's been gone for four years. She's beyond this place.
Q: Why did she suggest it?
A: Because she believed in me. The show coincided with the concert for Josh Gottheil. My mother had cancer, too. I thought the whole thing was a good idea.
Q: How long will your paintings be at the Radio Maria tapas bar?
A: Through June 20. There will be a closing reception that evening.
Q: So you're mainly a musician? What bands have you played in?
A: Yeah. Lonely Trailer. The Signalmen. Tunnels. Water Between Continents. That was a two-piece band with Nick Rudd. We're going to be coming out on vinyl later this year through a label called Mind's Ear.
Also on this date
- Social service agencies preparing for worst with cuts
- Mahomet man dies after being struck by car
- Champaign man faces drug, weapons charges
- Fire in Urbana apartment displaces 38-year-old, 2 kids
- Planning commission chief likens agency to corporation
- Cissna Park man's needs met without leaving home
- Major pane repairs will help with climate, pest control
- Several burglaries to houses, vehicles reported in C-U
- Lincoln Hall occupants clear way for potential renovations
- Obituaries