 FollowNext Post  Let’s look at JOHN TIERNEY. Just because you’ve led a life pursing one career path, doesn’t mean you can’t have another. Therefore, is not unfathomable for a professor in Criminology like John, also be a skilled artist!! Love the way John depicts these popular Los Angeles hangouts, and how peaceful you feel while looking at them. I can also understand John’s interest in the juxtaposition of Paul Smith’s pink walls against the sky, which are some of his most popular. Throughout this article which one is your favorite??? John was nice to do a game of Q&A for us. YM&C: Really great work on your site. Did you have any formal training? John: I had no formal training, but I’ve been at it for a long time! My professional life, though, placed constraints on time available to develop my painting. Now I’m retired I obviously have much more time. YM&C: What is the reason you were originally drawn to the Paul smith store on Melrose as a subject matter? John: It seemed to me to be emblematic of LA architecture. I loved the rectangular shape and color, and (this is a strong feature of LA buildings) I liked the sharp lines against a (often) blue sky. In addition, Paul Smith’s work over the years has to be admired. He is a major cultural influence in terms of fashion, design and visual image. YM&C: When can we expect an exhibition? Love to see these works in person. John: Soon I hope – LA, London, New York and Tokyo have all been mentioned. At the moment, there are various possibilities in the pipeline and it would be premature to say too much at this stage. Will keep you posted. YM&C: When you are in LA what do you like to do and where do you like to go? John: Apart from the usual ‘sights’, I visit museums, take in some live music, there are great bars and restaurants (Sunset Tower Hotel, Chateau Marmont, Formosa..), I love the beach (and often get down to Santa Monica, where I’ve been known to watch English soccer in the Brit pub). I also like walking around LA, which, apart from anything else, allows me to search out suitable images. YM&C: You also write and perform your own music which can be heard on your site. What are your influences and who are you listening to these days? What was it like performing at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood with the likes of Tom morello and Perry Farrell? John: Lots of influences lying in my past e.g. Tom Paxton, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Neil Young. More recently, I like the music of the Avett brothers, Nickel Creek, Gillian Welch, Tom Morello/The Nightwatchman, Mumford & Sons, Steve Earle, PJ Harvey, Dawes and a British female singer songwriter by the name of Katie Buckhaven. Singing at Hotel Cafe? Awesome. Loved it. Tom and Perry were not at all fazed by my presence!
From this painting, a gift to Paul Smith, Paul created a limited edition women’s scarf from this piece and was sold exclusively at the Melrose location.
Framed version.
Unframed version. Bet John never expected his painting to turn into a scarf!!!
More about John: Until recently John Tierney lectured in criminology at Durham University in the north east of England. He has published a wide range of articles and books, though latterly his research has focused on criminological theory and its historical context and, in terms of substantive research, the links between alcohol and crime and disorder. His more recent books are: Key Perspectives in Criminology, 2009 (published by Open University Press, and Criminology: Theory and Context, 2010 (now in its 3rd edition, and published by Longman). Retiring from the university in 2010 meant that more time could be devoted to oil painting. Much of his work takes the urban landscape of Los Angeles, New York, Helsinki, and the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park as its subject matter. He greatly respects and is influenced by the works of Edward Hopper and David Hockney, and his work has attracted a steady following of private collectors and admirers around the world. Throughout his academic career, along with painting John maintained a keen interest in playing the guitar and songwriting. In 2009 he recorded and released an EP of his original songs entitled ‘The Silence and the Stars’, and performed live at Hotel Café in Hollywood along with other musicians such as Tom Morello, Perry Farrell, Ben Harper, and Cypress Hill. 
A piece depicting the infamous Chateau Marmont.
White buildings on Melrose Avenue.
No parking.
You can see more of John here: www.john-tierney.com Prev PostNext Post Thoughts | ||
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