Vincent Gordon
Vincent Gordon is a Chicago native who has been living and working out of San Diego for the
past seven years.
When did he begin painting?
Vincent has been doing watercolor and other painting as far back as he can remember. He began
pursuing art nearly full time about three years ago.
Influences?
He pays homage to artists Craola, Robert Williams, Dr. Suess, and Walt Disney. Most of his
works reflect life in general and are very much social commentaries. His style is pushed from
living outside of the box and the pursuit of life, love and happiness.
What mediums are preferred?
Gordon works primarily with acrylic on wood panels but also dabbles in oil and watercolor
painting as well.
Does Vincent work from imagery or imagination?
It is definitely a combination of the two. In a recent work Vincent explains how he was
influenced through working with a kid’s art program. When watching two of the kids and
examining their interactions with technology as an important factor of them bonding sparked the
inspiration for an entire painting. Using these ideas and mixing them with his own unique style
of art really bring life and soul to his work. Each painting Vincent works on feeds a different
part of his soul. Concepts and emotions have to be worked through while creating his art. Each
painting has unexpected outcomes that reflect a therapeutic workmanship that may reflect several
emotions such as dealing with hardships.
What style does Gordon consider his work?
You can definitely see a pop and psychedelic influence in Vincent’s work. However there are
not many words you could use describe its genre, but if you had to you might say that is style
was ‘Character based cartoon collage.’
What is his motivation/inspiration for painting?
Several years ago, Vincent had a sales job that did not make him happy. Working for others
dragged him down and left him with the feeling that he was victimizing others through forcing
sales. He decided to quit his job and commit to his craft. Painting provided a product that he
could sell with pride that brought joy and happiness to himself and his customers.
Now he feels a little awkward when he is not painting. When people compliment or comment
on his work; with sayings like, “Your paintings make me happy” or “I can’t help but smile when
I look at your work” it some of the most rewarding feelings you can have. Making people happy
is some of the best motivation. It is all about creating and bringing things into this world that
never would have been otherwise.
What words of wisdom would he give to emerging artists?
Keep doing it. No matter how far you are in the art game there is always going to be the same
struggles. Don’t give up; truly, it’s a fight! Don’t surround yourself with the starving artist
mentality. We are not victims, being an artist is a gift. One goal Vincent is trying to achieve
is killing the idea of the starving artist and trying to bring back the ‘chubby artist.’ “We’re
eattin’ good!” Your word makes your world. “Don’t give up, keep creating, the world needs it,
definitely!”
What artist’s styles does Vincent relate to or associate with?
Vincent is a fan of many different artists ranging from photography to oil painters. He enjoys
doing fun concept shows such as a previous show with Franky Agostino called “Meeting of
Styles.” This show featured Vincent’s cartoonish works alongside Franky’s more surrealist
works. Vincent likes to surround himself with positive and creative people that share the same
passion for art as he does. One of the things he loves most is collaborating with other artists.
What do his Characters represent?
Each character represents a different emotion and they all have a certain stigma. The puzzle
pieces represent missing pieces in a person’s life, a sort of ‘filling a gap’ or can in some cases
can be forgetting something represented by the removal of a piece. Puzzle pieces can also
represent a window into a different reality. Life does not have to be a certain way; it can be any
way you choose. People do not always see that they do have choices. With each choice is the
single moment that creates a butterfly effect in the moment you do or don’t do something.
Vincent likes people to interpret his art the way they want to. His work is meant to inspire
creativity. Like a book you are given words and must a create the imagery for yourself.
Vincent’s art is the opposite, giving the viewer imagery to which they must create the words or
story to.
Here is a list of some of the different characters that Vincent Gordon has created…
Jacob-Achieving goals. Wanted to be a dinosaur and grew a dinosaur tail.
Pink Bunny-Mystical creature that leads you somewhere.
The Fool- Half Chicken/Half Gizmo always chasing women. Always falling in love.
Always getting into mischief, looking for love.
Money Bear-A manipulating Care Bear.
Where does Vincent imagine himself in 5 years?
Vincent’s plans are pretty open right now. He plans to be part of the community he is in and
doing whatever he can to help out. One thing is for sure: that wherever he is, he will be painting
and enjoying life.
To check out more of Vincent’s work click here!
