Curt Harbits
Northeastern, PA
Social Media
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
The works I create are about memories of a possible past. Fractured and fleeting, a mixture of the previous and the present. Of shape and form that may have only physically existed on the periphery, now brought to the forefront and no longer sidelined.
What inspires you?
My inspirations are all over the place. Running the gamut from personal experience, historical art, films, or even just a walk outside with my wife.
Inspiration mostly comes when I least expect it. Maybe a shadow on a wall , a pattern in a carpet, or a well aged pile of magazines.
Can you speak about your process?
Every piece starts with a foundation of a photograph, postcard, or clipped paper. The base determines the direction of the piece. Dictating the shapes, patterns, and palette to be used.
Next it’s off to the scrap pile. (The refuse of previous works is an essential part of the collagist’s tool kit.) Then add interesting bits to help move the eye, tell the story, tie in the main players.
I’m Swiss, so for me, formal geometric shapes and patterns work best for me. Being graphically trained means I work by a set of rules to guide the viewer.
Once pieces are laid in a way that “feels right”, I let the piece sit for a day or so. Photograph it, critique it, let it marinate a while before gluing, adding, or subtracting.
How did you become interested in art?
At a very young age I used to copy cartoons from the Sunday comics in the newspaper. My parents thought I had an ability that should be pursued and at age 6 sent me to weekly sessions with The Baum School of Art. I attended classes there for the next 8 years or so.
Originally, my intentions were to become a comic book artist like my hero Jack Kirby. Things changed in high school when, in the mid 80’s, my muse became all these killer Metal and Thrash albums with ridiculous cool art. Probably where the genesis of combining graphic and fine art began for me.
Ever since, my interest in art became more of a need to create.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
Brauque, Kelly, Frankenthaler, and Stella are just a few of my art heroes.
My wife and I are TCM addicts with a major love of all things Film Noir. The writing, the casting, the photography, nothing else compares.
I do have a favorite quote which runs through my head with each piece:
“…take something and do something to it, and then do something else to it." - Jasper Johns
What advice do you have for younger artists?
There would be one thing I cannot stress enough. To the younger artist: Stop making content!
I know just a handful of collage artists who can consistently turn out powerful works on an almost daily basis, this to me is rare. Please take your time and create from your heart. Step back from it. The only audience you have to please is yourself. Make the work that turns you on and feels honest before releasing it into the wild.
Any more thoughts about art, creativity, or anything else you would like to share?
Always keep your eyes open and be aware of the spaces you inhabit. Also be aware of the sounds , smells, and feelings you have that are present. I tend to stop and jot down a note or snap a pic to remind myself of them later.
Lastly, I know I may sound like a curmudgeon here, but creativity can be stifled by modern sources of inspo. Such as our “friends” the Internet and our Socials. Please take a drive, or get outside and take a fucking walk. Absorb all there is around you.
Things IRL are way more interesting.
