Meet Louis Cannizzaro | Artist & Poet

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

Hi Louis, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I don’t know that I had a process, but created a work ethic that helped me get started. When I first started I used the Oblique Strategies card decks. There is a specific card, the one that said “What are you thinking right now? Incorporate.” So I thought “I want to be an artist” and I started that day. I alway think of the Robert Fripp quote about being a “Self contained mobile creative unit.” So I started incorporating my poems into the art. I think everything I needed to start I already had.

Also, I promised my self I would do three things every day… two practical things like..buying paint…putting gas in the truck. And one crazy thing. One of the crazy things I did, is I used to have a set of postcards for sale. One day I called MOMA in NYC and asked if I could have an art show there they said “ Probably not.” Then I asked if they would sell my postcards in their museum store. They said “ I don’t know. Send them over.” After that they ordered and reordered all of the cards for over a year. It’s really fun to do things like that. They might say yes. And if they say no they’re polite about it and they don’t yell at you or anything. So that’s really how the business got started

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started in the early 90’s after moving to LA from New York. I was in New York in the 80’s when Warhol, Basquiat, and Haring were all there as well as many other New York City artists, writers, and filmmakers. So I think that had a big influence on my art. As well as my childhood art heroes, Frank Frazetta, Jeffrey Catherine Jones, and Vaughn Bodē. As far as inspiration, it really can come from anywhere. The one thing I like to say about my art is that I really try to take any part of myself out of it so that anybody can look at it and see themselves in it. Think of yourself when you see my artwork. I make them for you. I like to hear what people who see the work think about it. How it makes them feel.

I recently released my 5th book published by Simon and Schuster, called “There Once Was a Girl Who Created A World”. Which can be found on Amazon – https://a.co/d/6rxroi1

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in West Hollywood but my heart is in Echo Park, so I would probably start there. I would definitely take them to Echo Park Lake and stop by Stories. It’s a great little cafe and bookstore on Sunset. I would also probably take them to the Silverlake Reservoir and on a hike in Griffith Park. I also like Los Feliz and would probably take them up to Vermont & Franklin. Tons of great shops and restaurants over there. My favorites are Il Capriccio and La Pergoletta, although that’s on Hillhurst. Would definitely stop by House of Pies for dessert. Would also make sure to take them by Cafe Tropical. They have the best coffee.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gregory Siff! He’s a talented artist and great friend and has been very supportive of my art over the years.

Website: www.powderfrench.shop

Instagram: @powderfrenchshop

Other: Artist IG: @powderfrench

Image Credits
B&W photo: Gregory Siff All Others: Louis Cannizzaro