Kyle Norris

artist statement

       For me, art is about making things that are interesting to look at.  Without a point of intrigue there is no reason for a viewer to stop and really examine at a piece of artwork, even if the concept exceeds its immediate impact.  As an artist, I try to design images and objects that capture the viewer's interest and make them want to look closer.  I find this dynamic, between the attention of the viewer and the work to be very interesting, and I try to reward intimate examination by including details that are designed to be seen up close. 

      I see great ideas manifested every day, whether they are in a museum or on a cereal box, and for me, these different 'grades' of art can influence each other in significant ways.  My graphics and illustrations often become intertwined as I work.  My interest in graphic imagery comes from being a teenager, and a lover of skateboard/ snowboard art, band logos, graffiti, and concert posters.  To me, these things are powerful generational symbols because they are owned solely by youth culture.  I find they are able to portray the vitality and expression of my generation in a way that other forms of art often cannot.
       I would describe myself as an "illustrator" because I think my work almost always has some sort of narrative quality to it, but I am careful not to let myself be restricted by the confines of this categorization.   Being an artist means following your own path of experimentation and I think openness to new ideas and ways of working is very important to artistic integrity. My goal is to always be doing work that is helping me progress artistically, whatever type of work that may be. I believe this constant progression is the true essence of what it means to be a creator.