20 Questions with Jonathan Hansen  ::  Taken from Juxtapoz

Whats the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?
I let my brother in my apartment so I could watch my nephew while he opened the shop.  (Concrete Wave)  We played Wii for a couple hours before I made breakfast.

Something about yourself that the average person wouldn't guess?
I own a Theremin.  Thats right, I said Theremin!  Google it.

If you had one day on Earth, whats left to be discovered?
I feel like I've seen my share of the world directly in front of me.  I would need to explore the bigger picture.  See things from another person's point of view.  Which begs the question, why aren't I doing this now?  Thanks.

What is your first art-making memory as a kid?
In first grade we were making ornaments for Christmas.  I made a little peanut into an elf using pipe-cleaners for arms and legs and felt for a hat with a little white pom pom on top.  I drew a face on it with pen.  I think my parents have it in one of those chotchke holding things in the living room.

Do you need long periods of time alone, or are you energized by interaction?
I think time spent alone can be either productive or destructive, depending on my mood.  If i'm driven by an idea or impulse, then I need my time to get it done and I fixate on doing nothing else.  However, if I feel like I'm in a rut in life, then I'm just passing time until I see my girlfriend or friends again.  I need interaction, but its more of an effort for me.

Is being in the dark with the lights out frightening or comforting?
It all depends on the scenario, my friend.  I've been in a multitude of places where I'd want to scream and when I'd be perfectly at peace.

What's the most non-art involved activity you continually find yourself enjoying?
Watching all 11 seasons of M*A*S*H.  Best show ever.

Have you been to jail? If so, why? If not, why not?
The closest run-in with the law I had was skateboarding around Milford, MA with my brothers when I was 10.  We were at a Dunkin Donuts and someone called the cops.  I was too little to run and my brother Todd threw me over a fence to hide in some bushes.  There were a few fire incidents and one shooting, but jail....nah....not yet!

What kind of car do you drive?
I should have known this question was coming.  This is the sort of social-status question that pits me against other people.  Ok fine, I'll play.  I proudly drive an Oldsmobile Alero.  Thats right, Olds- mobile!  But its not like you'd find some old person's kleenex box on the back of my seats, this ones' sporty.

What's your biggest non-green inspired indulgence?
Two AC's in one apartment.

What is the single most important thing you did to breakthrough as a career artist?
Becoming curator of Dark World Gallery and finally being able to display my Asylum Series in that setting. 

Best hustle you ever pulled?
I swapped a website for a full tattoo sleeve.

Are you ever bored?
Occasionally, but then I find stuff like this!

What excites you?
The thought that I'm actually making a difference, good or bad.  That actions, even small and trivial, can play out into the future of other people.  When I am teaching, I change perspectives, I share knowledge and skills and I empathize with being that age again.  Its amazing that even a negative action can cause a positive reaction.

2023 will look like . . . ?
Technology overload.  Seriously, if we can video chat now, we will video chat while driving in 2023.  Although I've given up on flying cars...that will never happen in my lifetime.

If you could have a drink with one artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Hunter S. Thompson.  Because it would have tailspinned into a weekend I'd never forget.

Last passport stamp:
Mexico

Can’t stand:
Massachusetts drivers.  Yeah, I am one and I still can't stand 'em.  Basically the ones who drive defensively.  You know, the people that pull out blindly and hope to high hell that people are watching out for them.  Also drivers who are turning left and have to pull right just to make a big - ass turn onto a street.  It drives me crazy.

Can’t live without:
My Snowflake

Words to live by:
"I think the fame is just a natural byproduct of time served.  If you do anything seriously for a long time, you will get good at it."  -Mike Giant
The Art and Life of Jonathan Hansen  ::  Phone (508) 265-1776  ::  Email  Jonhansen77@gmail.com  ::  SOCIETY6