I met Artist Andrew Cotton on a beautiful, sunny day as I was off to carry out some task I can't even remember now. He had his art displayed on the streets of Brooklyn's Dumbo and I had to stop and talk before continuing on my errands. Our chat was not as long or as in depth as much of my other dialogs but it was just as cool hearing, if only briefly, an artist theorizing about his craft. I'm sorry you all don't get to hear the accent this native Englishman delivered his answers in, but you do get to look at his energetic, funky, urban work!
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been making and selling art since I been in America. When I came here I set up in Soho and expensive neighborhoods like that where people were paying like 5, 10, 15 grand on rent. I was doing well and it just grew to where I was doing that for three years on the weekend. Now I’m trying to step away from Manhattan and keep it more local working in a new space. The 303 Gallery at 135 Plymouth St. in Dumbo. It’s me, Cam (Craig Anthony Miller) One9, Rob Hines & several other artist.
Who do you like?
You mean art wise? I like everyone. I love expressionism. 19th century paintings to comic books, modern abstract art, architecture, everything around me is an inspiration.
Where’d you grow up?
North London.
What advice would you give someone who wanted to follow your path?
Follow my path? (he ask with humor) Don’t smoke weed.
Did you want to be an artist as a little kid?
I found out you can do what you want, and you can make something that someone’s willing to pay a lot for and you can live this kind of life and make money. I always knew I wanted to work for myself. I don’t like taking orders. That whole nostalgic idea about the starving artist thing; I don’t think there’s anything cool about that.... I’m not trying to represent that. I’m trying to get paid.
Andrew says: "That whole nostalgic idea about the starving artist; I don’t think there’s anything cool about that. I’m not trying to represent that. I’m trying to get paid."
