Today we’d like to introduce you to Claude Abbott.
Claude, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
To begin my story as an artist, I’ll have to point out my dynamic environment as a young one. Growing up with a US Army Dad meant my family & I moved around a lot and by that, I mean about every two years. This, of course, was and always will be, one of the biggest blessings of my life. Meeting a vast variety of people, places, sounds, and climates throughout the years broadened my mind in ways that have left me feeling enriched. Flashing forward to college, I started out going for a degree in computer sciences but, after a much needed west-coast hiatus, I later found my self in the heartland of Ohio at the Columbus College of Art & Design. After graduation, I moved to Chicago where I met my wonderful wife Christine and started a creative collective known as Merderhaus that we both still run today providing murals, album art, and printed media for the masses.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
For my day-to-day profession, I work as a graphic artist for a good-ethics practicing rug design studio, where I collaborate with interior designers and architects in making bespoke handmade rugs. When I’m not doing this, I work with my wife and other artists at Merderhaus to provide innovative design over a multitude of platforms such as meaning print, product design, murals, photography, brand identity, and more.
As an artist, I focus my efforts on either a musical or visual dimension. The musical side of my work is a celebration of genres, worldwide and throughout time to unite under one thought as a time-traveling collage artist and citizen of the world. The heart of my digital work is post-minimal surrealism. The thought behind every piece is a reflection on my upbringing, and centered around the concept “being neither here, nor there.” This carries over into my ‘4D Paper Cut’ series as well. I enjoy the push and pull of environment and space, as it reflects my own experiences. If life is to reflect art, then these works are a visual story of the feeling of growing up with a family always on the move. Neither here nor there and all the imagination, dreams, and enlightenment there within.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
It’s an old saying but it’s true; if there is a will, there’s a way. When I was a barista for many years, I would squirrel away $5 from my tips every day and, most importantly, I stuck that stash out of sight so I wouldn’t be tempted. It’s a simple idea but it really worked for me.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best way to see my work is through my website www.claudeabbott.com and my day-to-day at www.instagram.com/loudcloud. You can also come to a show where I perform under the alias “LoudCloud Bang Pow.”
Contact Info:
- Website: claudeabbott.com
- Phone: 865.356.8185
- Email: https://www.claudeabbottdesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudcloud/
- Other: https://www.merderhaus.com
Image Credit:
Otherwise Inc., Claude Kirk Abbott, Christine Jo Della Fielder-Abbott, Blackstone Hotel, Lapchi Design Studio
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