(EDITOR’S NOTE — Master painter and illustrator Todd Sullivan, a longtime staple of Buffalo’s hardcore punk scene, has been selected to take part in a prestigious week-long art intensive with famed artists Allison and Alex Grey — the latter of whom is known for his association with the progressive metal band, Tool. Todd — whose art has appeared in galleries from Seattle to Buffalo, and which can be viewed here at Think Suicide Studios — was recently kind enough to speak with 1120 Press about the honor. We’re thankful for his time. — Photos provided. 'Prepare for the Mindscan' cover art below by Todd Sullivan.)
Buffalo artist Todd Sullivan is among a select few tapped to take part in an intensive weeklong Master’s class run by famed psychedelia artists Allyson and Alex Grey, the latter of whom is widely known for his visual work with the band Tool.
Sullivan — a trained illustrator and painter known for his Dark Art and work with local bands — was one of just 20 people from a pool of 130 international artists chosen to participate in the intensive painting retreat to be held in July on the Grey’s 38-acre estate, known as COSM or the ‘Chapel of the Sacred Mirror,’ in Wappingers Falls.
“I learned of Alex and Allyson Grey from Juxtapoz Art Magazine probably 27 years ago and then last year my wife and I visited their incredible art chapel, COSM,” said Todd, who holds a BFA in fine arts and illustration from the University at Buffalo. “COSM heightened the level in which I wanted my art to bring me. I'm still blown away (over being selected) but I have to raise the money.”
A former professional chef, Todd became permanently disabled in 2012 and could not
return to work. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Todd cover expenses associated with the art intensive. Donations will assist with travel, tuition, materials, and a dorm-style room for the week. Donate HERE.
During the seven-day program, participants will be charged with working on two paintings: one a self-portrait (in the widest definition), and the second, an original painting developed from each artist’s personal style and concept.
Todd said he expects to gain from the COSM experience “a higher level of understanding of my own self and art.”
“This will be the first time in 25 years that I will be with 19 other international artists,” he said. “That in itself will automatically change and influence me.”
Besides his work with Tool, Grey’s art also has been featured on work by Nirvana, Beastie Boys and The String Cheese Incident. Sullivan, meanwhile, has designed cover art for bands such as Metal Blade recording artists Sons of Azrael, Buffalo’s death-thrash metal band Cain and Prepare for the Mindscan’s ‘Marked Safe’ EP, and the former Lockport-based band, Lifebleed
As he looks ahead to July, Todd said he’s proud to represent Buffalo amid a group of artists from across the globe.
“I love this community so much,” he said. “And I want to further myself as much as I can for my community: Buffalo, my fellow artists and its music, which is my biggest Influence and motivation.”
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Learn more about Todd and his art at:Read about Todd:
Learn more about Alex and Allison Grey and COSM at:
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