Artist Tom Burckhardt discusses his creative process and upbringing in a studio interview, highlighting his upcoming work and the influence of his New York School lineage. The son of artists Yvonne Jacquette and Rudy Burckhardt, he explores the concept of "mouthfeel" in painting—a textural quality that parallels culinary experiences—while utilizing humor and skepticism to challenge artistic pretension.
This profile provides insight into the career of a mid-career New York painter who bridges the gap between historical abstraction and contemporary playfulness. By reflecting on his time working for Red Grooms and his connection to figures like Alex Katz and John Ashbery, Burckhardt illustrates the importance of the "middle-ish" art world position, where creative longevity and personal interest take precedence over commercial hyper-success.