In the Studio | Bryce Wymer
Bryce Wymer is an NYC-based artist with a graphic nature to his work. His influences consist of his upbringing in the DIY punk music scene, as well as 20th century dada collage work. Each work has a layered effect, a symbol of the complexity humans contain. Get to know more about his intuitive practice below.
TAPPAN
Tell us about yourself and how you came to be an artist.
BRYCE WYMER
Growing up I was firmly planted in the underground DIY punk/hardcore music scene. A majority of the visuals in this movement were grounded in a minimalist use of color and a healthy sampling from some of the early 20th century dadaist collage artists. I was always creating zines and flyers, as well as album covers and band logos. I have found that over the years the financial restrictions from that scene have instilled a limited palette approach to most of my current works. I think it also instilled a “trim the fat” and “get to what matters” approach to my work.
TAPPAN
Describe your work in three words.
BRYCE WYMER
Heavy, Arresting, Colorful.
TAPPAN
What is your creative process?
BRYCE WYMER
Everywhere I go I have a small sketchbook with me. Throughout the day I will be working through ideas and themes. Once an idea feels like it's too big to be kept in this little book I will start developing what scale the project should exist at. Once I'm in the studio I do some large scale drawings and digital or practical color studies. After all of that the paintings typically come together pretty fast. I find that if I spend more than a few days they tend to get rigid and lose the spontaneity of the original sketches.
TAPPAN
What draws you to drawing and painting?
BRYCE WYMER
I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t making art. I’ve found that if even a day goes by without creating or developing something I tend to get the sads.
Bryce Wymer at work
Bryce Wymer says
“Growing up I was firmly planted in the underground DIY punk/hardcore music scene. A majority of the visuals in this movement were grounded in a minimalist use of color and a healthy sampling from some of the early 20th century dadaist collage artists.”
Bryce Wymer's studio
Bryce Wymer in studio
TAPPAN
Where do you obtain inspiration?
BRYCE WYMER
I find inspiration in the people around me and the stories that I surround myself with. I find inspiration in trying to capture the heart and soul of a narrative frozen in time.
TAPPAN
When do you make your best work?
BRYCE WYMER
There is really no set time in the day that I create my best work. That being said I have found that after a long bike ride or a run I tend to have some of my best ideas. My physical practice really happens at random.
TAPPAN
What influence does modern culture have on your work?
BRYCE WYMER
I suppose modern culture is really just a culture that tends to change often. While it's probably impossible to not create within your own time and place I really find myself drawn to the artists that can transcend time and place.
TAPPAN
What is your relationship with social media?
BRYCE WYMER
I feel like many doors have opened for me because I have put the time in to really get my work out into the world. It's definitely beneficial to see in real time what individuals are drawn to. That being said I think it can drive people to keep creating the same types of works over and over again. In the last few years I have definitely been trying to create a healthy relationship with this instant feedback loop.
TAPPAN
What influence does living in New York have on your work?
BRYCE WYMER
New York is the kind of city that is not necessarily as colorful as other places I have lived. The true color and vibrancy comes from its people and the perpetual kinetic movement. I've found that my use of color has really expanded since I moved here 14 years ago.
TAPPAN
What messages or emotions do you hope to convey to your audience?
BRYCE WYMER
Most of my works are stories, or moments within stories. I love the idea of exploring very human concepts and I suppose I would like people to see some aspect of themselves within my works.
TAPPAN
Who are some contemporaries or figures in art history who have influenced you?
BRYCE WYMER
Kathe Kollwitz, Rockwell Kent, Thomas Hart Benton, Lyubov Popova, Ben Shawn, Milton Glazer and Sol Lewit.
TAPPAN
Are there any quotes or mantras that you particularly connect with?
BRYCE WYMER
Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. -Oscar Wilde
TAPPAN
What do you listen to when creating?
BRYCE WYMER
I grew up playing bass and percussion in all types of bands. Everything from punk rock groups to jazz outfits. My taste in music has always been very broad. I generally start my days off with something driving and straight ahead and as the day unfolds I tend to smooth things out a bit with hip hop and various angular jazz records.
TAPPAN
What makes you laugh?
BRYCE WYMER
This is an interesting question. Laughter is something that tends to be so organic I have never really thought about what type of humor I'm drawn to. I suppose I really have a love for all types of sarcasm.
TAPPAN
What makes you nervous?
BRYCE WYMER
Hmmm… Tiny Elevators, Anxious people.
TAPPAN
What makes you excited about the future?
BRYCE WYMER
What makes me excited about the future is whatever is going to be created tomorrow. I definitely can feel really excited about what I have created thus far. But there is always a sense within me that what tomorrow holds is bound to be much more interesting.
