Interview by Jimon

1-One word to describe Sasha December?  Real

2-Where do you currently live and create?  I’ve been living and working in Tokyo for the past year.

3-When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?  I’ve been inclined to make art since the first time I picked up a pencil, but I think I realized I want it to be my career when I decided to major in Painting my sophomore year of college.

4-Did you have any formal education or training?  I took art classes like figure drawing and still life at Parsons and FIT throughout high school and then got my B.F.A.

5-Who are some of the artists or movements that have influenced your style?  My style is totally influenced by the super flat movement, and I’m constantly inspired to try new technique. Some of my favorite artists who have influenced me are Robin Francesca Williams, Aya Takano, Makiko Kudo, and Lisa Yuskavage.

6-Are there non-artistic influences that play a role in your creative process, such as literature, music, or nature?  Music has always played a large role in my work. I tend to get hyper fixated on musical artists and albums and the mood of them generally reflects heavily into what I’m painting at the time. Last year I was obsessed with the Preacher’s Daughter album by Ethel Cain and it kind of directed a series of dark, animalistic yet feminine and raw paintings I made, and helped me find new meanings in my work in a pretty profound way. Growing up I was (still am) a huge Gaga fan and I accredit her for actually giving me the courage to pursue my craft and share it with the world.

7-What role does your personal background or culture play in your work?  I think my personal background is everything. My sister who is two years younger than me has pretty severe special needs which I think caused me to be really introverted and introspective growing up. My home life was loud and chaotic, I was “the weird kid,” I was bullied a lot, and I watched a lot of anime and drew cartoons and talked to strangers online. My adolescence was a really dark yet formative time. The worst moments in my personal life became the soul of making my art. A lot of what my work has focused on is building my own idyllic fantasy/reality and making up places I wish I could’ve escaped to as a kid. The figure is a representation of everything I wanted to be and a beacon of confidence and freedom. I haven’t ventured that far in terms of subject or style from the things I drew when I was 12 or 13.

8-Can you walk us through your creative process, from initial concept to finished piece?  I think my creative process is always happening. I’m constantly inspired whether it be by other artists, nature, travel, my friends; it’s the best when an idea comes to me spontaneously, usually in the form of an image in my head, and I’m like “that would make a good painting.” Then I usually write that idea down in my notes and draw or paint it later.

9-Do you follow a daily routine or ritual when creating art?  Usually I make a Matcha latte, get into the studio whether I want to or not, and turn my brain off.

10-Is every piece you create pre-planned or spontaneous?  Sometimes it’s pre-planned like I said before. I’ll sketch or make a drawing on my iPad- usually for bigger paintings. If I’m feeling really dry or unmotivated I just put a brush to canvas and something works itself out eventually.

11-Is there a message or emotion you’re trying to convey with your art?  I think others can relate when I say I feel like an emotionally complicated person. I feel a lot of things all of the time and I cry a lot by myself, but I don’t show it a lot- and I think that’s something that’s conveyed in the expression I most often paint on my character. I also think it’s a way women are often expected to be, for the sake of the feelings of those around them, as to not be a burden. Growing up, I certainly didn’t want to be a burden to anyone in my personal life. I felt there was already too much going on and not enough space for me. So I made my art my voice, and through that I became more confident in myself.

A fronting message I’d like to convey is that we, women and girls, are the masters of our own reality and a lot stronger than people think. I know it’s super cliché but ultimately like- believe in yourself and don’t let anyone give you shit.

12-What is the most challenging part of being an artist?  Comparison and money.

13-What do you find most rewarding about being an artist?  Finding that something I output into the world makes a real life impact on people who see it.

14-How do you balance the commercial aspects of art with your creative vision?  Luckily I’ve found a niche of people who really appreciate the aesthetic of my work which has made me feel secure in its commercial aspect without having to sacrifice my own creativity or vision. I have a passion for fashion alongside my art which has certainly been a motivator to want to branch into some kind of merchandise. I have some exciting projects coming soon in relation to this.

15-How do you measure success as an artist?  Just being able to produce without constraint is a pretty good measure of success. Not everyone can make a cohesive body of work that’s recognizably theirs. Once you’re there you’ve made some success.

16-What are some mistakes or lessons you’ve learned along the way?  Don’t trust everyone, stand strong in what you believe in, and don’t be a pushover.

17-How do you stay motivated over long periods, especially when not actively exhibiting or selling work?  In the beginning I never expected to sell or exhibit, so the same motivation I’ve always had. It’s important not to get jaded.

18-If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?  I’d die to have my art plastered on a dress or sweater walking down a Miu Miu runway being worn by some dead eyed iconic rising pop girl in high socks.

19-Do you create with an audience in mind, or is your work more personal?  It’s personal, I don’t think of anyone else and just make what fulfills me at that time. Sometimes I’ll make a commission and have to think of the recipient, which is Ok. I don’t mind someone wanting to place themselves in my work. It’s very flattering. But in the end the audience I have is just a big bonus.

20-How do you feel about the role of galleries and social media in showcasing art today?  I’m grateful for social media because it helps the work market itself. Galleries can be hard to navigate but once you work with a good one it becomes easier to decipher who you should and shouldn’t work with. There are good people out there who really care about art and artists. I’m grateful to the people I’ve met on behalf of galleries and think they’re essential.

21-How do you manage the business side of being an artist (marketing, sales, etc.)?  I manage it the best I can. Once you realize you have to also become a business person as an artist your world changes a bit. I ask for advice a lot from people I trust when it comes to sales and working with galleries.

22-What role do you think art plays in society?  I think art is everything in society. Without art we wouldn’t progress.

23-If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you would be doing?  Probably either spiraling or doing something slightly miserable/demanding in fashion.

24-The future is…………… what we make it.

25-What’s next for you as an artist? Any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?  I’m excited to show in Tokyo soon and have a couple other upcoming projects that I’ll be very excited to share when the time comes.

26-You have unlimited money to buy one piece of art what would it be?  Either anything by Louise Bourgeois or a big Nara painting.

27-How would you like to be seen as an artist years from now?  Iconic and slightly mysterious.

28-Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration?  My sister, any museum.

29-Name three things you can’t live without in your studio?  Caffeinated drink, music, paint.

30-How would someone find you on social media?    @studiosashadecember

31-Please name the first thing that comes to your mind while reading the following:

Art= life

Food= art

Sports= whatever

Politics= needs work

Poor= broke

God= exists

Rich= in what matters

Luxury= love

Sex= energy

Picasso= women

Religion= personal