The award-winning, L.A.-based artist plumbs his own psychological depths only to discover what makes him love work and life.
What historical art figure would you like to have lunch with and why? I would love to dine with Picasso and discuss African art.
Sharks in the City
What did you purchase with the proceeds from your first sale? I was 10 years old when I made my first sale to the American Ambassador to Indonesia and I immediately went out and bought bubble gum.
What words or phrases do you overuse? Fuck, fuck and fuck…
How do you know when a work is finished? It just is!
When and where were you happiest? Currently, in my loft…speaking to you.
What is your most treasured possession? My sense of humor.
What is your ideal escape destination? A bank vault
Punkaphant
What’s the worst survival job you’ve ever had? I was a telephone switchboard operator – the old-style one with all the wires. It was across the street from the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. But at least I remember seeing Blazing Saddles.
What TV series from your youth best describes your approach to life? Without a doubt, Batman.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My stubbornness.
What is your most treasured memory? When I painted a mural live while the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was playing Ravel’s 36-minute Mother Goose Suite.
What makes you smile? A banana peel on the floor.
What makes you cry? i only cry at greatness. When I first saw Van Goghs I started crying. It’s something I want so bad, but you can’t just want that on the level that I want it. You have to be born with it. It’s the soul level that always gets to me, not the technical level.
What is your go-to drink when you toast to a sale? Vodka and cranberry juice.
After an all-nighter, what’s your breakfast of champions? Chicken and eggs over easy.
Fear No Art, 1984
Who inspires you? Sinatra!
What’s your best quality? Always showing up on time.
What’s your biggest flaw? Showing up on time.
The artist can be reached at http://www.miripolskystudio.com/
