Art & Life with Patrick Driscoll

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Driscoll.

Patrick, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I began creating work as a young boy in New Jersey. I was introduced to cameras and skateboarding both at an early age. I grew naturally into documenting my neighborhood friends skating until I moved to Arizona at age 11. My camera afforded me ways to express myself and simultaneously meet people at an early age. I’ve worked as a photographer professionally since freshman year of high school.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As an artist now, I work with a spectrum of tools. I’ve found that practicing different disciplines adds to my overall satisfaction of making work. Writing is important to me lately, which has never came across as doable for me. My work comes from a very selfish place. I’m very selective and private about it. Recently I’ve been making new stuff to combat that, because it goes against my character as a person in general. The viewer however, should take whatever message they feel.

I see-saw between making intensely personal work and emotionless work. I’m inspired by the constant emotional barrage of hopelessness and hopefulness. It’s hopeless that they paved paradise to put up a parking lot, but there’s a brand new beauty in that.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I find most of my work outside of Arizona… mostly in coastal cities. The conditions here make it hard for the type of artist I am to thrive. It’s very monotonous – sunshine everyday, can’t go outside for 4 months because of the heat. Creatives are lazy out here, as theres not much to lose here.

I think the constant over sharing has diluted the environment where artists can shine, making it a bit harder to exist as an artist. Many of them out here with exposure are creating painfully dull work. They’re contributing to the dilution. I’m tired of cacti images, bikini clad women, wedding photographs, and sunset landscapes.

A fair amount of photographers have adopted a camera and use it as a lifestyle tool. It’s very powerful in a lot of ways. You can present yourself as an artist on social media and that will be your “brand”. The dilution is everywhere.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My website – patrickdriscoll.org or my instagram @patrickdriscoll

Contact Info:

• Website: http://patrickdriscoll.org
• Email: hello@patrickdriscoll.org
• Instagram: @patrickdriscoll

Image Credit:
Patrick Driscoll

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