Tyler Macko is a multidisciplinary artist focusing on painting and sculpture. He was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, an experience he describes as bizarre. Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee; Tyler plays with everyday objects, obscure processes and pop culture. Having known him for many years, he is always able to find the strangest, most interesting aspect of his surroundings. His work is abstract, refined, and approachable; something that's hard to find in today's art world. I met up with him during our Thanksgiving break to ask him a few questions.
What's the best thing you've ever found?
That always changes. I recently found this print of a bunch of kittens from the 40's that I'm excited about. It's all water stained and sun bleached. It's just at that stage where it has been discarded just enough. Other than things, finding the idea of traveling at a young age and realizing how attainable it is.
What's the worst thing you've ever lost?
I think about things that were in the houses around me growing up. I've always been pretty good at keeping inanimate objects until they become intimate. Probably something that got thrown away back then. My great grandma had this carpet in her kitchen and these bird houses in her yard that I think about a lot.
What or who is your biggest influence in art?
In art? "What" would probably be my tendency to try and discover things. Like when you're a little kid and would build forts in the woods and pretend to be finding treasure, now the fort has just changed.
You just have to know your history and keep the right people around you for who.
What are your plans for 2016?
Maintain upward. I don't want it all now. I want there to be a long game. I want to make the best work I can right now, and be able to look back on it and still see that it was the pinnacle of me then and hopefully that shows. Go some more places I've never been.
What are your plans for 2016?
Maintain upward. I don't want it all now. I want there to be a long game. I want to make the best work I can right now, and be able to look back on it and still see that it was the pinnacle of me then and hopefully that shows. Go some more places I've never been.
If you could have a beer with anyone ever who would it be?
Maaaaaan, Ferdinand Magellan would be tight; even though he'd probably be an asshole. 2 Chainz, especially back in those Tru Religion days.
