Interview: Bill Pierce, founder Radioactive Future Underground Art Collective
by Melissa Delgado
Warren High School
Downey, CA

MD: How did you get started?
BP: I've always enjoyed art and started drawing when I was a child. I never had much confidence in my work though, I took a few art classes here and there, but didn't get serious until I started doing sculpture in 1994. I did a few shows in San Diego at the Rita Dean gallery in 1994 and 1995. Then I got discouraged due to the lack of galleries in the area that would show my art. I then stopped doing art until 1999 when I attended some group shows that some local artists had put together at various venues. That gave me the idea that I could set up my own shows and show my art that way.

MD: What skills and training did you need to get started as an artist?
BP: I completed the Computer Graphic Arts certificate at Platt College in San Diego in 1990. Other than that, I took a few graphic design classes at City College in San Diego, and taught myself everything else.

MD: What is your favorite part of your job?
BP: I enjoy the events most of all. I like working with my colleagues who produce great art and are interesting and cool people. I like talking to the people that come to the events, about art and other things. At some of my shows, artists have sold pieces for the first time, and have gotten reviews in the press for the first time because of being in my show. This is very gratifying for me.

MD: Is there anything you don't like about your job?
BP: There's a lot of craziness in the art business, I've run across a lot of erratic weirdoes and have had a lot of bad stuff happen to me because I've gained some notoriety in the business.

MD: Who would you say was your biggest influence in life?
BP: My mother Nancy. She's always been supportive of my artistic endeavors. My brother Ed is also an excellent artist; he takes beautiful photos of the New England countryside.

MD: If you weren't doing what you are doing now where would you be?
BP: I can't imagine doing anything else. If so, maybe a lifeguard. I enjoy the San Diego beaches a lot and go swimming every day at the La Jolla cove.

MD: Do you have any suggestions for any artists that are just starting out?
BP: I always tell young artists to produce as much quality work as possible first. Refine your craft and build on your strengths, making your work better and better. Wait a few years before doing shows and let your body of work develop, so that
when you start doing shows, you are showing your best stuff. Don't rush it.

MD: What are some challenges you have faced or still face?
BP: Far too many to list here.

MD: What is your salary?
BP: My reputation as a reliable, hard working and talented web and graphic designer has allowed me to charge two to three times what the average designer makes in the San Diego area, for freelance work. Since I'm an artist that has been internationally shown and shown in museums, this notoriety also helps in this regard.

MD: What do you find yourself spending the most money on with your art career?
BP: The events usually cost between $300-$400 to produce. The most I've spent on art supplies was $1000 to build the Allosaurus. It was shown in the San Diego Museum of Natural History, so it was worth the investment.

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