Layers Upon Layers: Mixed Media Art

Artist Profile: Randy Hill

by Cyndi on August 21st, 2008

Fly Me To The Moon (flying saucer)

Artist: Randy Hill
Business name: Art Foundango
Location: Salem, Oregon

Website & Blog:
Art Foundango
Art Foundango blog

Sanctuary (bird assemblage)

How do you describe your work, Randy?
I officially create assemblage art, but it’s something I’ve done since I was a young boy. I was raised on a farm in central Texas near Austin and I would accompany my father to the town dumping grounds on the weekends to get rid of our farm trash. While we were there I would go “treasure hunting” and find cool things that other people had thrown away. When I got back home, I would come up with little creations with the stuff I had found.

I call this particular style of artwork that I do (I also paint and have a graphic design business) Art Foundango. It’s a funny little made-up term that sounded kind of Texan and freewheeling to me. I use it to help describe the spirit in which I create these assemblages. Forty years of being drenched in Texan history and mythology and Tex-Mex cultures have had a profound influence on me.

What is your creative process like?
I rarely listen to music when I work. It’s kind of weird now that I think about it. I’m a musician yet I prefer to work in silence. I really don’t know why. I find it distracts me too much to have music playing in the background – especially if it has lyrics. If I listen to any music at all, it will some easy listening jazz or classical music, but if I’m really feeling the spirit, I’ll throw on some Led Zeppelin or ZZ Top.

Basically, my creative process starts with an initial idea that may come to mind either from a childhood memory of some kind or by the finding of a particular piece that will evolve into the final assemblage. I rarely plan things out on paper. Once I’m into it, I can work for hours at a time and if I’m really into it, I will keep going until the piece is finished. Of course having a touch of OCD helps!

I Saw The Light (guitar tribute to Hank Williams)

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I’ve been an artist since I was a young boy. I have had no formal training. I have tried to learn along the way through observing, through reading and studying and through interactions with other artists.
I believe that a person can achieve whatever he or she can dream up if they will just stick in there and refuse to give up. Be stubborn. Have as many interests as you can keep with. I’ve worked as a graphic designer, musician, radio show host, producer and magazine publisher. All these different interests will eventually influence my art at some point.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Does coffee count? I would be hard pressed to try to get along without a computer. And to think, I was once deathly afraid of them.

The Baby Ate Your Dingo (alien baby)

What inspires you to create?
I’m frequently inspired by my memories of growing up in Texas. Movies, books and old TV shows may even have an influence and show up in my work. The old “Twilight Zone” TV series definitely had an effect on me. When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a movie set prop designer. That is probably the root of what led to my love of assemblage.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
My wife Dawn, has been a big encouragement to me over the years. When I was unable to believe in myself, she did, and gave me the kick in the rear that I needed on many occasions. I’ve also learned to talk myself out of the “black spells” when they try to descend on me. It takes a lot of work!

Rocket Ship #7

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
At this stage in my art “career,” I feel like I don’t have much to say to anyone, but if I did, I’d say to never, ever give up. Get stubborn about your art and your passion and don’t let life pass you by. Try new mediums. Get out and meet other artists. Get involved on a local level. Just keep moving.

Randy Hill

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I’ve been a professional drummer since I was a teenager. As a musician, I’ve traveled the world and seen places I would have never dreamed of seeing as a boy growing up on a farm in central Texas back in the late 50s and early 60s. I recently started a western swing band called The Oregon Valley Boys which is keeping me busy. After that, I love to go traveling to new places with my wife. I want to experience as much of this world and life as I can before I leave it.

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POSTED IN: Artist Profiles, Assemblage, Creativity, Mixed Media, Recycled Art