Our guest is Jamie Gannon, an artist, designer, and photographer who has spent over 30 years in Chicago exploring the intersection of architecture, memory, and creative practice.
In this episode, Jamie speaks with host Christian Solorzano about his unique approach to documenting buildings through what he calls "defamiliarization" - taking familiar structures and making them unexpected again. He shares insights about his journey from Tennessee to Chicago, his evolution from commercial graphic design to fine art, and his meticulous process of photographing, deconstructing, and reconstructing architectural forms.
Jamie discusses his recent move to a new studio at MANA Contemporary, his "Sibling Revelry" exhibition in Nashville, and his Type Force installation. We explore how his background in printmaking influences his current work with surfaces and materials, his morning ritual of walking through Wicker Park, and why he chooses hands-on creation in an increasingly digital world.
The conversation delves into Jamie's philosophy of preserving architectural history, his approach to craft and detail, and how he balances commercial design work at Surprise Media with his artistic practice. Jamie reflects on the role of intuition versus strategy in creative work, the importance of surface in art-making, and his upcoming plans for art fairs throughout the Midwest.
Music by the band Eighties Slang.