Student Profile : Justin Bochek
LZ: Can you tell us a bit about yourself (program, year, etc.) and the art you create?
JB: I am in Criticism and Curatorial Practice (CRCP) and I am doing a minor in Sculpture and Installation. I am currently in my 3rd year. I am really interested in digital art.
What influenced your decision to major in CRCP?
I am really interested in the ideas surrounding art and it seemed like the program that would best equip me to talk and write about art.
Where does your inspiration come from? What are you really into right now?
I am actually really into Sandra Lee right now, I am not even going lie. I am really into the ridiculousness of her character.
What 2 art supplies could you not live without?
The computer and the Internet.
What is it that excites you most about the material you work with? Is there another medium you would like to work in?
I like the immateriality of it because it’s all on a computer screen so its very mutable. I would say that I wish I knew how to draw or paint but then I am not sure what would I do with that.
What is your favourite technique that you use in your work?
I am kind of obsessive so I like collecting objects like photographs, new media objects, downloading videos and jpegs and rugs off eBay. If you really look you can get some good deals on eBay.
What is your working style (do you work on multiple pieces at once, work best under pressure, etc.)?
Oh, multiple things at once. I enjoy working under pressure; I work more concisely. This means you can’t second guess your decisions.
Do you set goals for yourself?
I set loose goals that are easy to obtain.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I try and keep a sense of humour in what I do.
Has attending art school helped you develop your own personal style? If so, how?
Yes, absolutely. I have been introduced to really exciting ideas and concepts like the history of new media art or photo theory and criticism. Those are two of my favourite courses that I have taken here.
What advice would you give people considering enrolling in art school?
I think that you can benefit from going to art school even if you don’t want to be a practicing artist because of the experiential nature of the education. You are still getting a practical education with a theoretical framework.
What upcoming projects can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
I am going to be showing a video at BYOB Toronto at Gallery TPW.
What are 3 likes and 3 dislikes of yours?
Likes: my new tie-dye snuggie, Sandra Lee’s Kwanza cake, and bad recipes. I recently tried Campbell’s tomato soup cake with cream cheese icing.
Dislikes: Wikkihut mash potato sculpture, empty bookshelves, intrusive security guards at the AGO and ROM.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I have been listening to a lot of New Order and cheesy dub step remixes.
What is your favourite place to eat around OCAD?
There are lots of little gems. If you can sneak in the AGO’s members lounge they have really good sandwiches.
What do you do to relax?
Bubble baths.
What is your favourite thing about studying in Toronto?
The city. If you are studying art you are in the right place because most of the country’s art scene is here.
What is your dream job?
I would love to be the director of an artist run centre.
Is there anything else you want to share with us, any final thoughts?
I really can’t wait to sleep.
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