Hayden Menzies, Toronto, Canada
“He’s Back!” – Anonymous
NOW AVAILABLE exclusively
NEW PAINTINGS by Hayden Menzies
Artist’s Statement:
Making things has always been an important aspect of my daily life. Painting and drawing simply became the most effective way for me to create and explore. Using a variety of conventional and unconventional mark making tools such as, acrylic paint, ink, charcoal, oil pastel, rags, water, sand paper, offers the perfect forum to mix these mediums on surfaces such as canvas, wood, metal, and paper. Different combinations of these elements allow me to work quickly and freely, and makes it possible to capture the essence of the subject matter, as well as continue to experiment with the elements to achieve the desired aesthetic affect.
The distressed look to the majority of my work is just as important art he subject matter because it allows the process of the work to be visible in the final stage of the work. It encourages the viewer to look for the various stages in the process of completing a single piece. This transparency is essential to how I work. It forces me to take risks, add a human element to the work as well as a sense of humour. Working heavily with lines and large blocks of colour, seems to be the only way to successfully achieve this level of organized chaos in the art. It is simultaneously dense and empty to allow for the rustic, earthy toned treatment of the overall image.
In contrast to the bright colors and seemingly humorous characters that may disarm them, themes of fear and anxiety are also huge sources of content. Things I love and hate. Things I fear, things I wish for. Things I observe and attempt to process within the world around us, both fascinating and disturbing, are frequently present in my work.
Growth and self analysis is also an important part of the overarching art scope. It is a goal to develop and grow as an artist and a person. To look at art in new ways and continue to analyze and face truths. To make mistakes. To challenge my process and motivations. To move forward.
Interview:
Artist Spotlight: Hayden Menzies
How did you get into art and drawing?
I’ve been drawing and doing art for as long as I can remember. Even longer than I’ve been playing drums. It’s always acted as an escape or an outlet for everyday stresses. Sometimes it’s just fun though.
I eventually went to school for art at Concordia University in Montreal, but before that I was in sciences at a different University. I enjoy science but it didn’t feel right, so I switched.
What are some of the things that inspire your visual art?
A lot of inspiration for my stuff comes from everyday things. I get stuck in my own head a lot, so sometimes visualizing thoughts and invented scenarios are a big influence. Other times it’s the fascination with the minutia of the world around us. I notice weird things like the way someone walks or has distinct hand gestures, but I’d never be able to describe what they looked like.
Other artists are influential as well. Travis Millard, Bruce Bickford, Andy Goldsworthy, Robert Reis…Look these people up, you won’t be disappointed.
What’s it like being a musician and a visual artist? Does your visual arts lens ever influence your music? If so how? Are there times that being a musician and a visual artist seem to blend together?
I’ve never really thought about it haha. I’ve just always done it I suppose. I like having the two worlds coexist, but sometimes I prefer to have them as two separate entities. Both formats have their pros and cons. Working with 2 of my best friends making songs and bouncing ideas off of each other until something is born from that is pretty rewarding, but I also like having a solo outlet like drawing and painting to mold things my way, for better or for worse. They overlap in obvious ways like designing t-shirts or drawing show posters etc. and I like that they can comingle, but they don’t need each other to survive per say.
What can we expect from you this year for music and art?
We are taking some time off after this current tour to start working on a new record, but in the mean time we have a couple of 7 inches and collaborations we’ve been working on that will all see the light of day fairly soon this year.
I’m working on some paintings for a new collection when I get home and a couple of commissions. Painting someone’s motorcycle gas tank, which is a first! Maybe a zine. Nothing too planned out just yet, but that’s the way I like it!!
MORE:
HAYDEN MENZIES
You know when someone has that undeniable talent? That ability to create something extremely innovative that really inspires you? Well, meet Hayden Menzies, a creative soul that has many gifts. Not only is he the drummer for Juno and Polaris Prize nominated, Toronto Punk Rock band, Metz, he is an amazing artist and illustrator. I recently sat down with him to talk about his life and his extra crispy artwork that will make you happy you have eyes!
Tell me a little about your life growing up?
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. My parents met in University and played in bands together until my Dad unexpectedly got into Medical school in his 30’s. With no way to pay for it and four kids, he joined the army and they paid for Med school and because of this we moved around quite a bit. Every 2-3 years we would be somewhere different. We lived in Germany, and all over Canada–Fredericton, Ottawa, Kingston. Luckily, I have three brothers I’m still very close with because we moved around so often. You don’t get a chance to have long term friends when every couple of years you have to pick up and move. Eventually, I went to University in Ottawa for Environmental Studies and Bio Chemistry but ended up at Concordia University in Montreal to complete my arts degree.
Who are your influences?
When it comes to ink on paper, old rubber hose animation stuff and Steamboat Micky. Filmwise, Czech filmmaker/animator, surrealist, Jan Svankmajer. Current stuff would include, Gerhard Richter, older Alberto Giacometti stuff or Egon Schiele. I like trying to combine the really tight finite things with cartoons, with the sort of disposable or messy, less precious approach with dry brush strokes. I like those things playing with each other.
What inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by seeing other people create stuff. Whether its artwork, or music or owning a flower shop. I get inspired by the people who have the gusto to go out and work toward something and put themselves out there and be somewhat vulnerable. I think it’s very noble and admirable for people to take risks and put creative things out on the line.
What is next for you?
Future plans are to just continue to record and tour and do as much art as I can. You gotta work to be happy!
even more:
https://www.thevinylvillains.com/blog/2019/2/8/hayden-menzies
https://www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/music-2/hayden-menzies-metz-shares-influences-inspirations/
08: HAYDEN MENZIESOUT NOW