Mushrooms or assholes? Intorduce London based artist, Joseph Ridgeon.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset (South West England)
Could you tell a few words about your background and what inspired you to become an artist?
I’ve always liked drawing things and making objects. Ever since I was a child I have used that as a process for expressing intrigue or saying that I like something.
You have been study an MFA in London. Do you think it’s possible to learn art? What were your best moments during school?
I don’t believe its possible to learn art, I think its something which has to come from the self. My experience of art education is to understand how that can be realised or expressed. Anyone can be an artist; whether they are good at it or not is a matter of opinion. The best thing about doing an MFA in London was the people and some pretty good parties which quite often were in the studios it seemd to make the art scene in london a little less hostile. I also think the tutoring at Goldsmiths was incredible.
London has a huge gay scene, can you name a few things what you like about it?
I like that you can go to your regular bar with friends and know and recognise the people whilst simulatniously being completely anonymous in another. It can be very useful. It also has a massive bear scene so there is always something nice to look at.
Who is your biggest influece as an artist?
To be honest i dont have any prevelant artists that I conciously think of when I make work, that being said i have found real inspiration Looking at AA Bronson’s work in how he deals with Queerness, spirituality and ritual
What would your ideal man look like?
Big stomach, strong legs and hairy!
How do people respond to your artworks?
It gets totally different reactions depending on who is looking at it. Guys from the bear scene tend to really like my drawing and leather pictures. In the art world people take more intrest in the sculptural work. I have never had any really bad responses from people looking at my Anuses… maybe im not doing it right!
What is your favorite fetish?
I don’t have a particular fetish. I have a tendency to be quite subordinate so get on board with most things which play to that dynamic.
What are you currently obsessed with… ?
Queers, Bears, Mushrooms, Clay and Graphite.
Find more: @joseph.ridgeon / josephridgeon.com