Jeff Donndelinger, Writer
Shanna Maschmeier, Interviewer
past seven years.
When did he begin painting?
Vincent has been doing watercolor and other painting as far back as he can remember. He began
pursuing art nearly full time about three years ago.
Influences?
He pays homage to artists Craola, Robert Williams, Dr. Suess, and Walt Disney. Most of his
works reflect life in general and are very much social commentaries. His style is pushed from
living outside of the box and the pursuit of life, love and happiness.
What mediums are preferred?
Gordon works primarily with acrylic on wood panels but also dabbles in oil and watercolor
painting as well.
Does Vincent work from imagery or imagination?
It is definitely a combination of the two. In a recent work Vincent explains how he was
influenced through working with a kid’s art program. When watching two of the kids and
examining their interactions with technology as an important factor of them bonding sparked the
inspiration for an entire painting. Using these ideas and mixing them with his own unique style
of art really bring life and soul to his work. Each painting Vincent works on feeds a different
part of his soul. Concepts and emotions have to be worked through while creating his art. Each
painting has unexpected outcomes that reflect a therapeutic workmanship that may reflect several
emotions such as dealing with hardships.
What style does Gordon consider his work?
You can definitely see a pop and psychedelic influence in Vincent’s work. However there are
not many words you could use describe its genre, but if you had to you might say that is style
was ‘Character based cartoon collage.’
What is his motivation/inspiration for painting?
Several years ago, Vincent had a sales job that did not make him happy. Working for others
dragged him down and left him with the feeling that he was victimizing others through forcing
sales. He decided to quit his job and commit to his craft. Painting provided a product that he
could sell with pride that brought joy and happiness to himself and his customers.
Now he feels a little awkward when he is not painting. When people compliment or comment
on his work; with sayings like, “Your paintings make me happy” or “I can’t help but smile when
I look at your work” it some of the most rewarding feelings you can have. Making people happy
is some of the best motivation. It is all about creating and bringing things into this world that
never would have been otherwise.
What words of wisdom would he give to emerging artists?
Keep doing it. No matter how far you are in the art game there is always going to be the same
struggles. Don’t give up; truly, it’s a fight! Don’t surround yourself with the starving artist
mentality. We are not victims, being an artist is a gift. One goal Vincent is trying to achieve
is killing the idea of the starving artist and trying to bring back the ‘chubby artist.’ “We’re
eattin’ good!” Your word makes your world. “Don’t give up, keep creating, the world needs it,
definitely!”
What artist’s styles does Vincent relate to or associate with?
Vincent is a fan of many different artists ranging from photography to oil painters. He enjoys
doing fun concept shows such as a previous show with Franky Agostino called “Meeting of
Styles.” This show featured Vincent’s cartoonish works alongside Franky’s more surrealist
works. Vincent likes to surround himself with positive and creative people that share the same
passion for art as he does. One of the things he loves most is collaborating with other artists.
What do his Characters represent?
Each character represents a different emotion and they all have a certain stigma. The puzzle
pieces represent missing pieces in a person’s life, a sort of ‘filling a gap’ or can in some cases
can be forgetting something represented by the removal of a piece. Puzzle pieces can also
represent a window into a different reality. Life does not have to be a certain way; it can be any
way you choose. People do not always see that they do have choices. With each choice is the
single moment that creates a butterfly effect in the moment you do or don’t do something.
Vincent likes people to interpret his art the way they want to. His work is meant to inspire
creativity. Like a book you are given words and must a create the imagery for yourself.
Vincent’s art is the opposite, giving the viewer imagery to which they must create the words or
story to.
Here is a list of some of the different characters that Vincent Gordon has created…
Jacob-Achieving goals. Wanted to be a dinosaur and grew a dinosaur tail.
Pink Bunny-Mystical creature that leads you somewhere.
The Fool- Half Chicken/Half Gizmo always chasing women. Always falling in love.
Always getting into mischief, looking for love.
Money Bear-A manipulating Care Bear.
Where does Vincent imagine himself in 5 years?
Vincent’s plans are pretty open right now. He plans to be part of the community he is in and
doing whatever he can to help out. One thing is for sure: that wherever he is, he will be painting
and enjoying life.
To check out more of Vincent’s work click here!
Jeff Donndelinger, Writer
Shanna Maschmeier, Interviewer
