The eye has to travel
Shannon Hochman is an artist whose focus is historical portraiture with a distinctly stylised, queer edge. His work focuses on everything from stars of a bygone era such as Buster Keaton, to interesting faces found throughout history—especially if there’s that a homoerotic slant.
As both a writer and artist, Shannon often combines his skill for vivid storytelling with his visual elements. We asked Shannon some questions, to further understand his works, alongside some images he created exclusively for WALTERBOY.
Why did you begin creating work?
I've always been making art, but I first started selling artwork when I was an undergraduate student at Manhattan's School of Visual Arts. I used to make bank on World of Warcraft avatars and characters from video games and anime. I like to think that my approach was very atypical for that kind of fanart, though I don't really draw or paint in that style anymore. I think returning to school for a graduate degree at Savannah College of Art and Design was how I really started to find my own voice. I wrote my thesis on artwork in adult fiction, using a novel I'd written as the source material for the project's visual component. Black and white ink art reproduces well in books, which was my leaping-off point. I've been experimenting with other materials, oils in particular, but I keep returning to black and white. As for the novel, I have a great agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She's working hard to find a home for my writing. Being an author is gruelling and I don't recommend it unless you have no value for your sanity.
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?
Every time I've told myself I need a sensible profession, I've been miserable. I've had a couple of "regular" jobs and I've hated all of them. I think process of elimination has been the biggest indicator of what I'm suited for.
Can you tell us the process of making your work?
If I'm planning to do something really detailed, I'll search for a photograph or other source that inspires me. When doing historical stuff, I think it's the little details that sell it, like how many buttons someone has done, or how they've got their tie hanging. When I have the right inspirations, I'll start pulling them together in a drawing. I used to really look down my nose at digital mediums, but lately, I've been incorporating it into my process much more. Almost everything starts as a digital drawing on my iPad. Then, if I want to paint it or quill ink it, I'll print off the image and use my lightbox or projector to transfer the drawing to paper or canvas. Once that's done, I'll finish with whatever material I've decided on. Other times, I'll just doodle and see what comes out!
What are you inspired by?
I love vintage subjects. In addition to silent film and period dramas, I love referring to my favorite artists, JC Leyendecker and Charles Dana Gibson. Both of them were working in the early 1900s, so their subjects naturally appeal to my taste. As an ink artist, there is no one better than Gibson, especially in his faces and fashion. Leyendecker's paintings are not only beautiful, but they are a master class in facial expression, subtle posing and men's fashion. Plus, he's an incredible addition to the list of gay icons. His famous "Arrow Collar Man" was inspired by his life partner, which I think is both awesome and romantic.
What visual references do you draw upon in your work?
If it's not inspired by period dramas or historical books and films, it's likely I found the idea in a photograph. Half of my Pinterest boards are just meticulously organised historical photos. I also really love Golden Age Hollywood and silent film, so stars and scenes from those tend to work their way in. I have a not-so-secret crush on Buster Keaton. I'm not ashamed.
What’s your daily routine when working?
Because of COVID, my life isn't predictable at all, but I like to get to work around the time the sun goes down. For some reason, I just operate better at night! I like having coffee or tea at hand, plus my unending Spotify playlist. My music is pretty eclectic but it always helps with the mood.
How did you arrive at your current series?
I wanted to do something that would give people an idea of my aesthetic with a quick glance. My favorite subject is turn-of-the-century men, especially when there's a homoerotic subtext. I also have a weakness for military history, so men in uniform are also a draw. Though I love colour, I think my best work is in black and white. I think lines can have a lot of personality and allow for the most detail. It's an aesthetic I probably got from the mountains of comic books I've read.
How have things developed for you?
COVID has been a very weird time. At first, I relished having nothing to do but work from home, but I definitely burned out. It also doesn't help that the artist I used to work for decided that he couldn't afford to keep me on when everything shut down. I've been floating through as best I can, but I'm looking forward to having something a bit more regular. On the bright side, it's definitely given me time to work on things uninterrupted.
What’s next?
At the moment, I'm working on another novel. I'm hoping that 2021 is a better year for publishing than 2020. In addition, my agent has started representing me for illustration as well as writing, so I'm hoping to get some visual book projects as well. I'd love to illustrate a YA chapter book or to do some cover art.
What piece of your artwork would you like to be remembered for? and why?
I'm not sure I could settle on something for eternity as I feel like my artwork is constantly developing and changing. I suppose on I often return to is this black and white drawing I did of a French Regency chap from behind. Then again, there are also a few I did that feature architecture from The Biltmore Estate, which is my favorite place in the world. I like those a lot too.
What is your greatest indulgence in life?
I can't turn down a good meal. I probably eat out way too much.
Which artist past or present would you most like to meet and why?
If I had to choose, I think I'd pick JC Leyendecker. I'd love to take painting classes from him.
What’s your favourite gallery and why?
I lived in New York City for a long time, so I have great memories of The Met. Wandering around the galleries there was a great way to kill an afternoon. It's too bad they seem to have clamped down on what they allow you to bring inside as far as art supplies go. There is no better reference than sitting right in front of an original!
Do you have a favourite piece of work? by you or someone else?
I know I sound like a broken record, but JC Leyendecker wins that award again. I've got magazine cuttings of his cover art and advertising from some old Saturday Evening Posts, but there are two I've got facing one another that I particularly like. One is a football player and the other is a coxswain, and both are sitting with their pants riding up enough to reveal their socks. I don't know what it is about the damn socks, but I love them. I guess I'm a sucker for good ankles and calves.
Where can we buy your work? Do you accept commissions?
I definitely accept commissions via IG, my website or email. I have a small Etsy shop with a few available prints, but I haven 't really taken the time to broaden the selection. Having said that, generally speaking, it's not difficult for me to get prints of my work should you stumble upon something you like!