Mark Fox has been hanging art around town for quite some time now. From the KVIE art auction to 2nd Saturday events, over the years has immersed himself as a staple of the Sacramento art scene.
His paintings are portraits who seem to be thrown into some funky dream. At first glance it is possible they could be a colorful woodcut however upon closer inspection you will find charismatic Van Gogh paint stokes mixed among a bit of Picasso’s cubism. His paintings are full of folky imagination with a splash of humor. It seems as if his inner child is painting an adult world, or perhaps what an adult world should look like.
An artist his entire life, he would walk the neighborhood going door to door, selling pictures he drew in order to score some cash for garbage pail kids stickers and nerds candy. While art was consistent throughout his entire life, it wasn’t until later on in life that he took it seriously. His defining moment when he knew he had set on art as a career is very casual. ” I guess I realized it after numerous jobs and not being content with what I was doing. Not wanting to feel like an office working robot…I gave art a try by taking it more serious and with an attempt to have the ability to work in a field that I love.”
When Mark first began showing his art to the world he found himself with the opportunity to make album art . Working together with musical artist Byron Blackburn he created an image for the cover of the album titled Things Turn Black When They Burn. He was also asked by Sacramento’s own Kevin Seconds to create album artwork for the 7″ split record Kevin Seconds and Mike Hale.
While our local talent keeps his paintbrushes in action, they are not the only people who are keeping him busy. He is showing in galleries around the US and selling pieces worldwide. He has shipped art to places as far away as India and Norway.
Mark’s art is traveling all over the world, but Sacramento is definitely home. You will find his pieces around town on a pretty regular basis. He is very involved in what is happening locally by both showing his art and supporting other local artist. “…What I can say is the Sacramento art community is supportive and a positive place to create and show your work. Larger cities do draw larger crowds, thus giving you the feel of ‘small fish in a big pond’. Here in Sacramento, I feel it’s more personable.”
Mark seems to find inspiration everywhere. “Music inspires me a lot.” he says, “It opens my mind to be very imaginative. I am inspired from my daily interactions with other people. I observe how they react to life situations. Sometimes simple conversations with another may draw an inspiration. I am inspired by my emotions and my moods. These spark the ideas and expressions I create through painting.”
He tries to do something art related everyday. When he is not making art of his own, his days are filled with music and checking out what is going on in the art community. “Most of the time I’m listening and discovering new music to get inspiration. I like to ride my bike around town check out art galleries, and see what’s going on in the art community. I enjoy going to the local coffee shop for my doppio, hanging out with Gabriel Sanford at the Vox Gallery or with other local artists discussing ideas. Spending time with my 86 year-old pops and visiting with my almond roca, Monic. I’m always trying to do something to stay creative and positive.”
Mark is without question imaginative. His thoughts on time travel absolutely summed up his creative mind. “I would love to go back to the 80’s at the age I am now. First I would put on my moon boots, peg my parachute pants, grab my hover board and attend the art openings of artist like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol. Maybe get a chance to meet them and experience New York and the art scene of that time. Maybe if I could bring things back with me, I would grab me a pile 80’s memorabilia that I wish I had as a kid. I think it would be awesome to hang out in the early days of hip-hop and turntablism break dancing. Learn some break-dance moves and shake hands with Harold Faltermeyer while playing his hit Axle F. I would love to see a variety of live concerts and especially the one hit wonders of the 80’s. I guess I can do all this now. No time travel required. I usually travel without moving anyway.”
While Mark is humble and modest, he is kinda a big deal. He is super talented, way inventive, and his pieces will certainly make you smile. There is a simple truth that comes through in each piece. We cannot wait to see what comes next from him. “I am confident that this year I will be devoting a lot more of my time into being more productive with my creations. I look forward to more opportunities to do more shows with fellow artist in our communities as well.It’s my lucky 20-13 and I look forward to what his year has to offer.”
Want to meet the man behind the magic? Come out this Saturday February 9th to Body Tribe located at 920 21st Street. Thanks to Allyson Seconds, Mark along with a grand collection of other artist will be holding their opening reception for the show EYE HEART THE ART from 6-10pm.
Mark will also have some pieces hanging this month at the Vox Gallery at 1818 11th Street.
And of course make sure to check out his webpage and facebook.
Nice one! I’ve long had Mark on my short list of artists who are worthy of cracking the national market. It’s only a matter of time before he has representation in New York, LA, or Seattle. Good job, Mark! Good job, Tube!
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