From designing his own line of mini skateboards to superimposing potatoes onto significant works of art (“Surreal Potatoism”), Elliott C. Nathan certainly does not suffer from a lack of creativity or humor.
The San Francisco-based artist says he draws inspiration for his work that is at times eclectic, whimsical and fun – from the pop and surrealist works of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, as well as street art innovators like Keith Haring and Banksy.
“My style is just a little weird, just a little surreal style,” said Nathan. “I tend to do everything in a train-of-thought way – I don’t start any piece with the intention to make anything specific. I just let the line flow out and keep layering until it feels right.”
Through his use of bright colors and thick black lines, Nathan’s latest work explores the world through the surrealist lens — translating into colorful mixed media paintings that feature found objects, repurposed scrap wood, elephants, pyramids, vintage TVs, and robots — among other ‘cool’ things.
Nathan will be hosting a solo art exhibit featuring his 2015 artistic endeavors at Artists’ Television Access at 992 Valencia Street on September 24. Complete with an artist reception, two DJ sets and free drinks, the show will take place from 7-10 p.m.
“I want it to be a full, fun experience,” said Nathan, who is also known for throwing art-based dance parties around the city. “I’d like to pull it away from an uptight gallery feel to something that is approachable. Art isn’t always easy for people to connect to, I’d like to give people an experience around the artwork makes it relatable and fun.”
For more information about Nathan’s work, checkout him out on Instagram. For details about Thursday’s exhibit, click here.