Unexpected Guests: Scott Yeskel.

Okay, this is big. Different. Brand spanking new for 2008. We're dropping in on...wait for it...wait...a dude! Yeah, no sissy girl chat today, we've gone and visited fantastic Los Angeles-based artist, Scott Yeskel! Scott's a graduate of the Academy of Art University here in San Francisco, inspired by "cities versus suburban sprawl", about to get married to his girl, and all moved in to his brand new apartment. Having grown up and spent most of my life in Los Angeles, Scott's work really resonates with me. There's a gritty, 'this is how it is' look at life there in his work, and I certainly recognize and feel a familiarity with the landscapes he plots outs on his canvases. Yup, that's L.A. Let's see what New Jersey transplant Scott has to say about life in Los Angeles these days.

Where do you live?
I live in the Fairfax Village area of Los Angeles. My studio is in Downtown L.A. in the Warehouse/Fashion District.



What is your favorite outing in your city?
Hipster breakfast in Silverlake, followed by eating at bars and drinking at restaurants. Seeking anyplace in L.A. that doesn't feel like 'L.A.'



What's the best thing about your city?
The amazing vastness and 'big-timeness'. Seeing Kirsten Dunst at Whole Foods.



Who are your favorite artists?
Tons. Sargent, Diebenkorn, Gerhard Richter, Phil Frost, Daniel Sprick, Ed Templeton, John Register, Kent Williams.



Where do you find inspiration?
From people and things that have old souls. Anything that has shown the wear of time.


Who do you admire and why?
I admire other artists, musicians, actors, writers, that find it necessary to create and HAVE to do so.


What's the last great book you read?
Introduction to Judaism with my fiance who is converting. Lots of stuff to catch up on.


What's your favorite film?
I secretly want to say something intelligent, but anyone who knows me, knows that my attention span for movies is terrible. I like Rushmore, I love Jason Schwartzman's character. (Editor's note: Max Fischer rules. All's fair when love is war.)


If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
My brother in one of his 'outfits', no better time than that. (Another editor's note: I have been privy to this 'outfit' business and it's, well, a very personal style we'll just leave alone out of respect for Scott's brother's privacy. Bless his heart.)


Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
I would like to sit down with my uncle who recently passed. Tell him thanks for being an inspiration, the first real artist I ever met.




Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Fried chicken.


What is your most treasured belonging?
My fiance wants me to say her. Sounds sexist, but she said it.


What do you despise?
Loud motorcycles, ignorance, George W., stucco.


What's your favorite word?
Wouldyaplease.


What are some of your favorite websites, blogs?
artbusiness.com, minnesotaclay.blogspot.com, yours of course (he's lying politely).


Is there a craft, language, skill etc. you are dying to learn?
Tons! But learning the piano probably ranks up there with learning fluent Spanish. Tied for first.

If you're in San Francisco this week, be sure and check out Scott's show at the Jack Fischer Gallery, this Saturday, January 5. The show will be up January 3 through February 5, 2008.


*Top photo courtesy of Here In Van Nuys.