Meet Jeffrey Falk | Mixed media artist, performance artist, writer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeffrey Falk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeffrey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Trying to make it in the art world is a risky business to start with. The artists and creative people that I have admired since I began this journey were clearly risk takers. I have tried to follow in their footsteps by echoing their actions and intent.

In life anything worth doing usually contains some amount of risk. At least that is my experience. Whether hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or experimenting with new art methods, some form of risk seems to make the effort all the more worthwhile. And of course in relationships, love and friendship, there is a degree of risk taking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began as an oil painter. Then inspired by the dadaists, and the post modernist artists of the late 50s, I began to explore other methods and art forms. Assemblage/constructions/found art, mixed media, performance art, experimental theatre and video. It was not easy to get noticed as an artist at first but after years of hard work, and perseverance, I have had some success. I don’t expect everyone who sees my art to “get it” or understand it. Sometimes I don’t understand it myself. But my art is my own message, my own language that I have worked at many years to create. Thankfully enough people have found my work worthwhile and interesting. Because of this I keep making it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is a lot of history in this part of the world. Ancient ruins of indigenous people can be found in and around Phoenix. We are a modern desert metropolis and nature has gifted us with mountains and natural wonders not far from the city. A week long visit here would would include hiking and visits to natural and also historic human made sites. Less than an hour drive from Phoenix is The Boyce Thompson Arboretum, which features one of the largest collections of desert and exotic, drought resistant trees, plants and cacti from around the world. Nestled in a large canyon surrounded by amazing rock formations there are trails throughout the place. It is both a breathtaking landscape and a great way to witness and commune with nature. Pepe’s Taco Villa, a longtime Mexican cafe, has some of the best home made style Mexican food you can find in the city. And it features great beer and tequila choices.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
M.A.R.S. (Movimiento Artistico Del Rio Salado) art space/organization was an artist run collective here in Phoenix. It began sometime in the 70s and ended in 2002. Early on it featured the work of hispanic/latino artists. As the years went by it opened up to other artists of various races and backgrounds. When I joined the group in 1985 I was the first anglo artist voted into the organization.

I was welcomed there and I learned so much from being a member of MARS. I learned how to write PR, how to install art exhibitions, how to interact with other art organizations, and a dozen other tasks while I was there. It was a group of open minded kindred spirits who happened to be dynamic and intensely creative people. MARS pioneered new ideas and methods that became a vital part of the Phoenix arts community during its run. Many of those ideas and methods became guiding templates still used by art organizations in Phoenix today. I cannot say enough good things about MARS.

Other: Google “Artist Jeffrey Falk, Phoenix” to find several websites and places where images of my art, and my exhibition history, can be seen.

Image Credits
The majority of these photos of my art were taken by photographer/artist Annie Lopez