Play Tops Work, Connection Tops Solitude, and Confidence Tops Fear with Willie Cole (#126)

There’s always plenty to be learned from artists who have been
making a go of it for decades. Just think about how much has
changed in 30 years! In this episode of The Art Biz, my guest is
Willie Cole, a self-described perceptual engineer with an
impressive list of collaborations under his belt and even more in
the works. Together we talk about the faith he has in his work as
a result of being consistent throughout the years. And why he
says work is a bad word and prefers to approach his studio in the
spirit of play.


We discussed his art and why he challenges people to perceive
recognizable objects, like shoes and musical instruments, in new
ways. You’ll hear how one of his Instagram posts — where he
mocked up his art as if to appear on the cover of Vogue — led to
collaborations with major fashion brands. Such opportunities
continue coming his way, which might be the result of his faith
in his practice. Spoiler: Visualizing success plays a role.


Highlights




Willie calls himself a perceptual engineer, but what exactly
does that mean? (3:12)




The importance (if any) of showing the materials Willie uses
to create his work, including 75 cut-up guitars. (5:35)




“Planning makes it feel too much like a job.” How Willie
approaches his work instead. (11:02)




A peek inside Willie’s studio. (13:58)




Work is a bad word, but play can make your business better
every day. (15:55)




Staying in a playful mindset in every stage of production.
(19:15)




The value of improvisation and the value of not knowing
everything. (21:08)




Willie feels like the luckiest business person in America.
(23:40)




The business-minded people that makeup Willie’s team and
insights into his collaborations. (25:36)




Propelling yourself forward in spite of your fears. (35:24)




The difference between fashion industry collaborations and
gallery relationships. (37:51)




The music on Willie’s current playlist and what is coming up
next in his work. (40:28)




 


Mentioned




Willie’s collaboration with Tod’s




Willie’s collaboration with Comme des Garçons




Armando Cabral




Money Good by Megan Thee Stallion




Joan Armatrading concert on YouTube




Vogue covers by Black artists




 


The Art Biz Connection


The Wildly Productive Get Organized Challenge for Your
Art Biz


 


Resources




Show notes, images, and listener comments




How to Price Your Art free report




Art Biz Connection artist membership




 


Quotes




“Play is play, and the opposite of play, I guess, would be
work.” — Willie Cole




“It becomes work rather than play when it becomes a
money-making business.” — Willie Cole




“Knowing has limitations because once you find something, you
only see it as that.” — Willie Cole




“I feel like the luckiest business person in America.” —
Willie Cole




“When passion marries intention and it can be monetized, it’s
work but it’s also just joy.” — Willie Cole




“To proceed with confidence and fearlessness, I have to
believe that opportunities connect.” — Willie Cole




“Connections open up so many doors, they keep the fear way
behind me.” — Willie Cole




 


Guest Bio


Willie Cole calls himself a perceptual engineer. Whether he is
using the symbolism of a steam iron or the shapes of high fashion
shoes and recognizable musical instruments, he challenges how we
look at things. While he has had solo exhibitions at esteemed
institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Miami Art Museum,
and Montclair Art Museum, Willie embraces nontraditional avenues
for his work, such as collaborations with major fashion brands.
He is represented by Alexander and Bonin Gallery in New York,
Maus Contemporary Gallery (Alabama), Gavlak Gallery (Los
Angeles/Florida), and Kavi Gupta Gallery (Chicago). Willie lives
and works in New Jersey.