Alexander Landerman Interview – 50 States (Wisconsin)

May, 2018
Reading Time
4 mins
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Image © The Interviewee

Alexander Landerman – “time in the Wisconsin forest that solidified my desire to be an artist.”

This week Creative Chair is in Wisconsin talking to illustration with Alexander Landerman for the 32nd edition of our 50 States Series.

Alex is a highly-talented artist with a penchant for details….and foxes.

You can see a lot more from Alexander Landerman on his website.

Expulsuion

Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do.

I’m a freelance artist who grew up on the outskirts of a small town in Central Wisconsin. I work with traditional drawing tools such as inks, charcoal, and graphite with the majority of my work being black and white.

Sparrow - Wisconsin

I often use text to augment my work, which is letterpress printed and allows me to dabble in analogue graphic design practices.

I have recently spent more time incorporating digital drawing methods into my work, and I’m starting to enjoy the miracle that is “command Z” (Undo). Artist residencies have also played an increasingly important role in my work, and this summer I’ll be driving around the United States from program to program.

“This strange and feral upbringing allowed me time communing with nature and instilled a respect for animals that has altered how I interact with the world”

Milkweed

How has your state influenced the work that you do?

My father was a trapper and hunter who ran a small cut-your-own Christmas tree farm. Much of my childhood was spent in the woods, running with the hunting dogs, and playing on my own. This strange and feral upbringing allowed me time communing with nature and instilled a respect for animals that has altered how I interact with the world. I ended up moving into a rustic two-room cabin at 18 years old and lived there for eight years. It was this time in the Wisconsin forest that solidified my desire to be an artist.

Bye Baby Bunting - Alexander Landerman

Of your own work, what is your favorite project and why?

It’s usually whatever I’m working on or have just finished. Currently, it is the piece I’ve been focusing on for the past few weeks. The piece is 42in (106cm) x 88in (224cm) and the largest ink drawing I’ve attempted so far. It’s not a commissioned piece and allows me to continue to explore my work conceptually as well as push my abilities with narrative works.

Ink Big

By suspending the subjects in a moment of tension, I subtly push feelings of discomfort, apathy, or fear on the viewer. It’s also enjoyable to have a visually overwhelming piece to work on; I enjoy getting lost in all the fine lines and brush strokes.

The 124th 366 Award goes to Alexander Landerman for his outstanding creative work.

Ink Big

And finally, if you died and got reincarnated as a song, what would that song be?

Iron & Wine – Walking Far From Home

Walking Far From Home"
Walking Far From Home (2011)
Iron and Wine
Play on Apple Music
Play on Spotify
Play on YouTube
What began as a fun question to end an interview, has now become a wonderfully eclectic collaborative playlist by 161 people (and counting).
Wisconsin with Alexander Landerman
Playlist
Our Forest