David Thompson
www.oddbox.com


Location:
NYC

Tell us a little about your background: Design / Music Education:
I haven't had any formal Art or Design training. I think you can see that in my work. (laughs)

I studied Music all thru school and into College but, I became more interested in recording and technology. I developed a "music as science" sort of mindset if that makes any sense. This was a long time ago and few if any institutions had any courses that interested me. So, I built my own studio and taught myself. This was at a time before samplers or midi standards or home studios. It was all fun and new and experimental. Lots of tape machines, wires, flashing LEDs and crazy gadgets.

Being a Sound Designer and a Composer have you ever thought of doing soundtracks for movies? And if you had the chance to rewrite a soundtrack what movie would it be for?
I have composed and done sound design for live theater. I have also done lighting. There was a time when I really enjoyed working in theater and if I had the chance I think I would do it again. I did a number of shows in Rochester, NY (where I'm from). When I first moved to NYC my plan was to continue doing this type of work. I did the a few shows in NYC but quickly found out I needed a day job. My day jobs lead me in a different direction. I began installing sound equipment for clubs and recording studios, as well as doing some freelance engineering work. My life took another direction.

Movies: I have a close friend who is a professional sound designer and has worked on a number of films, Pi, Requiem for a Dream, Phone Booth, One Hour Photo, etc. His information is on my site (http://www.oddbox.com/emrich/). From talking with him it sounds like a lot of hard work, worries about getting paid and where you next job is coming from and although I think he really loves what he does, I think it would drive me insane.

What made you decide to start painting in 2002?
I think it was boredom mixed with an overload of technology. I wanted to do something that was creative but didn't involve turning on a computer and plugging in some gadget.

What's your main source of inspiration for both music and art?
To be honest I don't believe in inspiration in that way. Sometimes you will be inspired by a specific event or emotion but that is rare. Most of the time, at least for me, I just want to create something so I create something.

Most of your work is with Acrylic on canvas, any chance of you doing computer graphics?
That would be contrary to why I paint.

Anxiety Ant and Unstrung Guitar is just some of my favorite pieces. Which piece do you like most and why?
I like the Amebas. I like that it is so simple and I think the colors are amazing. There is a texture to the background that just makes it kind of pop. Also it's one of the few times I used any kind of a shadowing.

Sock Puppet Fight is another painting I love; it was a turning point for me. I got some great responses from my friends on that piece and it was then that I felt my paintings were good enough to share with other people. My paintings are so simple it took me awhile to show them to anyone.

Your studio webcam is a great idea, describe to our readers the layout of your studio:
A few years ago a layout of my studio would have consisted of a 2 page equipment list of every kind of electronic gadget you could think of. It was really hurting my creativity having all that stuff to deal with all the time.

Today, I keep everything simple. I have an 8" architects table with my computer and a few pieces of music gear. Everything else is done in the computer itself.

For my paintings I use a traveling folding easel my father gave me, an old computer table on wheels to store and layout my supplies, and I use paper plates for my palettes.

I have a couch with a blanket that has Elvis' face on it for my cats or the occasional house guest to sleep on, a couple of bookshelves and a sliding door which opens up to a 3 story drop into my backyard with a nice view of Bear Mountain.

I listened to 21st Century Lullaby and Bunny Suicide and enjoyed both of them, are you plannin to take music as serious as your art?
In the past, I tried, without much success, to break into the music biz. I was more successful as an engineer for other people. I could drop a few names here if you are interested but I don't thinks it all that important.

Right now I'm just enjoying making music again. I was thinking of posting some more complete works as free downloads and maybe offering a CD thru cafepress. If people like them I'll take it from there. I still have to dig thru my some old master tapes to see if there are any hidden gems.

How would you describe your style in both music and art?
My painting I would have to say "Simple". Although simple-minded might be more accurate. (laughs) It has a sense of humor about itself.

For my music I don't think I've figured that one out yet. I think I'm still in the process of figuring out where I want to go with it. I'm working in a new way now so it will take me some time for it to develop into a style.

Do you prefer technologically advanced sites or sites with simple but good design?
To me the most important "thing" is function.
Design or technology can either help of hinder function.

Are you asking this because my site is so simple?
My site was an experiment in CSS. I wanted to create a site with only CSS, no tables and no images other than the paintings themselves. At least that is how it began this time around.

Besides Art and Music what do you like to do on your spare time?
I enjoy doing nothing. Some people feel guilty doing nothing. I think that is wrong. Doing nothing is an art in itself.

I look at my cat OdieMonster (I have pictures of him eating strawberries on my site) and I want his life.

However, doing nothing and being bored are NOT the same thing at all, and should not be confused.

If you are bored you have not figured out how to do nothing correctly. (laughs)

If Art and Music did not exist what profession would you most likely be?
I'd probably be a mad scientist.

Any advice for up and coming artist:
No, I think being new to something and having a real sense of excitement about what you are doing is more powerful than any advice from someone else.

When you first start out doing something new you feel like anything is possible and you are eager to experiment and learn. To hold on to that as long as you can I think is important.

Because sooner or later some know-it-all expert comes along and tells you it can't be done or you have to do it this way and kills your spirit.

I'm no expert. I know nothing.

If someone gave you a stage to the world and told you to send a message with 5 words or less what would that message be?
No words, just 3 minutes of complete silence.

Any last comments?
I would just like to thank you for your interest in my work and my site.
I really do appreciate you taking your time preparing this interview and including me on your site.

Thank you very much.

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