Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
I run an alternative space called Quarters Gallery, which began in my apartment’s laundry room but has since taken shape in different spaces and continues to. I have considered running the project my art practice for the last couple years, which makes perfect sense to some and I think sounds like an excuse for not making things anymore to others. Maybe it’s both! I live in Los Angeles with my dog Casper, though we are both from the east coast and will perhaps one day return. I work as a graphic designer among other things.
Are there any influences that are core to your work?
Yes! Historical and contemporary artist-run spaces, Joseph Beuys’s theory of social sculpture, and my mom teaching art classes out of our home attic are a few.
Is there a moment you look back on as formative to the work you do?
Putting together my senior show in art school was extremely formative to the way I think about exhibition-making. Because I couldn’t afford to rent something, I had my show in a dilapidated brick structure in the back of a beloved Savannah DIY house. Throughout the installation process I saw that it actually made way more sense for the work (a series of silkscreened nylon flags) than a traditional gallery ever could have. I’m forever inspired by that process and the freedom afforded to me by the hosts. I try to bring a similar spirit of supported freedom to Quarters!
How were you introduced to exhibition-making?
Being on the artist side of exhibition making was my introduction to it, which I hope helps me to have a more empathetic approach to the whole thing. It’s vulnerable to share your work and can be a very emotional experience, but I think the best shows are made that way.
How did Quarters Gallery come to be?
When I moved from New York to LA, LA felt so huge and spacious in every way. I had been so moved by my experiences with apartment galleries in the past, and began thinking about what I could do with (what felt like) a huge living space. Having a laundry room was so luxurious so naturally it became the designated zone – which then lent itself to the name, programming schedule, and initial concept.
How would you describe the role of alternative exhibition spaces in the wider arts ecosystem?
Alternative spaces ideally will feel more welcoming to guests and like more of an opportunity to experiment for artists than conventional ones. Cities with a lot of blue chip activity need places for art to exist without the burden of commerce, otherwise the whole thing can feel depressing.
What is it like operating an exhibition space in Los Angeles?
There is a strong spirit of enthusiasm that I really appreciate! Until you try to get people to drive to the Westside…
How does your creative community now compare to your creative community when you were younger?
Something I love about it is that while it’s expanded so much, it’s also the same. For example, doing a show with someone I met in a highschool precollege program when we were 17 and (speaking for myself) deeply cringe. It’s beautiful to witness and be witnessed in artistic progression!
Are there any characteristics that unite your community?
I’ve been thinking about tarot recently, and I think the DIY community is a lot like the Magician card…using will and resourcefulness to turn potential into material expression. I think the uniting characteristic is scrapiness!
How do you mitigate burnout or exhaustion?
This is a constant learning curve, but what’s working for me right now is to really spread out the pacing of shows and only commit to things I feel really drawn to or excited about. Basically having better boundaries with myself!
Do you have any travel experiences that are formative to you as an individual?
The first two trips I ever took to LA were my driving force to move here. I didn’t understand it at all, but strongly felt its specialness… three and a half years deep, both of those feelings still persist!
What do you collect?
My friend’s work! I think this is the best collecting strategy.
What’s next for Quarters?
At the moment I am enjoying the freeformness of inhabiting different spaces. The next show will be at Michael’s, Santa Monica!
Portrait by Michelle Baskin.
Interviewed by Luca Lotruglio.