Something is going on with the genetics in the Prager family, and I’m pretty sure I want to marry into it. Blonde, beautiful, and freakishly artistic, the sisters Prager have it going on. Alex is a brilliant photographer, and her sister Vanessa, the subject of today’s interview, is a talented painter. I am currently investigating (read: stalking) to find out if there is a sculptor or balloon-animal making brother, but if not I’ll definitely consider switching teams. Such is the power of Prager.
Vanessa’s paintings are at once realistic and whimsical, as if she’s showing us actuality as she wants it to be. She is prone to painting her friends (please be my friend) and her rich use of color and addition of eccentric details make her portraits both engaging and amusing. The 25 year old Los Angeles native is part of the WeSC Activist program and recently created a special t-shirt for their Summer 2010 collection.
You can see more of Vanessa’s work HERE.
1. Who inspires you?
People who go for it.. are tough, skilled, confident, persistent. I think it takes all those things to succeed at even any small thing in this crazy world. Oh yeah, and people who succeed, which can mean a million things to a billion different people, but I mean to just know what you want and do whatever it takes to get it done, despite the endless reasons not to. Less talking, more doing
2. What is your biggest flaw?
When I take things too seriously or put too much importance on them. If I start thinking too much, about an idea or a painting or whatever, if I do that and start getting in my head, things can get all messy and muddled and I easily forget what was good about it to begin with
I’m pretty instinctive about things… until I’m not, if you know what I mean.
3. What next?
I’m working on a new series of drawings – ballpoint pen on vintage sheet music- for a June show at Em & Co Boutique. I’m co-curating a show with with my friend Lisa http://lisasaysblog.com/ to be held at Ghettogloss in August. I’ve just finished producing a limited edition shirt for WeSC’s summer collection as part of their activist series. I’m set designing the window at their store on Robertson next month
Also I’m putting together an independent show this Oct. with new paintings taking place somewhere Los Angeles. Have to check my website for details.
4. What are you reading right now?
The Wind Up Bird Chronicle.
5. How would you like to die?
Happy I guess, and preferably not from drowning, ugh
Tags: Vanessa Prager
