We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Fox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The fantasy is that you go all in to your art, spend 24/7 on it and “make it happen” But the reality as we see it, is that it’s way too freaking risky. In fact, we find that because we have day jobs we can take risks that otherwise wouldn’t be an option if every dime you made had to come from art. Don’t get us wrong, yeah we’re definitely trying to get to a place where the day job is not really needed, but I think along the way having a plan B and maybe even C has REALLY helped keep plan A a float. I think fomo culture really makes you think it’s gotta happen now, when in reality we want a 50 year career and it’s ridiculous to think you’re gonna have all the tools and make the right decisions when you’re just getting started. So having the cushion/backup helps a lot.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cleary very little is easy. I think like most people we’ve thought about giving up, but recently a quote from Ryan Holiday best explains the approach that overcomes that doubt: “The practice of loving everything that happens to you. Not just accepting it. Not just tolerating it, but leaning into it. Saying this is for me, I chose this and this is the best fucking thing thats ever happened to me.” You can’t help sitting with a sore back surrounded by piles of electronics that can kill you if you forget to discharge the flyback or break your toe if you don’t stack it just right and not think what the hell am I doing. Who does this? Why would anyone care about this? On one level it’s nearly psychotic. On another level it’s on fire with the same force that lit the stars. (shout out D.F.W.)
Beautiful, deadly, all wrapped up into one neat little package and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Just gonna act like there’s no pandemic… Probably just do 2-3 nights in LA, then after that get the heck outta here. Hopefully catch a rad show at Coaxial. Then head for some Comfort LA. Get a beer at Escondite and listen to some Western Jazz. Then hopefully go see a gallery opening for @HomelessCop and/or @Berkvisual.
After that, depending on the time of year, head out to either Quaking Aspen in Sequoia. Or if it’s too cold, BLM lands out in the desert. Both places have zero cell phone coverage. It’s great. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a part of Homeboy Electronics Recycling has really made us acutely aware of the scale of the toxic problem of e-waste and the real dire need to find a path towards (creative) reuse. Plus it’s so awesome to see their mission help so many people through the art of reuse and recycling. Also the entire Brewery Arts Community and the video/crt communities online. It’s a blessing to be around such inspiring people who’ve been wildly encouraging on our TV journey.
Lastly, our family. Y’all make such a profound impact on our understanding, health and wellbeing. We can’t thank you enough for allowing us to overflow living rooms with gear and supporting us everytime we pulled the car over and grabbed “trash” off the road.

Website: www.mediapollution.tv

Instagram: @mediapollution

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/64540125/admin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediapollution.tv/

Other: https://vimeo.com/443939175

Image Credits
photos by @mediapollution

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.