Press

Tattoo Savage

Like so many other artists, Todd Noel doesn't remember exactly when he became interested in the creation of images. Regardless, it was through standard means that he realized it was something that he could pursue.

"I've enjoyed images both objective and non as long as I can remember," he says. "I guess Crayola age” was when I first felt images were a solid form of expression and communication for me."

"Early on, I understood the fact that solu­tions were limitless and of my own under­standing. It was like a puzzle where you get to make the pieces and watch other people try to figure out a solution."

It helps that Todd had the support of his parents when it came to his art. Even more impressive is that he's not so sure that they understand what he produces. "Of course they enjoy it more I think when they can actually relate to a piece," he says.

In his early drawings, Todd never pushed himself and made sure that the viewer always knew what he was trying to relay. But the process has evolved into something quite different over the years. "I don't even know what I'm aiming for," he tells. "I'm not even sure, quite honestly, if I'm even running the show. I have no preconception when I go into a piece. Sometimes I see things on the sur face and I feel it's my job just to pull them out or define what is already there."

Todd looks back fondly at his experiences at Portland School of Art in Portland, Maine. While some of his time there was spent pining forNew York and the representation of a big gallery, he felt privileged to be surrounded by so many creative people.

"I think schooling is great, but I also feel that academia is a self-validating machine that one should be very cautious of," he says. "Life is a big adventure, and four years is very short."

From Crayola, to pencils, to photography, Todd has tried out various modes of creativity. At one time, he dreamed of working as a photographer forRolling Stonemagazine.

"I feel now that it has nothing to do with what you use, but with whatever means the time and place require. At my studio I use paints to create images that I connect with. At my commercial work, I'm a scenic artist and I may use wax, tar, chemicals ...etc to create an effect. It's still the same," Todd says.

Currently, he is focusing on working with pen and ink, relishing in the simplicity of the method. But Todd also enjoys painting. Regardless, his inspiration comes to him from an unknown place.

"When it's moving through me, I want to get as much out of it as I can. It's like trying to write down a dream you always fall a little short. It's kind of a poor substitute for the experience itself."

When he sits down to create, Todd says that he really doesn't have control over what is materializing. And when he does have a preset idea, it usually falls apart. The atmos­phere that he seeks to work in depends on what means he is using.

"When I'm painting I actually love talking on the phone at the same time. I think it somehow distracts me and allows some ease and freedom in my painting," he says. "When I draw, however, I don't like to be distracted and I almost become a little manic. If some one talks to me, I try to respond politely but really could care less about what they're saying. It's like I'm already having a more truthful conversation with someplace else."

While Todd doesn't have tattoos of his own, he has a respect for the art and a love for the fact that they cross cultures and race. "I marvel at the commitment, the artistry, the simplicity, and complexity. I second guess everything, so it's just better for me not to have them."

Located in Los Angeles for the time being, Todd shows his work in the Venice Beach area from time to time.

He'd like to concept design for film and animation in the future. He's also working with a friend on a book The Art ofRoachery, which he describes as "a kind of twisted social thing."

How would Todd describe his art? "It's been described by many as many different things," he says. "For me, it just feels truthful."

AnnaMossitee.