Tim Maxwell In The Studio
Tim Maxwell was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1978 and lives and works in New York City.
He received his BFA from PSU in 2002, and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2004.
Tim Maxwell’s drawings are influenced by Celtic illuminated manuscripts, medieval depictions of the Last Judgment, geometry, human ornamentation, and the self-help quality of punk and hardcore music.
What inspires you?
Listening to long audio books by Russian authors, like Dostoyevsky or Tolstoy. Listening to very loud (possibly, obnoxious) music to the likes of Napalm Death, Brutal Truth and Terrorizer. And last but not least, sculpture garden's and museums in any city. One more, the ink flowing from a fountain pen on paper.
Describe your creative process.
I tend to be austere and methodical when I draw. I will typically wake up at 8AM and draw till 8PM. I rarely eat, and much to my advantage, don't like eating, so food doesn't get in the way. I will usually listen to loud and heavy music while occasionaly, well, always checking my Instagram account. I like to think of myself as a modern monastic artist.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Austere, Macabre, and Gothic
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Giotto, Masaccio, Bosch, Bruegel, Durer, Goya, Gustave Dore, Salvador Dali, MC Escher, Agnes Martin
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Without a doubt my fountain pen. This being a Pilot Custom 823 or a Montblanc 149
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Where do you go for inspiration?
