Lee Driskell of Rosco Biscuit

Atlanta, Georgia

You have an interesting background. You helped create an eyewear line and then started a film service company. What was the creative spark that led you to make art?

Art has always been my first love. I remember winning my first art contest in 4th grade and enjoying the feeling of being able to evoke an emotion from something that I created. In 1996 I was asked to be a part of an Olympics Kids Art T-shirt Competition to promote arts through the City of Atlanta. I won this competition, and the feeling of being recognized on such a level for my art was more than one could verbalize. I look at my eyewear and film company as a natural addition to what I do because it still requires a certain level of artistry.

How did you come up with the name Rosco Biscuit?

Rosco Biscuit was given to me by a friend of mine five years ago. She felt that my Gemini ways often showed in my personality. Lee Driskell is sophisticated, conservative, minimalistic and the other gritty, bold, social butterfly which she named Rosco Biscuit. I felt like my artwork was very representative of my Gemini Twins hence why I call my company Rosco Biscuit.

Some people would describe your work in the vein of abstract minimalism. How do you describe your artistic style?

I would agree. I feel that my art is representative of my lifestyle and things I love. From my house to my car, down to the way I dress. I guess you can say I'm a minimalist; less is more.

Where do you draw artistic inspiration?

My home.

I look at my home as my little “High Museum.” Any art that I've created has always, ALWAYS, been created for me first.

You have a great use of the color Black. Do you intentionally use the color for a lot of your pieces?

Yes, Black is my favorite color. It's such a dominate color. Being that I typically will start with a white canvas, black is usually the first color I envision first.

Do you have a favorite piece or collection?

Forbidden Fruit is my all-time favorite.

What has been the most memorable response to your work?

Grace Miguel, Usher's wife, fell in love with one of my first pieces, Displeasure. We are planning a sit down to discuss my paintings further.

What are some risks or sacrifices you have made as an artist?

Some people may say it's a financial risk, but I don't know if I look at it as a risk or sacrifice because art is something that did more for me mentally than any financial gain I could ever receive from it.

Who is your favorite artist?

Dali and Basquiat.

They were both innovators and trailblazers in the world of art.  They have impacted me just as much artistically as they have in their business. They are strong examples that we, as creatives, don't have to be considered "starving artist." From their pieces being sold for hundreds of thousands of dollar to their works being featured in world-renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to Musée du Louvre in Paris.

On upcoming projects:

I am working on some new pieces now. Not sure if they will be a part of a particular collection, but I am scheduling a release at the top of May. I'm planning to attend Art Basel Miami but I have a very tight schedule with my other business.

What quote or affirmation do you live your life by?

Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be. Because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

For more on this artist, please visit RoscoBiscuit.com and follow on social media @roscobiscuitart