MERGE: Metro State Alumni Exhibition featured artist John Priola

John Priola (’84, art) is this Friday’s featured MERGE artist. He is currently represented by three galleries in California: Gallery Paule Anglim, San Francisco; Joseph Bellows Gallery, La Jolla; and Weston Gallery, Carmel. He not only has a BA in Fine Art with honors from Metro State, but he also has an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute.

Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.
Metro State: How would you characterize your art?
John Priola: Subtle

MS: Tell me about your latest work and why you are inspired by it.
JP: I am photographing the attenuated landscapes and views seen between buildings. The interest is in how it's not typically photogenic.

MS: In what ways did your Metro State professors influence your work?
JP: Barb Houghton allowed me to realize that I was thinking and seeing- as an artist- the basic tools. And above all was rigorously supportive.

MS: How has your work evolved since you graduated?
JP: Matured, pared down- it better have- it's been over 20 years...

MS: Tell me why you submitted the pieces that you did for MERGE.
JP: It is a self-portrait really... but I made this picture the week a neighbor, friend and artist, Bruce Conner died. He inspired me.

MS: How do you feel about this opportunity to present your work for Metro State’s new CVA facility?
JP: It is an honor.

To see more of Priola’s work, please visit his Web site: jjohnpriola.com.