I stumbled across Caleb’s paintings online and was drawn in. His pieces have a kinetic energy that pushes the boundaries of convention and art, yet at the same time, feel somehow classic. He explores new mediums and challenges established norms with how he applies color and material. I love how his work allows you to find your own story in it.

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5 Questions for Caleb Mahoney

1) What is your favorite kind of work to do at the moment?

I don’t really have a favorite kind, at least not at the moment. I go through phases where I’m super excited about a specific thing and I’m locked in with it, and times when I struggle to find connection with the work. Honestly, it can be maddening. I think about art all day and it keeps me up at night, but the work I’m most proud of or most connected to is what comes out intuitively, even accidentally. So, there’s a battle or tension that plays out between thinking and not overthinking it. I really try to let processes and materials guide me and just see where it goes.

I approach the canvas more like I’m building a painting rather than painting a painting. I don’t use paint brushes all that often. I like to use my hands, oil sticks, pencils, crayons, rags and just about anything I find around that studio. I’m so jealous of the many gifted painterly painters out there. I recently stretched and framed a large Christina Baker piece for my wife, who is an incredibly talented interior designer, and was just blown away by this painting. The colors and brushwork were stunning and in contrast with my work, it really showed how many different ways there are to approach the practice of painting. I think that is what makes art so exciting.

2) What kinds of things inspire you?

Music, surfing, hiking, nature, my wife and our son Ollie.

3) Who else do you admire in the art space?

Mark Maggiori, who I had the pleasure of meeting at a rodeo in Jackson hole two years ago. His work blows my mind. It feels like nostalgic realism to me. He paints cowboys and Native Americans set in the open landscape of the west and when I look at one of his paintings I really feel it. I think he captures the purest feeling of a specific place. It’s just beautiful.

4) Coolest possession?

Maybe our little art collection. My wife and I try to get a piece for our anniversary every year. It’s a small collection but each piece means a lot to us. Sebastian Helling, Brian Coleman, Laura Deems and Renee Bouchon are some of the artists whose work we’ve collected so far, and we hope to add to it over the years.

5) Favorite quote or words to live by?

“If there’s something worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”

“There’s no right or wrong way to do something.”

Growing up, my dad would tell me,”if there’s something worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” My mom would also say, “there’s no right or wrong way to do something.” I think these somewhat conflicting sentiments have molded the way I approach things and move through life. Make your own path and keep going. 

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To see more from Caleb, follow him on IG or visit his site.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!
xx—BB