Interview with Matthew Cusick

q)What is your earliest art-related memory?

a) Making a large charcoal drawing of Captain America.

q) Who has had the greatest influence on your work?

a) I’ve finally shaken off my influences. It was a burden. Good riddance.

q) What are the main tools of your craft?

a) An X-acto Knife, chisels, cigar boxes, glue, the phone book.

q) Is a formal education important?

a) Yes, but not as important as educating yourself .

q) What is the biggest misconception about art?

a) That it doesn’t require dedication and hard work.

q) Which is more important in art - concept or execution?

a) Neither. They should compliment one another.

q) What theme or aesthetic are you most drawn too?

a) Persona, aggression, nihilism, language, time travel.

q) What is your favorite piece of art in your home?

a) A Navaho drawing etched in stone from Canyon de Chelly

q) If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

a) Francis Picabia.

q) Which emerging artist do you think more people should know about?

a) Fay Ku.

q) What has been your greatest achievement to date?

a) The last piece I finished.

q) What has been your biggest roadblock?

a) Doubt.

q) How do you define success?

a) Making a large charcoal drawing of Captain America.

q) What will be the name of your autobiography?

a) I would never write an autobiography.

q)What is the best piece of (art-related) advice you’ve ever been given?

a) Know your shit.