Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Sollinger.
Ted, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Born in Pennsylvania, raised and educated in Memphis and became a Chicagoan 22 years ago… this itself is unique in many ways, but it’s the experiences and perspectives such as of living in Memphis post assignation of Martin Luther King, trained as a graphic designer and as a fine artist, having a career in retail for 30 years, becoming a full-time artist at 47… that make my story unique to me.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work is primarily two dimensional that centers mostly on male/masculine imagery though painting, drawing, printmaking and image transfers where the imagery is deliberately manipulated through addition and subtraction and rendered upon surfaces that are not always traditional. I try to create works that explore the archetype of ‘the stranger in us all’ though the exploration of concepts, ideals and myths surrounding masculinity and though experiment of contradictions and tensions which invites the viewer to embrace and celebrate the beauty of these imperfections and hypocrisies.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
As artists, we are incredible observers of the world around us and generally, our art always reflects this whether it is strife, mood or our changing culture (pop or otherwise). With my art, yes and no. Some of my art could be connected to current events, but they incorporate themes that I have been exploring off and on for thirty years.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m working on a few series which will be completed by the fall for a future show and this summer, I will be participating in the Glenwood Arts Fest, August 19-20. In the meantime, you can view my progress on current pieces and see completed work on Instagram at @otterartstudio, my Facebook account: Artist Ted Sollinger or Facebook page for my studio: OtterArtStudio or through my website: OtterArtStudio.com. People can always contact me to schedule a studio visit.
If somebody would like to support my work, I offer some of my smaller work for sale on Etsy and through the Otter Art Studio Facebook page. My larger figurative pieces are also available and please inquire directly. I also welcome and enjoy doing commissions and those are priced upon what it is and how the commission is to be rendered.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2642 W Winnemac Ave, Chicago IL 60625
- Website: www.OtterArtStudio.com
- Phone: 312-961-4502
- Email: ted@otterartstudio.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/otterartstudio/
- Facebook: Page http://www.facebook.com/otterartstudio/ Account http://www.facebook.com/ted.sollinger.artist
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/OtterArtStudio
- Other: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OtterArtStudio
Image Credit:
John Ferrante (Personal photo)
Ted Sollinger (Art images)
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