Interview with Benito Rios conducted via e-mail by AS220 Youth Gallery Coordinator Sarah Samways
1.) How did you get involved with AS220?
In order for my clinician to feel 100 percent about discharging me from the ITU (Devereux), I had to put together a plan. Not knowing exactly what to do, I made up shit in Providence and they were happy with it. Being discharged into the custody of Communities for People I had to make yet another plan to prove that I was ready to be released into society, that's when AS220 came into play.
2.) What types of things inspire your art? Why do you think that is?
Sex. It's a good thing.
3.) If you have one, what is your preferred medium?
Photography
4.) Do you plan to pursue art as a career?
Hopefully
5.) How would you describe your artwork? Why would you describe it in this way?
I try not to. For whoever the audience may be, it's their job to describe my artwork.
6.) Do you have a favorite artist (renowned or up the street)?
Alberto Giacometti
7.) How do you feel about the whole teenage angst stereotype? Does it apply to you? Did it ever?
I don't pay attention to that shit. Not enough time to spend worrying about it.
8.) If you weren't involved with art, what else do you think you'd do?
Drugs and a lot of 'em
9.) People often say, "Art is life", do you agree with this statement or do you believe art is a vehicle to get away from life, or a combination of the two?
This question has been asked numerous time by myself and I still haven't figured out my own solid answer. I guess Art is life no matter if you use it to "get away" or to send a message.
10.) Budgets in school districts across the state are being cut all the time and often the arts programs are the first to go. If you were ruler of the world (or at least Rhode Island) what would you do to remedy the situation?
If I was the ruler of Rhode Island I would make sure it wouldn't affect me by somehow stealing money or investing it somewhere. I would leave the rest to the RISD and factory living "poor" artists to protest it. Ha ha. Like they try to do everything else now-a-days.
