Meet Evan Siegel | Artist and substitute teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evan Siegel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evan, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

“The point is to look at what you have and see ways to change it, not to do something different” -Merce Cunningham

Perhaps 40 years ago, maybe more, I was reading an article about Mr. Cunningham in the New York Times.  There were questions asked, and to one of them Mr. Cunningham responded with the statement above. I do not surmise that he was intending to say something profound. It just struck me as profound, and I wrote the words in my journal. I believe (and hope) that my transcription is faithful.
     What I love about this statement is the subtle distinction Merce Cunningham is making between the words ‘change’ and ‘different’. ‘Change’ – or making a change – seems to me to be a shift in outlook that is more organic and holistic; whereas ‘different’ – or doing something different – seems more willful, more cerebral.
What I also love about these words is that there is an ambiguity in their interpretation, and this ambiguity charges the words with a constant source of energy and power. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before I was a conscious person – before my ego was developed – I drew maps in the sand, repeatedly. The medium changed to pen on paper. Maps, maps, and more maps; based on reality and yet predominantly made up. After many years I entered formal art school and learned the mechanics of art; the tools, how to make it, and where to look at it. My ego formed around this time as well. At that time I did not think about “what sets me apart from others”, nor do I think about that now. For me, the greatest art invents a language that can be appreciated and used by others.  It invents a world.  I have been engaged with art for a long time.  I do not think I have invented a language.  It is not my goal.

My work is varied, ranging from painting to sculpture, and even to architecture. Ten years ago I had the idea to design illustrated coffee mugs. Not unique, particularly. Yet it was the drawings and the subject of those drawings that I wanted to celebrate and share with the world – for $15 retail!  Why not,.. what fun!  Working on these coffee mugs connects me to that state of being of those long ago days when I was a child, drawing maps in the sand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My home is now Denver. We would begin at the beginning – Lower Downtown. It is a collection of brick buildings, that were mostly warehouses.  Wafting from these buildings would be odors that would clue you in to what was happening inside – spices, leather, wood, etc.  We would walk and look.  Now these odors have largely been displaced by the many restaurants that occupy the ground levels.  So we would walk and eat.  Mostly we would go to the older dining establishments because they are less expensive, and I don’t have much money.

Soon, eventually, we would drive. You kind of have to drive in Denver, since the city embraced the car early in its development and is laid out in a way that is very conducive to driving. (Many would argue with me on this point.)  We would drive to cool neighborhoods and walk some more. Maybe, as I write this, I realize you DON’T necessarily have to drive. Except maybe when you want to visit the mountains. Not even to the mountains, to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre!! That is a wonderful creation. It would be great fun to see an event there. a concert or a movie. We would go to the Botanic Gardens. There is a lot to do!  

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There is a Pantheon of people in my life who have inspired me, taught me, cajoled me, directed me, and supported me.  And there is also a place.

My mother,  My father,  Stanley Herman,  Robert Swain,  Dana Crawford,  Robert Tournier,  Mary Guzzy,  Karen Hartman

The Place: New York City

Website: www.evansiegel.com

Instagram: morgan_greta

Twitter: @Evansiegel22 (Or it might be) @Evansiegel2

Other: evanarthursiegel@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photograph of me taken by Mr. Steve McGregor. Photographs of my art taken by Ms. Marcia Ward / Imagemaker Photographs of students with paper tubes taken by Evan Siegel