The Order of Abstraction: Dan Covert x O.N.S
A devotee of abstract shapes, Dan Covert’s artistic work is driven by a masterful eye for texture, composition, and figuration that he applies across a variety of mediums. Based in Brooklyn, Mr. Covert’s work explores the use of negative space with both analog and digital processes, mixing relaxed lines with spontaneous elements for a truly unique perspective. He’s our second installation for our O.N.S Art Residency and just completed his brillant mural, located at our 71 Greene SoHo store cafe. If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by and check it out. In the meantime, read our interview with the artist below.
We’re incredibly excited to be working with you on the O.N.S mural collaboration. Can you tell us a bit about the influences and inspiration behind the mural?
The biggest source of inspiration for this mural was the physical space of the O.N.S. store and the dialogue between my forms and the actual walls where the mural was painted.
Ultimately, I am interested in conjuring responses from the juxtaposition of order and abstraction. In the process of structuring and ordering my abstract shapes so they appear composed yet spontaneous. And the paradox of using analog means to try and pursue a perfection that can only be obtained with digital or mechanical processes.
How did you get into the field of painting and designing?
I painted and wrote graffiti when I was younger, but funny enough stopped all that when I went to art school to study graphic design. I co-founded a design company called Dress Code, more than a decade ago, and over time we’ve shifted focus and become a production company that makes commercials for big brands and ad agencies.
I love directing and operating a business, but it’s not as hands on as graphic design was, so deep down I was missing the craft of making things. In 2012 I started to draw for ten minutes or so every night, to end the day. I eventually drew some stuff that I was stoked on and as the years progressed my art has become a bigger and bigger part of my life.
One of our favorite things to ask an artist is the tools they use to create their art. With your work being so precise and expanding across several mediums, what are some of your favorite tools to use and why?
I used to sketch forms directly onto whatever surface I was working with and found my way as I went. But that took way too much time, and left little margin for error if I messed up, or if things were out of proportion, or off-center.
Now I start each piece freehand in my sketchbook—intentionally working super fast and loose. When I get something I’m happy with I scan it and begin drawing it on the computer, in Illustrator with very precise geometry, where everything is easily editable until I’m 100% satisfied. Then I transfer the drawing onto whatever surface I’m working with and the battle for perfection begins as I paint with brushes freehand, painstakingly.
In this mural I had to rely on masking tape. I typically don’t use any sort of masks in my work, but if I didn’t I would have never finished on time. So for this mural I would say that FrogTape was one of my favorite tools, haha.
But in all seriousness I don’t use a lot of crazy tools in my work intentionally. To me craft is very important. I could easily rely on vinyl or more elaborate masks to make my paintings really fast and vector precise, but there’s no fun in that and the end result would be too perfect or cold if I did. I love that my work from afar looks really pristine and perfect, but if you go close and look hard enough none of the lines or curves are totally exact. There is beauty and humanity in that imperfection.
You’ve tackled paintings, woodworking, fabric patterns, and have even directed short films, are there any other creative mediums you’d like to explore?
Honestly this mural was a big check off my to do list. I’ve been wanting to work at a larger scale over the past few years and am really happy this opportunity came along for me to get the chance.
But I’ve also been taking a few ceramics classes here or there and want to explore that medium more for sure. Either painting over pieces that I make or a fabricator helps me execute.
Since you’ve featured your work on so many different scales and mediums, what would you say has been your favorite so far?
Ever since I was a kid, helping my Dad in his wood shop on the weekends I’ve always loved working with wood. I haven’t done a lot of wood pieces the last few years, but have been slowly building a wood shop in my basement and am excited to get back to creating my forms out of wood.
I have to say though, a high point of the past few years was when I worked with Luna Textiles to create a fabric called Boink based off one of my paintings. They released 10 color ways and it turned out great. I’ve made some pillows and small pieces of furniture with the fabric which was fun.
To learn more about Dan, visit his website here.
You can also follow Dan on IG here.
If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.
