Profile: Harold Copp
Describe where you grew up and any interesting parts of that experience.
I grew up in the suburbs of Rochester, New York. I had mostly a normal upbringing, the middle child and only boy. I didn’t grow up with the television as the center of the house like most of my friends. My parents listened to a lot of music, which was usually on and my mother could be heard singing along somewhere in the house. I became interested in the arts around 12, the same time I started delivering the evening newspaper, the Times Union, and had my own money to spend on albums, art supplies, and other things that had my interest. At that time, I also starting writing, drawing, and teaching myself simple print formats. The arts became an obsession around the age of 14, which took over my lifestyle and still does to this day.
Describe parts of your life which were formative (jobs, events, etc.).
I guess work always played a big part, no job in particular. My father delivered bread for a living and worked hard to make our middle-class life comfortable. I sort of modeled my adult life after him. Events, well, I had many opportunities to become the artist that I am today. First and foremost, I was accepted as an intern at one of Andy Warhol’s Factory locations, on Broadway in Manhattan. Where I refined my skills as a print artist, met numerous idols, which helped shaped my vision and skill as a print artist. Also, co owning/operating two different art galleries helped me view the business side of art from an artist’s perspective. While at the same time with the passion of an artist. I grew a lot as an artist during those years and did some of my best work, in my opinion.
Describe some of your experiences with art over time.
There’s so much to say, it’s almost an impossibility. I’ve become less compulsive and more planned out than I used to be. There were years where I’d force myself to produce 1 finished art piece every time I entered my studio. There’s been years where I’ve had multiple solo exhibitions in a year, cranking out artwork like a mad man without direction. Just to meet a quota.
Now I consider the viewer the final part of the process. Once a piece is finished, the viewer has the final turn in giving the piece of art direction, it belongs to them. I also feel the need to educate, as I’ve moved away from the term “art for the art’s sake “. That change in ideology has become my driving force for producing art.
Describe your relationship with The Dove.
To be honest, I’m still discovering the thing is that The Dove does for me, as an artist, teacher and organizer. I’ve thrown myself under the bus, of sorts, so it comes in waves. As Programming chair, and as The Dove is still growing, I’m learning how to develop relationships within the Geneva community, handle sensitive artists, and work within the context of a community art space to continue and contribute the best I know how.
Anything else?
Part of what being an artist and volunteering at The Dove has taught me is that sharing a person’s gift, no matter what it is, is more important than the gift itself.
Come see Copp’s art exhibition Do 2 Negatives Make a Positive: opening Saturday, February 1, 4 to 6 pm!
