Howard Schoor is an artist who, at age 79, is busier than ever. He is a self-taught painter and mobile creator (done by his Art Assistant, Sue). Howard believes that he is the originator of the term Trianglist and the concept of Trianglism. He is fascinated by outsider art and the writings of author and historian Roger Cardinal. Howard’s "Trianglist" paintings are created using various mediums on canvas, especially acrylic paint, spackle-paste, and markers.
Howard Schoor’s interest in creating things has influenced his entire life. In his younger years, he worked professionally as a trained and licensed engineer who both founded and managed one of the country’s largest regional engineering firms from 1967 to 1992…unsurprisingly, many of his engineering projects involved use of triangles!
Howard always loved and appreciated art, first as a collector, and now as a creator. Currently dividing his time between Florida, New Jersey, and New York, Howard recently discussed his artwork, life experiences, and aspirations in an exclusive interview.
Triangles, fine art, and engineering
(MM): What sparked your interest in creating things, and how much of a role did your artistic senses play on you becoming an engineer?
Howard Schoor (HS): As a teenager, to make money, I would go to construction sites and collect bottles for the 2₵ or 5₵ deposit refunds. Visiting these construction sites peaked my interest in structural shapes and forms, architecture and engineering. I subsequently found that I could not appropriately draw that which my brain visualized, so I ruled out being an architect and studied civil engineering to further my interest in construction, shapes, and forms.
MM: Why do you like triangles so much?
HS: I was a collector and an informal student of contemporary art long before I decided to be a creator of geometric art. In the process of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree and my subsequent work in the field as a Civil Engineer, the triangle was an integral tool I used in creating engineering drawings (before CAD).
The triangle is an ancient symbol said to represent the genitalia of a goddess or the idea of it being related to the Trinity (mind, body, and spirit). As an artist, I see no need to concoct or intellectualize the historic significance of the triangle, so in my art, there is no deeper or esoteric meaning to the triangle beyond that they be visually prominent in all my art, thus making my work easily recognizable, memorable and collectible.
I get great pleasure in creating my art and get continuing enjoyment every time I look at what I have created. My art is what it is.
MM: You were an engineer for many years, how did that career translate to becoming a fine artist?
HS: It was just time to “do something great again.” I am determined that at the age of 79 years young, I have the knowledge and ability to create valuable collectible geometric art which is current and compatible with today’s modern/contemporary architecture and interior design trends.
Styles, influences, and ArtExpo
MM: What sorts of styles most influence you and what are some of your inspirations?
HS: Particular influences on my art include: Frank Stella, Barnett Newman, Kenneth Nolan, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Damien Hurst, Morris Lewis, Sarah Morris, Jasper Johns, Joseph Albers, Larry Zox, and Piet Mondrian.
MM: You live in Florida, New York, and New Jersey, so does traveling around so much have any impact on your work?
HS: Living in three places fits my lifestyle. I do enjoy the warm weather of Florida for six months and split the remaining six months between New York, New Jersey, and travel. It allows me to essentially create art for six months and concentrate on selling art for five and a half months with two weeks of European travel (to recharge my batteries).
MM: You recently exhibited at ArtExpo in NYC, so what was that experience like?
HS: It was part of a learning experience. I am a firm believer that you are never too old to learn.
MM: What would you list as your biggest goals for your future artistic career?
HS: To sell a single piece of art by March 1, 2020, for $50,000. All sales will follow my concept of functional transparency in pricing. I will donate 25% of the sale price of all original art sold to a recognized 501(c) (3) charity.
MM: So, Howard, do you have any exciting new creative projects and/or artistic showcases happening soon and would you like to mention anything more?
HS: I will be having an initial “Friends and Family” showing of my original works at The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NY on June 22, 2018. Also, I will be “Artist in Residence” at The Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NY from July 24 to September 3, 2018.
