Artist Interviews 2025

Ross Severson  
By Johnny Otto



How have your interests in jazz, literature, and mid-century modern design influenced your artistic process and the themes you explore in your work? 

  All three have had such a huge impact on my life. I've always had a deep love for reading, ever since I was a child.  Books have really helped to inspire concepts, titles for works, and have offered me a mental oasis when my mind is reeling or I'm blocked in the studio. Jazz music has opened my mind to experimentation, improvisation and has been the background soundtrack to my work.  Dealing in mid-century modern design has been my day job for years now and has really helped me connect with the artists and designers who have paved the way for where my interests lie today.



As a self-taught artist, how did you develop your approach to abstraction through collage, painting, and sculpture? 

I am constantly experimenting with new approaches. I try not to get locked into one thing. My mind loves to wander. Being self-taught by no means stops me from constantly studying art and trying to learn new techniques and ways to express myself. 



What draws you to minimalism, and how do you incorporate its principles into your work? 

  Minimalism is a direct influence from my day job as a mid-century modern antique dealer. The clean lines, iconic designs, and impeccable craftsmanship have pushed me closer and closer to minimalism. My original art was much closer to the abstract expressionism of the 1950s but I've really developed a love for the minimalism of the 1970s.  



How has running a vintage store shaped your perspective on design and influenced your art practice?  

Having the store has pushed me to dive deeper into my artist practice and has afforded me the time to do that. Not working a traditional 9-5 job really helps me to not burn out.



What has been your experience exhibiting in galleries and shops across the U.S., and how has it shaped your connection to the art community?

Exhibiting my work is always a pleasure. Interacting with other artists and gallery owners helps me to stay in touch with what is happening. Art can be very isolating so it's great to get out of the studio and make new connections.  



Over the past decade, how has your work evolved, both conceptually and technically? 

  The work is constantly evolving. Currently I'm working on a much larger scale with collages than I ever have in the past. I'm constantly pushing myself to try new things. Even if the work fails I learn something.



Do you find parallels between your work as an artist and your curation of vintage furniture and art?

How do these practices complement each other?  It is a plus to be able to hang my work up with great pieces of furniture and allow people to visualize how they can live with art. 



What new directions or projects are you excited to explore in your artistic practice moving forward? 

  That's a tough one to answer. I really enjoy embracing improvisation. So I'm not sure I can say what my subconscious has in store for the future.