Nathan Leach-Proffer
“My life has almost always revolved around cars in some shape or form. They have been a major influence on me in countless ways and there are so many different parts I find interesting.”
What made you want to join Art Gym? Multiple factors that all aligned. I was feeling burned out and the idea of a community space with other artists sounded refreshing and was something I was missing. I am a photographer but started relief printing in my garage and I was very excited once seeing the space and equipment available.
How has Art Gym helped with your art practice? Art Gym has provided a space to talk and learn that is just amazing. The team has been amazing if I had questions which I really appreciate.
What are you hoping to communicate through your work? Nothing with my printmaking which is freeing to then explore and experiment. I like the opportunity to make something physical, having variations and imperfections that show it’s handmade.
Within my photography it depends on the brief and what the client wants to relay. One of the things I have always loved about photography is the challenge of taking a brief or some feeling and trying to capture the subject in a way that aligns while also putting your style into it.
Who and/or what are some of your biggest artistic influences? I am all over the place. My life has almost always revolved around cars in some shape or form. They have been a major influence on me in countless ways and there are so many different parts I find interesting. From design and engineering to motorsports and race liveries to just driving.
My photography and printmaking go different directions but one of my goals at Art Gym is to try and experiment on having the two influence each other. In my artwork I tend to have more of an influence from graffiti and street art, some specific artist but also just the feeling of layers or art and stickers overlapping and fighting for space. My favorite photography is much more minimalist in contrast.
What does your artwork mean to you? It’s hard sometimes, at least for me when you make a living with your art to separate it from yourself. I guess that’s my way of saying a lot.
