Tilteed

Artist Interview: chrisrisse

Curator’s Statement:

You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’ - George Bernard Shaw

Oh for the days when the most important thing I had to do during the summer was choose my favorite flavor of ice cream before I went back to play. Well, Chris Risse makes my choice easy today with Ice Cream from Spaaaaace! Bright colors, child-like whimsy, and not to mention… HELLO!?! Flying ice cream in space!!! How much cooler can you get?

Tell us a little about this design?

Once upon a time I was curious as to why astronaut ice cream was invented. My main questions were “Who requested it?” and “Why is it ice cream when it’s not cold, or a cream?” A few minutes later, I gave up trying to answer those questions and drew a picture instead. It’s a blend of a space shuttle and astronaut ice cream, two items from our space program’s past that are still around.

You’ve created this tee, so you must tell us… What is your favorite flavor of ice cream and favorite toppings?

Vanilla, straight up vanilla soy ice cream. Ok, I know you are thinking vanilla is completely boring. It is like me telling you my favorite color is gray, which it is. Soy? Yeah, I’m vegan.

Is there a certain point of the day when you feel most inspired?

In the shower in the morning. My mind is clean and I am ready to take on the day. I even have a water-proof notepad to jot down ideas. Though my wife may complain that my brilliant ideas are using up all the hot water.

Do you have any fond childhood stories you’d like to relate to your fans?

Well, since this design involves space I can tell you that I wanted to be a Cosmologist when I grew up. I loved math and everything about space. When I told my dad that I wanted to be a Cosmologist, he teased me it sounded like Cosmetologist. I wasn’t happy to hear that, but he continued to tease me telling me I could be a Cosmetolomologist, which apparently is someone who does makeup in space. Maybe that’s why I’m not working for NASA now. Thanks a lot, dad.

Special “ice cream edition” Random Question of the Day: Why is vanilla ice cream white when vanilla extract is brown?

I’m not an expert on food stuff, but I would think it has something to do with the little vanilla content there actually is in “vanilla” ice cream compared to the dairy and sugar.

Are there any links you’d like to tell others to check out?

Can I insert Adsense here? No? Ok, then just go look at http://chrisrisse.com

Lastly, we’re not about to make you walk the plank, but do you have any final words?

I was convinced you were going to let me sing “Ice Ice Baby” during this interview, but then I remembered I’m typing.