John Pescoran Interview Surreal Pop Art Artist

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7/18/11 at 12:00

There's nothing like fine wine and art brimming with life on a melow Sunday evening. It is those things that make life worth while and immensely enjoyable. So when I was given the news and assignment, on a Sunday evening no less, to interview artist, John Pescoran, which I nearly burst with excitement. But I kept my composure and thanked Milene back at the office for the good news. I did, however, polish that fine bottle of Chapel Peak Sauvignon blanc and proceeded to indulge in viewing Un Chien Andalou.

That Monday morning, the sun shone like I have never seen before. As I waited in a cafe near Market Street, I was not only blinded by the rising sun, but the vision of someone who appeared to have an aurora to them. I sipped my latte nearly burning my lip-completely forgetting how hot it was. As the figure got closer and closer, I squinted and could finally see that it was John Pescoran. I recognized him from various promotional photos. He smiled at me with those striking eyes. We shook hands, he ordered a latte as well, and commenced with the interview.

Thomas S. Coleman: Well, you blinded me and caused me to burn my lip. Don't worry, I'm not complaining, but I must say that is a mighty first impression.

John Pescoran: It's all a part of the artistic experience. (There was no trace of sarcasm or silliness to his tone, but there shone a warm smile on his face.)

TC: I'd say-what would you call it?

JP: A happening. (I'm not sure if it was a question or a statement. Carefully, he sips on his hot latte.)

TC: Nicely put. Now then, care to explain your recent artwork-series of creations? Elaborate on what caused you to create such magnificent and vibrantly colorful work.

JP: Well, right now I am working on a series of paintings centered on a theme, which I call: EthniCity. And that is Ethni-City - with a capital "c". EthniCity is my fondness for various cultures, music, pop art, expressionism and anything my subconscious mind spews out onto the surface.

TC: I've noticed the, may I say, the reference or inspiration of expressionism as well as surrealism in these works more than your other works, but I also notice a fine balance with pop art, too.

JP: Pop art is something I cherish a lot. All through high school I studied the history of pop art. Then, when I began to attend University, I immersed myself in surrealism and expressionism. The wonderful works of Edvard Much, M.C. Escher, H.R. Giger and Salvador Dali really had an impact on me. What I enjoy and truly am fascinated with my art is when others interpret my creation of mine. And from that feedback, very informative insight, I realize certain themes, ideas my heart or soul leaves imprinted on the surface of the canvas. It's always a sweet revelation about myself when viewers of my work tell me about what they see and feel from gazing at my art.

TC: In a sense it seems to be a form of therapy, may I say?

JP: Actually, yes, it does feel like therapy when others see my work and point out certain things or color combination I incorporate in my work. I just immerse myself in my art and let it speak for itself.

TC: Now, I must say, and not because you are here sitting across from me, but I was amazingly impressed with your colorful and immensely lively illustrations. And the thing that truly caused me to almost fall over my chair was that I noticed that your work is pop

art with a hear and soul-meaning, I can see that it is pop art, but also combined nicely with surrealism and expressionism.

JP: These days, I feel that pop art should also be saying something. Especially during these very hard economic and uncertain times, I did not have it within myself to create pure pop art. I felt something much stronger than me guide me to make pop art with a message. Ultimately, I want to mesh Hope, Perseverance and Determination with the wonderful qualities that pop art, surrealism and expressionism possess.

TC: What really gets to me about your art is your choice of colors. I mean, they don't seem to be chosen at random. Do you create preliminary sketches of your work before you paint on canvas?

JP: Sometimes I do and other times I just let my heart and/or soul lead the way. I find it immensely important to constantly keep creating no matter what art form or medium you may be using. The key to keep creating is to not limit yourself with, lets say, just painting only on canvas.

It's kind of like a musician saying I can only record in a studio. No, you are limiting yourself, you can also record great music on a portable multitrack recorder. Hell, even with the way technology is going, you can record music directly onto your phone! For example, take a look at David Hockney's wonderful iPad art. I say use what you can, use what you got-when it comes to art, anything is possible.One thing I admire about art is that it challenges you to look deeper, to think more about a piece of art you may be looking at. In a way that level of thinking has alienated people from appreciating art or fine art in general. But I guess it's a good thing. Because if you're not willing to open your mind or really ponder a work of art then you're really limiting yourself: You're most likely missing out on a lot-maybe even an important lesson. A lot of my work features art that truly means something to me. I mean, the buildings I create aren't there just for show or fill up space; they represent my adoration for all ethnicities and many other meanings depending on the subject of the work.

TC: Very insightful and informative. Well, I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any last remarks?

JP: I have been working on an insanely huge amount of illustrations that I will be unleashing sometime soon. Last time I counted I made 100+. A lot more will be created. Thank you immensely for interviewing me.

Official Website: http://Pescoran.com

About the Author:

I am a freelance journalist and technical copywriter. My expertise choices of topics are literature, art and city life. I began writing for local news papers in Florida and journeyed through out Europe as a photographer/journalist. Eventually I ended up in Corpus Christi, Texas where I write for various local and obscure publications and go out for a swim when I am not trying to meet a deadline.