Can you share about your latest series and what you hoped to accomplish by combining multiple styles of work?
This latest series of pinups was part of my last solo show “1981 Pervert” at a gallery here in SF. I wanted to take very iconic pinup images of the 40’s and 50’s and mash them up with the 80’s influence of my adolescence. The two artists of particular interest from that era are Zoe Mozert and Bill Medcalf. These appropriated images were the foundation for the products you see here on Infectious. I was mindful of the broader definitions of “pervert” as both noun and verb, literally perverting the image, changing it. Taking inspiration from early 80’s patterns and magazine ads and creating a new environment for the pinups to exist within. In the end, commenting on growing up with Playboys everywhere in my home and stealing looks at the pinups sandwiched between early 80’s bachelor ads and fashion.
Describe your style in one sentence:
It is like drinking moonshine in a shack and listening to Hank Williams on tape after taking a stroll in the city.
Tell us a little bit about your Infectious artwork and how you conceived them:
The Rooster was painted on an old wooden explosives crate – something that is pretty powerful, enough said. The Squarecrows is all about me combining my rural Southern upbringing with living in San Francisco city.
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
A helicopter shooting a laser while flying over a tank. (I was inspired by G.I. Joe, the greatest American hero.)
What was the defining moment when you thought – I want to become an artist when I grow up?
When I walked out of this small independent movie theater that was showing Julian Schnabel’s take on the life of Basquiat.
What’s your process in creating a piece of art?
I try to bring the vibe out of old wood or found objects by painting portraits on them. I just dig in and start painting until it feels right. Sometimes I paint it, sand the whole thing away and paint it again. You just know when it is right, when you’re done.
Have you worked with vinyl before?
Yeah, I worked for a sign shop for about three years as the Production Manager. Also at the time I was painting silhouettes, so transitioning into vinyl silhouettes was an obvious choice. A lot of my personal artwork over the past three years combines paint and vinyl.
Can you name the most bizarre experience you’ve had at Infectious?
Installing Coop’s Devil Girls onto an old hot rod in Bernal Heights was pretty much the top. The guy who owned the car was pounding cheap vodka out of a pint and washing it down with an orange Shasta in the other hand. He kept forcing me to take a swig. He was a tough street bred cat.
Can you share three unique things in your work space that inspire you?
Zora Neal Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, my Hip Hop Jesus trophy crafted at one boozy after-work party at Infectious and an old single speaker tape player that came with a Hank Williams tape.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
R.L. Burnside and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion’s “Ass Pocket of Whiskey”.
Who are some artists whose work you love?
Albert Reyes and Matthew Palladino are my favorites right now.
If you had to design yourself a tattoo what would it be and where?
A portrait of my father, missing tooth smile and all, on my right inner forearm.
What image do you have as your laptop desktop?
Mr. T from the A-Team days!
Where does your obsession with Burt Reynold’s stem from?
Smokey and the Bandit. When that movie came out I was into Hot Wheels toy cars and they issued a Smokey and the Bandit black Trans Am with the gold eagle on the hood. It was so fucking cool. I always wanted that car full scale.
What are your most treasured possessions?
My dog Shyman, my barbershop painting from the Ivory Coast, my lost wooden wedding ring and my Schwinn Stingray bike that some asshole stole from my basement.
Could you share something about yourself that makes you blush:
If I were a chick, my legs would be the hottest. Shave them, put them in pumps and they’re insane, but for a guy, they are embarrassing chicken legs. [Click here for a an actual photo of Dennis dressed as a chicken.]
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
I’ve got a solo show at Wolfe Contemporary Gallery in San Francisco, June 2009. I’m doing an album cover for a great band called The Harbours and hopefully putting out a Southern inspired book/CD.
dennis mcnulty
