Tony Pettis
Interview and photography by Sammie Saxon
Artist Tony Pettis is known for bridging the gap between pop culture and conceptual art, from portraits of inspirational figures throughout the community to beautiful pet illustrations. Yet, no matter his subject, there has been a clear connection and emotion in his work. Tony speaks with SVM in this interview about how a kid from New York found motivation and influences Columbus.
Tell us a little about you. Where are you from? When did you make Columbus your home?
Um okay, where do I start?...let’s see, I’m definitely a city boy raised southern. While I call Lock Port New York “The Homeland”, I’ve been fortunate enough to call Columbus home for the majority of my adult life. Learning that I’ve been a Colganian from about the middle of my elementary school to middle school adolescence until my clumsy walk across the stage in 2016 as a high school graduate, should give you a little insight on my seniority to this wonderful city.
When did you first begin to consider yourself an artist? How did you get your start?
Truth be told, I still have trouble considering myself an artist. However, over time I’ve realized that a lot of my doubts derived from the wrongful introduction of Artistry Itself. I don’t think one gets to decide if they’re an artist or not, I think Art chooses you. And whether I’d like to agree with my capabilities or not, there are certainly more people who would call me the “A word” rather than not. I guess that means I’ve been bitten by the art bug. If I’m being honest, Covid 19 and our collective time spent in quarantine gave me a much needed search for my personal voice as an artist. Which in essence gifted me with a redefined image as a professional artist. Looking back, I think both my resilience and encouragement from teachers and other peers, gave me my true start at believing in myself to pursue art full-time. I’d like to say that being an artist is more like the Kelly Rowland or Robin to my true passion in brand support and marketing, which would be my Beyoncé and Batman.
What artists do you most admire? And how has their work influenced your own?
There are a ton of artists I deeply admire and seek inspiration from; The fabulous Pablo Picasso of course, Henri Matisse, Mr. Salvador Dali, Kadir Nelson, and the one and only, Frida Kahlo. But I’ve also been extremely blessed to meet so many incredible local artists here in our sweet little city that have graciously offered pointers, techniques, and in my case...a studio! Artists such as Jarrett Holbrook, Julianna Wells, Butch Anthony, Mr. Bo Bartlett, and my mentor, friend, and boss Dr. Garry Pound. All of these artists are insanely intentional with their work, it’s work with a purpose. That’s probably what I admire most about each and every one of them.
Talk a little about your medium and style.
My style is simple in comparison to many. I use colored pencils, and for the most part you can count on an acrylic paint finale of some sort. I think if categorized, my style could either be loosely affiliated to some realism work, or classified as an over qualified caricature.
How did you meet Garry Pound? How has he inspired you?
I was introduced to Dr. Garry Pound’s incredible work through the infamous Fountain City Faces Series, held in our local coffee hub Fountain City Coffee. Astonished by his work and the coffee itself, I found myself working there pretty often like many surrounded by his work and feeling as though it contributed to my productivity. I didn’t know who he was at that particular time, but you can imagine I searched immediately after my first encounter, and fell even more so in love with his talent. Through the course of life and the passing of time, I was working on building my portfolio and had partnered with a few creative initiatives in the city. Him being such a hugely established local arts figure himself and having his hand on the pulse of all things creative, we were bound to meet at some point or another. Garry ended up participating in a Halloween show that I was participating in, we had a few conversations, and just like that I’d began building a relationship with someone I truly admired.
Garry’s talent obviously doesn’t need my approval, it’s phenomenal. Working with and for him, I’ve been even more so inspired by his work ethic and discipline. Those are two things most artists have trouble with, but he’s definitely a task oriented fella.
You’re surrounded by art, give us a little incite on your creative process?
There’s literally nothing super special about my creative process. Throughout the time of remodeling and cleaning my new office/studio space, I’ve come across an amazing collection of work from Dr. Pound. I decided it was probably best to dust a few pieces off, and hang them up as possible reference points. You know, almost as if they were future goals or reminders of how great I could become if I continued. I usually dedicate the first few moments of stepping into my studio to pausing and admiring the work around me before beginning my own.
Have you just abandoned work?
I’ve definitely abandoned a few projects here and there. Working from within an inspirational boost can be exciting, until it ends. And more times than not, you’ll find yourself catching excitement for another idea before you can truly focus and finish that original one...the irony.
Where did you get your fashion sense? Where do you shop locally?
I dress like me, I wouldn’t say I’m fashionable...just authentic. I think people focus super hard on making themselves look like what others would expect of them, instead of focusing on being authentic to themselves. If you like hats, wear one. Not because it’s what’s trendy right now...but because you like hats. I appreciate the fashion world just as much as I do admire all the many facets of the Art world.
Favorite coffee?
I’m a huge specialty coffee fan, the natural flavors of coffee beans are far more delightful when you can actually taste them.
How do you hope your work impacts or inspires your viewers?
I think in every stage of my life, my mission as an artist changes as well. When I first started out I just wanted to be heard, then people started listening. Once they started listening, it was job to then fine tune the message, which has also adapted to the flow of time. My all in all hope for anyone who comes into contact with my work would be that they’d experience some sort of realization, or change. I’m not sure what exactly but I can imagine if a person was to view your most private, sacred, and vulnerable moments and appear unfazed by it, you wouldn’t feel so grand. That’s my outlook on my body of work. Hopefully it’s viewed as both transformative and insightful.