Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John Pusateri moved to New York in 1996 to study fine arts at Syracuse University. While in Syracuse, Pusateri became involved in a series of projects and art workshops that took place in New York Correctional Facilities. Here, he came to understand the importance of creativity and the many positive roles it can have on people and communities. After graduating with his BFA (Hons) in 2001 he participated in numerous exhibitions in The USA, Canada, Costa Rica, England, Japan and Mexico. In 2004, Pusateri moved to NZ to undertake a Master’s degree at Elam School of Fine Arts. While in NZ, Pusateri developed a strong appreciation for the country’s culture and ecology. He decided to remain here and apply for residency upon the completion of his Masters degree in 2005.
In 2008, Pusateri opened Auckland Print Studio, a professional lithography studio which is involved in projects with professional artists, architects and other design-based practitioners. He was recently awarded the prestigious 2010 Black Church Print Studio Residency in Ireland and was a finalist in the 2009 Waiheke Art Award and the 2010 WSA New Zealand Painting and Printmaking award. Yep he’s pretty flash!
Some of Johns Faves….
Whats your favourite Material to work with? My favorite material to work with is lithographic limestone (and lithographic ink on paper). The stones are roughly 170 million years old and and can be polished or grained to varying degrees. Each stone has its own characteristics which respond to the lithographic process in varying ways. On the backside, many of the stones still contain commercial printing images and labels from the 1940′s. Mostly though, the stones are an amazing surface to draw upon and print from.
Your favourite film? My favorite film is the Big Lebowski by the Coen Brothers. A good quote from the movie is:
Walter Sobchak: You want a toe? I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways, Dude. You don’t wanna know about it, believe me.
Your favourite international artist? My favorite international artist changes, but at the moment it is William Kentridge. He’s an inspiring and successful artist who’s work primarily involves drawing and printmaking. His images and films are made with skill yet are loose, experimental and socially poignant.
If you want to see some of John and the Auckland Print Studio artists work in the flesh you better get yourself down to NZ Art + Design Week!! 13-21 November, 110 Carlton Gore Rd, Newmarket, diarize it now!!! Do it!!!!
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
