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

Hi Damon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I didn’t know I was creative really until after high school; I went to public school and just did slightly above average of what was required and wasn’t really inspired by any teachers there. Skateboarding however during that time saved me as it offered an outlet of freedom and community outside of social norms, for those times and friends I am forever thankful. My initial motivation after high school was to live on my own indoors, eat food and have a job that has a lot of time off. I love my free time and good luck with that at that age, unless you’re wealthy. Which I wasn’t and still am not.
While taking a community college painting class that I figured would be an easy elective my young life suddenly became full of meaning and passion. I was introduced to the world of painting by an inspirational teacher and artist who shared works by the greats like Guston, Siquieros ,Bacon and Thiebaud. We took a field trip to see “Helter Skelter” at MOCA and I was floored by the work, I had no idea that this type of art was happening.This pointed me in the direction of the creative side of life.
I thought Wow! This is a great job, community college painting instructor, work a few days a week, have winter, spring and possible summer vacations paid. so it was off to get a degree to teach. A good friend of mine had just started attending Cal Arts and invited me up to visit. Again I was blown away at this amazing community, I knew this is where I had to be. I applied a year or so later and I was accepted, it was one of the best decisions I had made. As far as the CC teachings jobs these jobs are hard to come by and I still haven’t got one after 20 years but that is beside the point, I was now locked into this artistic mode of being and doing it professionally .

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Damon Schindler a 4th generation Eastern Los Angelino and CalArts graduate. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, the most diverse ethnic region in the U.S. according to wikipedia . I’m a painter a visual artist making what I call kindergarten cave paintings that are whimsical and sincere. . In these canvases a world of lush electric landscapes is revealed while enchanting characters participate in the ever enduring story of life. The scenes are vibrant, radiating with color as the physical world bends and twists breathing life into a host of characters. The imagery is laid down optimistically or romantically in allegorical terms while not losing sight of the fractured structures or jagged edges that lay just beneath the candy coated surface of modern terrestrial life. At times the landscapes seem to take on human and animal traits exposing a relationship between beings and their environment. In this a glance is shown of the psychic reality projected on the physical plane of our travelers. By using lyrical imagery, compositions are offered that broaden and fulfill what we already or possibly have an inkling or understanding of. Similar to the constellations of stars that are already there shining for us, the paintings simply provide a loosely scripted map where we are allowed to connect the dots leading us to the hidden treasure of the imagination.

Looking back it seems I was drawn towards the visual arts because when I was young I gravitated towards looking or observing, I was enchanted at a pet store looking at the fish aquariums that were usually located in a dimly lit area, they were almost theatrical with the rich colors of plants, rocks and underwater characters dancing and floating in the H2o liquid waters. These were cool peaceful moments away from the hot smog filled days of summer in the 1980’s. I remember my mom looking in the direction of the San Gabriel Mountains commenting as I was playing outside in the yard “oh look, they forgot to put up the mountains” as if it they were pieces of scenery on a stage, unfortunately it was just the L.A. smog hiding them. My grandma had a kid’s magazine series called Highlights. There was one page that I looked at in every book. It was a visual game that contained a normal looking scene and within it was a dozen hidden objects that blended into the picture maybe a squirrel snuck into a ladies hair do or a hammer became the arm of a chair, bordering on some sort of surrealism. I didn’t realize until later that these childhood experiences would inform my art practice.

In 1994 I pursued my love of art by studying at the renowned California Institute of The Arts (CalArts.) After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1997 I went on to share my knowledge by teaching art at an alternative high school in Los Angeles. I spent 10 summers working with students selected for the California State Summer School for the Arts, producing individual film and video projects. As of now I work as the resident scenic artist for the Los Angeles Opera and continue to exhibit my paintings in the public sphere.

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

My Pops told me, in regards to being an artist, you might not make a lot of money but you’ll have an interesting life.
First off, having meaning in your life is essential to thriving and surviving this existence, if not your doomed. Enjoyment arrives with making and sharing the work with people. I’ve met so many wonderful and interesting folks inspiring and challenging my thoughts on this creative highway. I’m motivated to create a visual language that allows a reflective space that hopefully inspires people . There is something innately powerful in the human psyche about the act of looking and absorbing a static image that speaks to you, especially in the sanctuary of a viewing place. Visual arts can have a profound impact when one is motivated with pure intentions of sharing a sincere perspective, setting aim to allow some sense to be made out of this tragic and wondrous life if only for a brief flashing moment, with this I am content.
I encourage people to do a residency or live in a different country for a while if possible. I lived in Mexico City for about a year and had an incredible time painting pictures, exploring the city, interacting with the people and rich culture of this vibrant capital as I contrasted my home place from a distance. Hearing peoples experiences enlightens your life and enhances perspective. Just get out there and go to your local art show openings even if just by yourself and strike up a conversation with a stranger. The art space is a great place to expand our sense of community and learn more about our world and connection to it and others.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I pivoted from being a P.A. to apprenticing as a scenic artist, which I really didn’t know much about at the time.
After art school Working as a P.A. or gopher ( go for this, go for that) for a few years while showing my art at local galleries I wasn’t making much money and I felt I had to switch it up but I wasn’t certain how. Being a P.A. I found myself at a scenery shop for the L.A. Opera, I was also the clean up kid sweeping up the shop and taking out the trash. The Technical Director came in one day and asked me if would like to join the scenic artist crew painting the scenery, He knew I was a struggling visual artist. I thought to myself. Hmm… I don’t paint other peoples stuff, I’m an artist. Ha ha ha, I was still young, naive and a bit proud at that point in my life.
He said, instead of pushing that broom you can push a roller full of paint and make twice as much and do something creative. I ended up getting introduced to the lead scenic who was in his early sixties, He was an amazing painter and sculptor who had painted huge back drops for theaters and cinema, I was immediately captivated by this humble, intelligent and talented artist, He became my mentor and over a decade later I am now the lead scenic artist for the L.A. Opera and paint scenery for television and theater as well. This job isn’t full time so it gives me the time ,space and paycheck to continue pursuing my love for painting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cirrealean.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonschindler/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DARMOAN
• Other: https://cadfabcreative.com/featured-artist-damon-schindler

Image Credits

Michael Dee