Artist of the Week

Landon Metz

December 13, 2011

Landon Metz lives and works in New York.  Landon’s work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and in Canada, Mexico, Germany and France.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. My name is Landon, I’m an artist and my main focus is presently painting. I was born in Arizona and I work and live in New York.

What kinds of things are influencing your work right now? The subject matter of my most recent series is focused on the process of painting, gestural action highlighting the possibilities and qualities of the materials.

What materials do you use in your work and what is your process like? Mainly enamel and oil on canvas at the moment. I use a combination of pouring, transfer and hand work. I work quickly and try to act out of instinct without over-thinking my actions. It’s important to me to reveal a narrative of pinpointed moments in time.

What do you want a viewer to walk away with after seeing your work? A sense of peace, harmony and connection.

If you had one wish what would it be? To have the ability to make work without financial restraint.

What’s your favorite thing about New York?  New York is a city about people, and I love people!

How long have you lived in New York and what brought you there?  I’ve lived in New York for 2 1/2 years and I was lured here from Los Angeles by the romance of the city’s history. I feel honored to be a part of the continuing cultural dialogue New York has spearheaded for generations before me and to come.

What’s your absolute favorite place to be? New York is definitely my favorite city! I also love nature and I’m happy to be anywhere near an ocean.

Favorite music? Music was a huge part of my life growing up and my taste is expansive as a result. Anywhere from the reggae my dad listened to as a kid and the punk from my early teens to Satie and Lil B mixtapes.

Any current or upcoming shows we should know about? I’m in a group show right now that I’m really excited about in SoHo at Renwick Gallery. It’s a painting show and comes down December 21.

*Portrait by Jeremy Liebman