Interview
Desiree’ Udell
Born from a lineage of artist and craftsmen. Desiree Joy Udell was raised in an environment that cultivated a love for art. Her grandmother, June, received a full scholarship to the Chicago Art Institute for fine art. Her mother, Alexandra, was an art instructor who later was educated in commercial art. Desiree’s entrepreneurial spirit lead her to start up a cigar company at the age of 22 with her partner Clayton Phillips. She used her skill in developing art and branding for Carmelo Cigars, Honduras Caribbean Tobacco, and numerous private labels in the US, Canada , and Tor Imports in the UK. After 14 years Desiree’ went on to become a full time artist and printmaker. Her work as a free hand artist is illustrative with a street style. Her drawings, paintings, chalk art, and murals are at times vectored where she is the only reproducer of her work with a vastex 6 color press. Desiree’ is driven, professional in all aspects of her artistry and deeply desires to make a positive creative impact through her art.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My grandmother was an oil painter and mother was a graphic designer. I’ve been immersed in art my entire life. When I was 21, my kids’ father and I started a cigar business. I was drawn to the idea because of the beautiful paper boxes. I love packaging and was able to express my art through our brands and private labels. After 14 years of working together, I wanted my own identity and have been pursuing my art and print making career.”
What inspires you?
“My children and family. My hardship I think most. Turning struggles, negativity and life’s challenges into something beautiful. Art allows me to invert those powers and creatively express my voice.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Finding happiness, searching for contempt in the chaos. I love color and feel even when at the moments of producing my art may have been sad, happiness shines through.”
How would you describe your work?
“Original, colorful, expressive and street.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Of contemporary artist I have always loved Simone Legno and Cake. Erte' has been a huge inspiration for me as well. I love Edgar Degas. I wish could sit down and openly discuss my art and struggles and see if he would understand and have advice.”
“I love color and feel even when at the moments of producing my art may have been sad, happiness shines through.”
What is your creative process like?
“Sometimes, I start with stretches and concepts. Especially with public art bids its a must. It changes with the mediums I use. for screen printing everything I produce is hand drawn then vectored. Once I produce the screen, I love playing with color and adding other mediums like watercolor to watch each piece evolve. When I'm painting its very free flowing. I’ll have a concept in mind and I express that on canvas. Earlier in my paintings, I was more obsessive and would completely lose my self in each piece until finished. Now I've learned to pace my time, eat and enjoy the process. Every piece I start out loving it, then I hate it once I start loving it again, I know it’s time to finish so I don't over think or work my art.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists are meant to inspire. To create beauty and interpret concepts, ideas, places and feelings into visual empowerment. Art and the world are always evolving and history can be told though the movement of artist and art.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“At this point in my career most of my physical work is regional. I love being apart of Albany Arts Centers annual regional exhibit and Brookhavens annual pop up. I think both start with the curators. Their love of art and passion for supporting the artist they encourage me and have helped me sell several pieces. I do love the opportunity to share my work as an artist with Influx gallery and hope to participate in international art fairs soon.”
Website: stashhousetrading.artweb.com
Instagram: @stashhousetradingcompany
Brush Bio: www.brush.bio/stashhousetrading
