This week, fashion is taking a backseat as everyone’s attention is on the rising stars of the art world, including Los Angeles-based artist Austyn Weiner, who will be showcasing at Art Basel for the first time with MASSIMODECARLO. We chatted with Austyn to learn about her unique artistic process and inspirations.
How did you get started in art?
I was born and raised in Miami, the youngest of four children in a very creative household. My first love was music, and it still is. I always joke that I became a painter because it lets me listen to music all day. Growing up with headphones on, I developed a strong inner dialogue which has really shaped my painting practice. Initially, I worked as a photographer in film and fashion. While attending Parsons and living in New York, I began painting over my photographs and gradually transitioned to painting full-time after moving to California. I’m self-taught in oil painting and learned everything through practice.
How would you describe your artistic style?
This is a tough question because I get asked it a lot! I’m an abstract painter, but unlike most, I don’t start with a set idea or concept. My work is very personal and reflective of my life and times—I’m definitely a colorist.
What’s your creative process like? Do you work on multiple pieces at once?
It depends on the space available. During the pandemic, in a small one-car garage, I could only focus on one or two paintings at a time. Now, with a 5,000 square-foot studio, I work on about 30 pieces simultaneously. An artist’s space strongly influences their process.
Do you plan what to work on each day or do you go with the flow?
Both. At around the 30% completion mark of a painting, I enjoy total freedom and spontaneity in my process. I often write on the canvas as part of my underpainting. My favorite part is the beginning, but it’s also rewarding to solve the complex color puzzle by the end.
How long do you usually spend on a painting?
It varies. Some pieces are done in a couple of days, while others take several months.
Is it hard for you to let go of your work?
It didn’t use to be, but now certain works that represent significant learning moments are hard to part with. I’ve become better at keeping some in the studio longer.
What music do you listen to while working?
I have a diverse taste in music—anything from Radiohead to Curtis Mayfield, jazz legends to classical. My playlist depends on my mood and what I need while working. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Bob Seger.
Are you excited about being at Art Basel this year?
Absolutely! Growing up in Miami, I’ve been to Art Basel many times even before I considered becoming a painter. This year, I’m thrilled to participate with a solo presentation at the convention center.
Will you be present at the event to meet people?
I enjoy art fairs, but the more I participate, the less I like staying there all day. I will visit and walk around with friends and other artists, but won’t spend too much time in my own booth. I always fantasize about standing there incognito to hear people’s genuine reactions, both good and bad!
Who are some of your mentors?
I have many mentors from different walks of life. During the pandemic, I became close to a 75-year-old man who used to work at the Troubadour when it was frequented by legends like James Taylor and John Lennon. I also have great relationships with several artists such as Lily Stockman, Hilary Pecis, and Joel Mesler. My best friend Gigi Hadid and the late Virgil Abloh have been significant inspirations. Numerous gallerists and writers have also influenced my career, for which I’m incredibly grateful.