Louisville, Kentucky native Curtis Anthony is achieving world recognition with his amazing shoe artwork. Recently featured in the 2015 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Hong Kong, Curtis is making his way with his company pARIaiTin.
Q. I love your artwork—when did you first decide to pick up a piece of metal wire and sculpt? When and how did you know it was something you were going to continue to pursue and work at?
A. I first was introduced to wire in middle school. My art teacher at the time was very creative and allowed the class to do just about anything. We all made cardboard sculptures of things and I just happened to find wire at home and created a sculpture out of it. It really wasn’t until around 2010 that I found myself reintroducing myself with the stuff to see if I still had the desire. From that point, I knew wire was my thing.
Q. What gave you the shoe idea?
A. Honestly, I had a converse shoe laying around during my inspirational peak. I created the shoe in my mind initially and then I actually created it. I posted the converse on converse’s Facebook page shortly upon completion and began receiving responses from all over the world.
Q. I imagine it must have been an honor when you were contacted by Paul Peirce of the LA Clippers wanting to buy your work–as well as getting commissioned by the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville—can you tell me what that was like, to start getting recognition at that level?
A. You know what, I thought I had made it. That was a very difficult piece to complete. I had a deadline of a month to complete it. Normally, I would take anywhere from 2 or 3 months to complete that. I struggled throughout the month, thinking on one hand that I hated how it was turning out and then on another I love it. I knew there was a deadline so I didn’t have much time to critique and change things so I pressed on. During the final stages of the piece I had to stay up for several nights to meet the deadline and I would say it turned out pretty cool.
Q. I saw online that you have given classes in how to design with metal wire, a lot of people would have wanted to keep that information to themselves, what propelled you to teach others while still presently building your own brand?
A. I thought about that many times myself, but I realized that there are many other artists of different genres. However, there are specific ways and things that make us all different. If I continued to be myself and let that show through my work then that is what makes it mine. No one can duplicate anyone else if you are yourself. I concentrate on staying in my own lane.
Q. You recently traveled to China to be showcased in the 2015 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture—what an honor! How was the response there? I imagine the whole trip must have been pretty inspiring— what was that experience like?
A. To be considered for such a show was amazing! I enjoy seeing different things and traveling. I have been fortunate to be able to travel all over the US and some other places, but China was an opportunity of a lifetime. The response was great! The language barrier was pretty tough, but I was able to connect with great people and really embraced the moment.
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Q. Are you an artist that gets up and does it every day or do you need to feel “inspired”? What kind of “schedule” do you keep to stay on top of your game—or are you one of the lucky ones that just wake up productive? And if you do hit a low or rather a block, what do you do to unblock yourself?
A. Unfortunately, I lack the resources and means to make this a life for myself at this time. I am a truck driver on a living bases. Someone happened to believe in me and give me an opportunity to show my work to the world. During the climax of my creativity I was primarily without a job and I had time to do what I loved. In the meantime, I have been creative in other ways like designing things around my house; almost similar to an interior designer. So, I was born to create and I manage to maintain that lifestyle to the best of my ability. When or if I do hit a low or block I step away and take a look at things around to me and devise ways to make it better.
Q. Where did the name pARIaiTin come from—what’s the story behind that?
A. Years ago I met someone on the west coast who used and described that word in a way that I felt was identical to me as a person. Later, when I looked up the correct spelling of the word, I noticed how relevant it was to my work. PARLAYING as it is pronounced means to make something of no value into something of great value.
Q. What artists inspire you?
A. I am inspired by artists that don’t have access to all of the resources or know how. I believe that creativity comes from individuals that tell their story through their work. I am inspired by the nature of humans and when they’re not afraid to show that within their work.
Q. What advice would you give someone young wanting to become an artist?
A. Any profession or desire is difficult. You must be consistent. One particular opportunity will not do it, you have to prove yourself to each and every opportunity you have. Keep good people and connections along with you. When following your dreams, realize that you have to wake up.
Q. What’s going on for you in 2016—what is your focus?
A. In 2016, my focus will be on meeting more individuals who believe in me and I in them. I am concentrating on other opportunities and getting better creatively.
Q. Where do you want to go with this—where do you see yourself in say five years?
A. I would like to be creating more work. I am interested in creating a shoe store concept of 20 or 30 shoes of wire. In five years, I would like to go on tour, traveling the world showing these works.
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