Eric Rudd

Town: North Adams

Age: Still young

Birthplace: Washington D.C.

Occupation: Artist

How I would describe myself: I’m an artist; I can apply my art to all sorts of activities. I do real estate in order to have room to create. I like to see new things happen. I work fast; I’m impatient. I’m excited. I’m a romantic.

Current volunteerism, board memberships, etc.: Just living in North Adams means volunteering. Infinite Capacity Partnership, Cultural Alliance, Berkshire Visitors Bureau, MCLA Foundation -- but previously on boards of Contemporary Artists Center, La Festa, Chamber, etc., and I continue to help behind the scenes.

Family: Wife, Barbara; sons, Thaddeus and Nikolai; parents living in Florida at ages 89 and 94.

Education: American University, 1964-68; International Academy of Fine Arts, 1965-66, Austria; Artist’s Workshop, 1965, Italy; and all over Europe 1965-68.

Personal hero/role model: Picasso

Why is this person a hero/role model to you: He created great art in a variety of ways, was a catalyst for a new direction in art, and was productive for a long time. Also, Michelangelo -- and I still like Superman.

Personal achievement(s) of which you are most proud: First professional exhibition in 1966; marriage to Barbara in 1969; Vinyl chip Grid paintings 1970; Thaddeus 1974; first polyurethane works 1973; Nikolai 1974; O Street Art Studios 1978; first blow-molded sculptures at GE Plastics 1987; Contemporary Artists Center 1990; First Downtown Installation 1991; Japan Fellowship 1994; opened Dark Ride Project 1996; saved Eagle Street 1996; Performance of Wet Paint 1999; first big robotic sculpture 2000; opened A Chapel for Humanity 2001; published The Art World Dream and The Art Studio/Loft Manual 2002; and whatever I’ll be doing next.

Personal quote/trademark expression: “Now what?” “There’s always something.” “I tell you.” “Why not?”

The one people remember the most: “It’ll only take 15 minutes.”

The best advice you can give someone: Your most wild ideas are your best and most satisfying; simply do them.

Most recent book read and author’s name: “Sunlight at Midnight -- St. Petersburg and the Rise of Modern Russia,” by W. Bruce Lincoln.

Favorite TV show: Food TV, also Discovery and History channels.

Pet Peeve: Sidewalk spitting, trash in public spaces, and waiters clearing the table before Barbara has finished eating.

Hobbies: Art 24/7. Otherwise, traveling to exotic warm places during the winter.