Interview with Truen Pence

Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 20:41:47

Congratulations to Truen Pence for winning our 'Make it Gold' contest. A designer based in Oregon's Willamette Valley, we caught up with Truen to get his backstory, some words on art, his dental records, and how the 'Poop Deck Yachting Loafer' came to be....

What was the inspiration behind your design?

(said with pirate accent)  "Ah... The rolling sea... She's my only love!" Actually, I recently moved to Oregon from the Midwest so the ocean is only a recent inspiration. My wife and I do moleskine collaborations every time we travel, and this design grew out of one of those sketches after we stayed at our favorite seaside motel. It's decked out in kitschy nautical paintings, and you can't help but be inspired. My wife is a very talented printmaker and approaches her work from a different perspective, so it's fun to collaborate with her.

As we grow older our influences constantly change. Have your influences changed, as you have grown older?

Yeah- I am looking to film for inspiration a lot more lately. It has the ability to tell so many stories simultaneously.
Also, as a designer, I'm constantly observing and consuming new influences, but it seems like there is always a center you always gravitate to... Something you are drawn to and it almost feels nostalgic.

Any artist(s) excite you most right now?

I get inspiration from all kinds of artists and designers, but it's amazing how many are right here in the Pacific NW. I have to say that moving to Oregon has really been good for me artistically!

Who, What or Where do you find most inspiring?

My wife probably wouldn't consider herself a "cool hunter" but she seems to finds some really amazing imagery and some trend-setting site daily. I have no idea where she finds most of it. Inspiring stuff though.

Where/when: I also keep a sketchbook or recording device by my bed because ideas tend to strike during the night... Like a panther!

Do you prefer digital versus fine art or vice versa? What’s your favorite medium to work in?

I'll take the easy route and admit that my taste is mixed. I do, primarily, work digitally now though. It's just more natural and quicker for me to get ideas out in this format.

Do you have a specific style that you are drawn to?

I really dig the handmade... dare I say-craftlike aesthetic that has developed over the last few years. Mike Perry's books and work, Handmade Nation and sites like Etsy have really brought that into the mainstream, but it's neat because it's still so unique. Sure, I also dig a well-crafted clean design too, but I seem to consume more of the former.

Anything specific (colors, patterns, genres of art) that you embrace or reject?

Two words: more starbursts, please!

Listen to music when you’re creating? If so, what do you prefer?

Sure. Let's see... Antony and the Johnsons, The Avett Bros, and Bonnie Prince Billy are on the playlist. Sounds like that; mellow, soundtrack-like stuff usually yield interesting results. I am partial to a lot of indie folk on the headphones too, headphones because unfortunately not everyone appreciates a good banjo!

What are some of your favorite places to go?  What are your favorite things to eat and drink? Do any of these things inspire your work?

I like to spend hours in the magazine rack if I can. I know that's not an exotic travel destination, but I get a lot of inspiration from mags. We do like to explore Portland neighborhood hangouts as much as we can too. I found that a good taco from PorQueNo is worth the hour and a half drive!

Do you collect anything? If so, is it art related?

Our apartment is so small, I can hardly justify my aspiring micro vintage shoe habit! But my grandmother handed down quite an extensive porcelain dog collection. Does that count?

What’s the best or most interesting present you’ve ever received? Did this present encourage you to pursue art?

Hmm... Maybe my first computer, an LCII in 1993, loaded with Hypercard, an early design program. I loved it and made simple animations and drawings. I didn't start to pursue art or design until much later, but it was Hypercard that hooked me on digital. (gaining back some of that sweet, sweet nerd cred)

What are you most proud of designing or creating?

The first painting I sold. I was extremely proud of that piece and that is when it really clicked for me- I could make a living out of this art thing.
But hey- these shoes aren't too bad either!

Any interesting or current projects are you working on?

I actually just finished shooting a short film with a few friends and co-workers. It has been really amazing to interpret a visual story through film rather than images. It has really sharpened my eye and I hope to continue more filmmaking in the future.

If you could be known for saying one thing, what would it be?

You can learn all you need to know in life from the 3 Woody's: Allen, Guthrie, and Harrelson... be careful with that last one.