You may not know the name Robert Hodge, but you soon will. Hodge, acclaimed mixed media artist, and member of the successful Houston band, The F-ing Transmissions, prepares this week for a solo art showing at H Gallery (327 W. 19th), "Turn Off The Radio".
On the heels of an acclaimed showing at Rice Village boutique, Premium Goods, and being hand picked to participate in the recent traveling KSwiss "Sneaker Pimps" featuring Redman and Bun B, Hodge is making a name for himself, and contributing to making a name for Houston in the art world.
This HSPVA grad is making things happen in his hometown city, and pulling up the people all around him while he's at it. We sat down and chatted with Hodge, and fellow artist Lance Flowers, about the Houston art and music scenes, and why they've decided to keep their roots here.
First things first, can you describe your artistic style what mediums you prefer to work with?
My style incorporates found objects with mixed media. I'm known for the square grid I create to make up and shade the imagery I use.. I'm not loyal to any medium. I use acrylic, oil stick, enamel, silk screening and whatever I can find to complete the project.
What other artists do you relate to? Who or what inspires you?
I have been blessed to be associated with some of the greatest talent in Texas, and possibly in the country. Lovie Olivia, Michael Kahlil Taylor, Lance Flowers, Angelbert Meteyor, Nathaiel Donnett, Greg Michael Carter, Robert Pruitt, Kenya Evans(Obtenga Jones) and John Foreman.
I'm inspired by my environment, the textures of old historic buildings, personal struggles and artist who blazed a trail for me to make this type of work and it be embraced.
There's been a lot of hype recently around urban art in Houston. To what do you attribute this attention, and are you benefitting from this exposure?
My work is a reflection of what's happening and the emotions of what's going on in my community and all over America. I think urban work is being embraced because it is real. People relate to what we are presenting them because they see it, they feel it, they hear
it. I'm thinking of my work in context of what I would like to see on my walls more of in context to what is going to sell . I believe people are yearning for authetic art as well as music. You are
witnessing a transition of power.
How has the scene and community in Houston played a role in your success?
Houston is, I believe, the best city right now for developing artists and getting the maxium exposure for your talents.. Cali, NYC, are saturated with thousands of artists looking for the same break in a much smaller area. When you dedicate yourself to your city, believe me, New York will come calling. For me, I'm about building this city up and representing Houston to the utmost of my ability. I want Houston to be my hub forever, no matter how things expand. Houston has been there for me and I will be here for it.
How does your music impact your art, and vice versa?
Music and art are, in ways, parellel. But I seperate them totally from what I create, to the band im in. Art is my lifeline. It is a clear view on how I feel and what I'm thinking about. It's very organic, while music, for me, is a different release. The Transmissions is over the top--fun,
alter ego type stuff. While art is much more personal. It's done by myself for myself, but in hopes of sharing it with the general public. When I relate to the music, I think of hooks, tracks, are the people gonna respond, and contracts. That's not how I do it with my art.
What are your opinions on the current Houston music scene, hip hop or other? Who are some artists that should be on our radar?
The Houston music scene is bubbling and about to eplode.As far as local talent, I'm feeling Peek-A-Boo Theory, Riff-Tiffs, Rebel Crew, Shina Rae, Perspher 1, Dee-Rail, Low Ends, No Suprise, Studemont Project, Fetti, You Genius and all those who are consistent with performing.
Why do you think Houston has struggled so much to claim a reputable music scene? And what can it do to change that?
All I ask is for Houston to embrace us. Make us your own. Don't wait for me to leave to let me know you love what we are doing. Please let us smell the flowers while we are living. We are the 4th largest city and should show that kind if support for all the arts.
What are Tha Transmissions up to these days?
We'll be headling this year's West Fest on October 13th. We'll be playing on the Numbers stage from 7-8pm.
Can you tell us a little bit about your involvement with Project Row Houses, and how that organization has impacted your career as an artist? How much of that do you attribute to Rick Lowe and his efforts?
I highly respect that organization from Ashley Huffman to Rick Lowe. Besides doing the festivals with them (next one Oct 13th) Feb. will be my first experience with the row house
as far as doing exhibition work. But I love the commitment and excitment over there in the place I grew up. Rick and Project Row have showcased and broken out a lot of great artsits. So I'm excited to see what happens there.
You can catch Hodge's work on display this Saturday at H Gallery at his private showing "Turn Off The Radio." H Gallery is located at 327 W. 19th St in the Heights. Performances include DJ yppah, DJ on hiatus, DJ Flash Gordon Parks and Lisa E. Harris. The event will run from 7-11pm.
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