|
[ April 30, 2001 ]
In 1998, Craig La Rotonda and partner Kim Maria opened Revelation Studios in San Francisco, the novel unity of a fine art and commercial studio. "Kim and I both produce work which is used in film and printed media. In addition, our paintings and assemblage sculptures are featured in gallery exhibits," explains La Rotonda.
With more than twenty-five group and solo exhibitions to his credit, La Rotonda's work has attracted the attention of such private collectors as actors Johnny Depp, Kirsten Dunst, Gedde Watanabe, and director Michael Lindsay-Hogg. "I received a message at our studio from an unknown person named Johnny. I returned the call several days later, only to find out it was Johnny Depp. I had never suspected such a direct call to result in the purchase of six paintings. I was really fortunate," La Rotonda recalls.
(Craig LaRotonda/Film Art LA)
One of La Rotonda's paintings also recently found its way through Film Art LA (who represents artists for use in film, TV and commercials) into the Academy Award nominated film, Traffic. "The Ascension," (shown above) a 40"X90" oil stick and oil varnish on board hangs in the office of the character portrayed by Dennis Quaid. Three more pieces of Craig's work, again through Film Art LA, appear in Gene Hackman/Sigourney Weaver film, Heartbreakers. altpick.com recently spoke to Craig about his work.
Where did you study?
At SUNY at Buffalo with Alan Cober and Jerry Pickney.
Who are some of your commercial clients?
USA Films, Unexplored.com, Prometheus Books, MGM Films, The Progressive and The San Francisco Weekly.
How has your work evolved?
Over the years, my conceptualizations have become more simplified and I've also developed a sense of dark humor in the work, which embodies more of my own voice.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I'd like to continue making provocative artwork and open another gallery to showcase both illustration and fine art. People's idea of illustration is changing it's now being accepted in fine art galleries thanks to places like Los Angeles' La Luz De Jesus Gallery and C-Pop in Detroit.
How is your craft affected by today's technology?
At first, I was afraid of losing touch with the tactile sense of creating art, but over the last few years I have really changed my attitude. Software like Adobe Photoshop has become quite helpful in allowing me to quickly construct composition and change layouts.
What was the toughest lesson you learned?
It pays to present your artwork in the best possible light. I think it is really important to learn how to present your work so that everything has a consistent and professional appeal down to the smallest detail.
- Contributed by Mary Beth Holland
>> Contact Craig La Rotonda and Revelation Studios on his altpick.com member page
>> See other member spotlights on the artist spotlight index
>> Find out more on how to become an altpick.com member
|
