What did the Fellowship or Laureate mean to you at the time you received it?

The fellowship allowed me to pursue my film and animated work with greater confidence. The award helped verify to me that others appreciated my endeavors. I have continued to work in film and animation, constantly observing the shifts that occur in the current art temperament and advancements in technology. The fellowship helped me connect with the other artists, seeing what direction they were exploring. I was extremely happy to be selected in this group and honored by the award. The whole process propelled me forward, giving me the inertia to continue with my explorations. I was able to show my work in a number of venues including museums and film shows as a result of this award.

What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?

I continue to work on animation and motion graphics. I have made a number of films, perhaps over 30 to 40 short films. With the advancements in technology I am able to create animated work with greater ease of expression, and easily sketch out ideas pursuing an experimental mode. I am able to process my ideas quickly, adjust the timing and aesthetic content. I am able to combine many approaches with the same film. Sometimes the work includes cut-out animation similar to Larry Jordan's films. I enjoy working in direct animation using paint on glass. I look to many video and animation artists for inspiration, and find many of the old school experimental animators most influential. With the internet and Youtube, I constantly find fascinating experiments in collage films. I try to find ways to express my ideas on a daily basis whether it be through sketches, drawings, monoprinting, painting, photography, video collage or motion graphics. To see some of my films, go to: http://larvalisms.blogspot.com/2013/01/films-by-john-reily.html

What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?

Keep experimenting with the new technologies, exploring how these new methods can help you express your ideas more clearly and thoughtfully. Continue to work on art on a daily basis. Always keep in touch with the current trends and direction in art with the inherent variety of rich artistic pursuits.

Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?

Experimental, Gritty, Divergent, Expansive, A natural, realistic and thought provoking response to the current world environments.