Exclusive Interview with Yaoska Davila for TENOVERSIX x Brendan Lott Exhibition

Deciding to make a collage a day out of the magazines that surrounded him while running a newsstand, artist Brendan Lott embarked on a 365 day project. Compiling images of fashion, documentary, art and design, the collages are rich in culture, featuring icons such as a young Stevie Wonder and Chinese activist artist Ai Weiwei. LA store, TENOVERSIX, who do such a remarkable job of curating their goods, are about to present Brendan Lotts works in store with the help of friend and curator, Yaoska Davila.

Being a huge fan of the store already I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to interview both Yaoska and Brady & Kristen, the creatives behind TENOVERSIX.

TENOVERSIX presents BRENDAN LOTT | RIP IT UP AND START AGAIN SATURDAY APRIL 6th, 4PM-7PM.

AnyOneGirl talks to TENOVERSIX’s, BRADY & KRISTEN:

–Who are you and what is your role at TENOVERSIX?
Brady and I co-own the shop. We both do the buying and the general creative direction and curation of the store.

–How long have you been at TENOVERSIX and what is your background in this industry?
We opened the store in Los Angeles in 2008. Before that we both worked as designers and stylists.

–How often do these events run at TENOVERSIX?
We are always rotating art and design shows. We have about five per year and each one will stick around for about a month.

–Why is it important for you and the store to be supporting the arts industry?
We love art as much as we love design and fashion and find the interplay between the three to be fresh and inspiring. We really love having LA based artists in the store for the sense of community it brings. It’s always nice to introduce locals to new artists that they can get into. This town is small enough where we occasionally meet new artists through word of mouth and are lucky to work with such awesome curators, consultants and gallerists… like Yaoska!

–I feel like LA has had a big resurgence in the art industry over the last couple of years, can you tell us about the current art scene in LA in your eyes?
It just seems like there are so many serious artists working here and serious galleries and museums to support them. It’s fun. There’s never a shortage of new things to see and fall in love with. It’s fantastic to live in such a creative place that happens to have amazing weather.

–Your store is beautifully curated. How do you feel art and fashion lend to each other in your space? Do you feel this growing or separating? And outside of your store, do you feel the industries are intertwining with each other or do you think they are becoming bolder in their own right?
For us there will always be an interplay between art and fashion. It seems more and more designers and artists are creating a conversation and informing each other. We love the way an artists show sits with our fashion, it always gives the fashion more context. Even our concept for the store design was rooted in clean, white gallery spaces, which always provide the best backdrop to a piece of art- or in our case, a great shoe or bag. We had many white pedestals created for this very reason.

AnyOneGirl talks to YAOSKA DAVILA, curator of BRENDAN LOTT | RIP IT UP AND START AGAIN

–Tell us about what you do.
I am an interior designer. I mostly design for young, creative professionals in New York and LA. I do most of my sourcing and shopping here. I am very California-centric. I like to think my style is minimal, fun, deviant, and colorful, with a well-appointed, natural, masculine drama!

–Why do you choose to live and work in LA?
I was born and raised in LA . I have cultivated great friendships and work relationships here. There is always something new to discover in this city. I cant help to mention it but the WEATHER! LA is spoiled.

–Tell us about what your role is at TENOVERSIX.
I have been a guest curator at TENOVRESIX for 3 years now. It has been a wonderful experience working with Brady and Kristen. My eyes are already peeled to find the next artist for next spring!

–How do you go about finding new artists?
I mostly find new artists from recommendations from friends who are gallerist, art advisors, or artists.

–What makes some artwork stand out over others in your eyes?
I personally feel that everyone has a unique reaction to artwork. I have an almost pervy sense of taste when it comes to art. I love the female form and definitely gravitate to nudity. I trust my instincts. I like work that immediately makes me happy, or encourages me to use my imagination or even makes me uncomfortable. I am usually more inclined to champion art that makes me react. I also like it when your eyes play tricks on what you see.

–Is it always up and coming artists who’s work you are looking for?
No, I don’t have a specific kind of artist in mind. I have curated Dan Attoes work and he is a great established artist. But it is always awesome to find new artists.

–Tell us about Brendan Lott’s work and why you chose him as an artist to share his work.
I was looking for art for an interior design project in New York and an art advisor told me about Brendan Lott. I scheduled a studio visit with him and immediately thought about showing his work at TENOVERSIX. Not only was I into the work aesthetically but I really enjoyed the reason each collage was made. It was pure passing of time working at a newsstand and the results were great. Like most collage work they are vibrant visual wonders. What I love about each of them is that they have a devious, playful and smart quality about them. Its definitely not art that should be taken so seriously which is sometimes my favorite kind. Also they are perfect for young collectors who are not prepared to spend a fortune on art just yet.

–What are the benefits of sharing art in a retail space?
Showing art at a retail store that is well versed in design creates a special shopping experience. I enjoy showing art at TENOVERSIX because they are highly diverse, tightly edited, and follow their own formula. They have a smart audience and I think shoppers look forward to the artwork.

–Where can our readers purchase Brendan Lott’s works from?
They can contact TENOVERSIX http://shop.tenover6.com/

All collage images by Brendan Lott, you can see more of his works on display, here.