MEET THE ARTISTS:
Jim Houser
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: I grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia called Springfield, PA.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN ART: It's been there my whole life. As a kid, I discovered that thing-making contains a magical element that allows me to be still and quiet my mind. I have never not made things.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU: The beauty and brutality of nature. Language. Fatherhood and husbandhood. Music-making. Memories.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PROJECT THAT YOU’VE WORKED ON: No, but any installation work in a new location is my favorite aspect. There is a combination of endless possibility and anxiety when arriving at a new spot and working through the puzzle that I’m not able to recreate in any other aspect of my work. It feels lonely but not lonely. It feels like playing and not playing. I love it.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE HISTORICAL FIGURE: Julius Erving.
WHAT SONG GETS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD MOST OFTEN: “The Biggest Lie” by Elliot Smith has by far the most plays in my iTunes. Probably that one.
WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL: The wallaby.
IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Bread.
WHAT IS THE ONE ITEM OF CLOTHING THAT YOU WEAR MOST OFTEN: A tan long-bill fishing hat.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING YOU'VE EVER DONE: I lived through death of my first wife.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT: I can fall asleep, anywhere. At any time.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DANCE MOVE: I play the sideline. Smile and nod.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST THING IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR: Chocolate covered mushrooms.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND AFTER A BUSY DAY: My son goes to bed at 8. My wife usually at 10, on work days. I go to bed at midnight. So, for two hours I eat coffee ice cream and watch basketball, football, or movies, depending on the time of year that it is.
