John Paradiso's art is an ongoing exploration of the complexities within gay male sexuality. This includes an evolving identity, the intimacy between men, homophobia, the impact of the AIDS crisis, sex and body positivity, and aging.
During this tumultuous time in quarantine, Paradiso has been focusing on two pieces - an embroidered, leather pansy, and a new collage quilt. The collage quilt is an homage to ACT-UP, and the HIV/AIDS related survival actions and discoveries of the 80-s and 90s.
For more information, please see: John Paradiso, and on Instagram @john_paradiso_artist.
John Paradiso, Proceed with Caution, 2019. (detail). Collage Quilt, found images on cotton, 3 mil poly Caution tape, Cotton pansy fabric, and acrylic on wood panels. 52 x 52 x 1 in. (25, 10 x 10-in panels). Image courtesy of the artist.
First, and most importantly, how are you doing? How are you navigating the highs and lows?
I am doing ok. I returned to psychotherapy and try to exercise regularly.
It's my experience that most artists engage with some level of self-isolation in their day to day art practice. Has this been your experience? And if so, have you found these innate rhythms to be helpful during this larger, world-wide experience of isolation?
It’s funny, I used to think I wanted to be left alone to do my work. I have since found out that interacting with other artists and visiting art venues was vital to my energy and desire to be in my studio making art.
Studio shot with work table and Proceed with Caution Collage Quilt (left) and Samuel Steward/ Ohio Star Collage Quilt (Right). Image courtesy of the artist.
It would be great if you could briefly talk us through your practice. Understanding it is integral to appreciating the multivalence of your work.
Before coronavirus I was driven, I seemed to be running in high gear and very focused. I was in my studio every day, I had several pieces going at once, all while researching and submitting work to exhibition calls, visiting galleries, museums, and artist studios, etc. All part of what fortified my artistic vision and life. But now I feel more like I have run out of gas or my battery is dead. I have to force myself in a different way to engage my practice. Now I plan time to work in the studio, so I know where I am supposed to be at any given time according to a plan. Fortunately, I had several pieces started before all of this and am able to continue working on them even with a low artistic drive.
Work in progress "Leather Pansies", hand-stitched leather in 6" wood hoop. Image courtesy of the artist.
Has any of your imagery shifted in a reflection to what's currently happening? Or are you considering using coronavirus related imagery for future projects? Do you find it necessary to make work about the pandemic? And why, or why not?
As I said I am lucky I had several pieces started, a leather pansy piece I have almost completed stitching and a collage quilt. Although I am not making work about coronavirus this collage quilt is an homage to ACT-UP, drug therapies, and other HIV/AIDS related survival actions and discoveries of the 80-s and 90s. I am in the very preliminary stages of moving elements around on the work table, trying to figure out my way forward. I had been researching and collecting images and information for a while now, so it has been a piece in the works. There is a certain symmetry working on a piece that is born out of a viral epidemic/pandemic at this time.
Rough "sketch", Resist Dying / Resist Dyeing, 10" wood panel with batik fabric, ACT-UP demo image, etc. Image courtesy of the artist.
Are you thinking differently? Coping differently? Inspired differently?
Everything seems to be different. I really am not sure if I am coping or not. I am not sure how to think anymore, but I am listening harder. There are many smart leaders and I am paying attention. (this answer applies to Coronavirus and the Systemic Racism Crisis our world is dealing with at this time)
What do you think, or hope will be different after this crisis has passed?
I hope the outcome is new leadership in the federal government and I can find my artistic groove.
Work table with rough preliminary work in progress of new collage quilt Resist Dying / Resist Dyeing. Image courtesy of the artist.
What is bringing you solace, or even joy, in this moment?
My partner and I have been together for 20 yrs., he is highly disciplined and an amazing artist. I gain solace watching him continue a productive studio practice. We both get joy from our dog’s Kira who we rescued almost two years ago and Wilson who we just rescued last weekend. But solace and joy are fleeting with the continued struggle for equality in our society.
John Paradiso, Proceed with Caution, 2019. (detail). Collage Quilt, found images on cotton, 3 mil poly Caution tape, Cotton pansy fabric, and acrylic on wood panels. 52 x 52 x 1 in. (25, 10 x 10-in panels). Image courtesy of the artist.
What are you reading?
I just finished LATER: My life at the edge of the worldby Paul Lisicky, and am currently reading AND THE BAND PLAYED ONby Randy Shults both have HIV/AIDS themes. (As well as many blogs and thought pieces on the future of Museums and Galleries and Systemic Racism.)
How are you physically?
Well its interesting, I just turned 58, and my body has been changing in ways that are disconnected to the way I think of myself. Growing old is a double edge sword. With that said, I am physically well and trying to grow old gracefully.