Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adam O’Day. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adam, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Many times, I find the most meaningful project, is the one I’m currently working on. And right now, I’m in the middle of finishing a solo show, that opens March 9th, at Curation 250, in Lowell Massachusetts.

The backstory to this series is quite in depth. So, I’ll distill it down to the key points. I go back and forth between representational painting and more imaginative works. Generally, when I’m deep in my sketchbook, conceptualizing my thoughts and feelings into surrealism metaphors, it means I’m going through something. The 2nd half of 2023 was full of real, adult, life challenges. To put it plainly, I was involved in an art heist, where 40k worth of art was stolen from my studio. We have recovered some of it; and some of it was damaged or destroyed. Then my father in law moved in to our house, which became a hospice for him. We have since lost him, and you will find vignettes of these events in the works.

Below you will find my artist statement for this series:

Adam O’Day’s FIENDISH

FIENDISH encapsulates a surreal journey through the realms of personal narratives, blending fantasy and reality onto canvas. Through this collection, the interplay of surrealism becomes a vivid exploration of the intricate tapestry woven by the threads of both imagination and lived experiences. This exhibit at Curation250 in Lowell invites viewers on a journey into the depths of a visionary mind, where paint becomes a portal to the memories of trauma and euphoria. As viewers walk the exhibit, they become participants in an intimate exchange, sharing the highs and lows of the human experience through the lens of expressive metaphor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been an artist. So, one could say I never got into it; as I was always in it. I feel like a child who never grew up in some ways. My parents told me stories about how I would hoard certain colors of crayons in Kindergarten. I assume, because I liked the saturation or contrast of them.

There were key moments I can recall. My Grandmother Kate worked at the High Museum in Atlanta when I was a kid. She encouraged me. My parents would always encourage me. They even approved of me going to art college! The earliest inspirations for me were Calvin and Hobbes (Waterson), and Comic book art. I would dream of becoming an illustrator. Which I did go to college for Illustration and design, at the Art Institute of Boston (2005). Out of college, I worked as a designer for a printing press, and as a naval engineer for the Navy.

The things I’m most proud of are simple. I’ve been a full time artist for 12 years. I’ve been a husband for 12 years. And a father for 9 years. I’ve received awards for my paintings. I’ve traveled the world making art. I’ve collaborated with more artists than I can count (50+). The craziest stat though is that I’ve contributed to over 125 art shows in my life so far.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn a ton of things from art school. Many of my professors wanted us to be very precise as illustrators. I soon learned that I wasn’t really a true illustrator, but more of a fine art painter. I had to unlearn traditional techniques to be come an expressionist fine artist. The more energy I have in my brushstrokes, the more satisfied with the painting I become.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being in a creative industry is how much of a team effort it has become. If you can take your friends along with you on a project, do it. It will always make for a fun process if you can collaborate or work alongside someone who inspires you.

Contact Info:

• Website: adamjoday.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_oday/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamODayFineArt

Image Credits
All images courtesy of Adam O’Day