Sahtu Press continues our new interview series with writers and creators across the globe to assist intercultural conversations on what it means to be creating in our modern times, finding our own voices, and reaching towards the outermost limits of our imagination. This month we interviewed the talented Oura Saninkone, who is exhibiting an original piece at the Laomerica 50: Democracy and Diaspora exhibit at the Minneapolis Central Library until September 27th!
Born in the Year of the Dragon in Arlington, VA, Oura Sananikone attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned a degree in Painting and Printmaking in 2000. His work includes paintings, comics, murals, toys, screen prints, risography, animation, photography, and music. Lately, Oura lives in Richmond, VA with his wife, 2 kids, and his mom. He currently works at Toy Lair, the toy store he helped start with his friend, as well as teaching various art classes to children and adults at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. He continues to be involved with numerous art shows and comic book events around the region.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, and how did you develop an interest in writing and comics?
I am a first generation Laotian-American; quite possibly the first Sananikone to be born in the United States.
Comics were always around the house. My dad used to read things like European comics like Asterix and Lt. Blueberry. My older brother introduced me to Marvel comics and at some point I started drawing them. My grandmother Bounsou Sananikone was amazing artist so I was also exposed to art at an early age.
What are some of your favorite things to study, and how has this influenced your approach to creating new works?
Sometimes it seems like everything influences me and my art. I love looking at almost anything comic related: history, old comic strips, biographies, comic book movies and tv shows, magazines, catalogs, etc…
Beyond just comics, indie:punk rock, street art, and the DIY/art toy community have also been hugely influential on me. The whole “Do-It-Yourself” attitude and aesthetic has shown me I don’t have to wait around for someone to publish my work or if I have a crazy idea, I can just go for it. Sometimes it’s not so great but it’s all part of the process. No one else is going to make the crazy stuff that’s in my head.
Who do you turn to for your literary inspirations?
Right now at this very moment: Marc Bell, Charles Schulz, Ron Rege Jr, Ashley Wood, Ernie Bushmiller Jr, Adrian Tomine, Bob Burden, Dan Clowes, Paul Pope, and Osamu Tezuka. I am probably forgetting someone very important…
When did you feel it was time to take the plunge and start creating more and sharing it with the world?
I’ve always made stuff but I think it’s been in the last couple of years since the pandemic that I have been a lot more productive. It’s a rare day when I’m not actively working on a project (or three!)
In 2021, I became an artist in residence at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond and also helped my friend Cody Jones open up a toy store where I could show and sell my art. Also I got my iPad that same year which has opened things up tremendously. The opportunities to make and share my work has only been growing. The more I do, the more seems to present itself to me.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received for your art so far?
Once in a while, someone tells me that my work inspired them to create more or that it changed their perception in some way. I don’t think anything could beat that.
What’s one of the most unusual subjects you’ve taken on with your art?
Maybe being an alcoholic in recovery. I try not to be overt or preachy about it but a lot of my work is about that. Hopefully it’s vague enough to be more universal…?
What do you often say to emerging Lao writers to inspire them to keep writing?
I don’t think I’ve ever had that exact experience but I try to tell young artists to keep at it. Like I mentioned before, no one else is going to make exactly what you have in your head except you. Don’t compare yourself or your abilities to others. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Always make stuff. Sometime it will be terrible and that’s totally ok.
We often talk about how artists get started, but what keeps you going, these days?
Seeing all the cool stuff people are doing out there in the world! It’s truly mind boggling the beauty we as humans are capable of.
Also being open to collaborate and try new things. It might end in disaster but it also might be the greatest thing ever. I never really know unless I try.
What’s next for you?
I am currently messing with the new animation app Procreate Dreams. So far my animations have been pretty short but I hope to make a trailer for the movie in my head in the next couple of months.
Just started making music again, live with other people and also by myself on GarageBand. It’s been fun to reconnect with that side of me. I usually have a hard time balancing my visual art and music but so far so good.
I have a couple of comic shows coming up early next year around Virginia so I will probably be making new books of some kind. Who knows? That’s like a whole month away. Anything could happen.
You can see his original piece “Isn’t Anything” in Minneapolis at the Laomerica 50 exhibit, and you can find him online at his patreon: Oura Sananikone