Honoring the Artist: Nick Cordone

This week's cover by Nick Cordone, "The Guardian," does not simply celebrate the fall season with its iconic scarecrow. The rusting trucks convey a theme that's close to Cordone's heart by representing what were once dominant images on the East End. Unfortunately, those images are fading fast.

Q: It's obvious that this cover holds a special significance for you. Why?

A: This painting pays homage to these workhorses: trucks and tractors that local farmers relied upon for years of service. It's a reflection of an older, more respectful work ethic.

Q: What could we expect to see in these trucks if we took a ride on the East End?

A: The East End is filled with these trucks, some standing alone and others, side-by-side. Many are laden with tools of their trade, and others are filled with the bounty of local produce.

Q: Where is this particular truck on the cover?

A: This painting is actually a composite of a local truck that I found up on Route 105. The truck is in a deteriorated state with faded paint and creeping rust. Yet it's standing proud, showing off its "patina of life." I added the crows that announce the end and beginning of each season.

Q: "Patina of life" is such a descriptive term. I know you used to take groups abroad, and even then you were conscious of the part the abundance of the land played in the various cultures.

A: Yes. The best places to eat when you're touring are the places where the buses stop. And produce stands have good food.

Q: I take it you like to experience all kinds of settings, and you like outdoor adventure. Why is that?

A: I can't spend too much time inside painting in the studio; I have to get out. I'm a tennis player and I ski. I even take groups to ski the glaciers.

Q: Isn't that dangerous?

A: It's still the same basic snow.

Q: Regardless of where you have traveled and what you've done, I take it you really like it here-you feel a connection.

A: Living out here, we're pretty lucky. It's very soothing looking at the water. I was born in Queens, lived in Nassau and kept moving east to this place here in Southold.

Q: When you go other places, even locally, you still have an eye out for images. You are still learning.

A: Yes, when I go to SoHo and Chelsea, the experience opens things up for me. I also spend time doing research in libraries, and reading art history books and art magazines, which gives me ideas.

Q: How does research influence your work?

A: I realize when I do research that there's nothing new under the sun. I just keep going, working on two paintings at a time, doing sketches. Sometimes the sketches are better than the paintings. All that prep works pays off for me. I like diversity; I can travel from one concept to another.

Q: You have collected many references points that also impact your art.

A: Yes. Trucks are a reference point indicating that a lifestyle has gone. Also my travels and my connection to animals are references. By the way, I'm still working on my animal series.

-Marion Wolberg Weiss

Mr. Cordone's work can be seen at Greenport's South Street Gallery and Westhampton's Fitzgerald Gallery. Visit him online at www.nickcordone.com

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