Shaun Kardinal’s website bio reminds me a lot of myself when he says “I am constantly inspired by, frustrated with, raving about, and occasionally crushed by the work around me.” He creates his very diverse body of artwork for various reasons (Some I find very funny/honest that he talks about in Andrew’s interview below) . Shaun’s personality and attitude about art make him an important part of my series. This city is full of original thinkers and has many great members of our often under-appreciated “art community” but we still need more people producing art, supporting others around us and taking more risks. As he says “Revelations require not recompense.”

Originally I had only seen his photography work. Shaun’s self portraits always impressed me. They are very personal and sometimes a bit disturbing. Although these were the work I was most familiar with, his more recent projects have now become my favorites. Shaun has been producing pieces made of old postcards, book pages, and promo lithographs being cut & sewn in a variety of ways to make these lovely small sized pieces. Another clever piece of his art that stuck with me was his “sculptural” installation at a local grocery store. Created for Vital5’s Arbitrary Sculpture Grant, which asked artists to document a sculpture made in a grocery store, created only from the stores inventory. He even collaborated with his girlfriend and fellow artist Erin Frost to create the 8 minute makeout film below. I’m looking forward to seeing what Shaun produces in 2011 and which medium he will take on next. Be sure to check out his work in an upcoming group show in February: Bloom & Collapse at SOIL.

 Writer Andrew Matson asked Shaun the following 3 questions as part of the Portraits of Seattle Project:

1. What’s special for you about making art in Seattle?

I never said there was anything special about making art in Seattle! when my focus was photographing the city, i would have told you it was the light. when it was self-portraiture in my bathroom, i would have told you it was our connectedness via remoteness (though in a much longer artist’s statement). now that i like to sew up old postcards, book pages, and promo lithographs, i can honestly say it’s the decent bandwidth i get with Comcast, because i watch a lot of pirated shows and movies while i make them.  That’s what’s special about Comcast.

2. Based on your sewing enhancements to promotional lithographs of generations-ago Pacific Northwest scenery, I wonder: Do you have a desire to stitch yourself into this region’s history?

That’s an interesting read on that series. however, outside of being drawn to the anachronistic, I’ve had little notion regarding the implied or specific content laden in the images used. this sewing project grew out of a desire to make work without having to consider artist statements and exhibition proposals. they are made to engage my hands and ocd-like tendencies.

Simply put, i love to create and alter, and these little collages allow me to do so. they are fun and challenging.

3. I imagine singing Simon & Garfunkel songs with your dad is a nice way to commune. Is it?

Would that our relationship weren’t plagued by a history of depression, self-loathing and guilt! :D But seriously folks, dad’s record was satisfying to be a part of, and i am glad to have that specific document of time together.