Artist Interview: Larry Booth

What made you start creating topographic art? 

My degree is in architecture. Building three-dimensional models of structures and landscapes was part of our training. While studying topographic maps in class, I became fascinated by the lines of elevation on the maps and the unique abstract designs carved into the landscape by the random forces of Nature (water, wind and tectonic movement). 

The maps inspired me to start making layered, topographic models of actual landforms like mountains and canyons. These were initially made of dozens of layers of poster board. I also made topographic models of human faces and other three-dimensional objects. I called it TopoArt.

I dabbled with my TopoArt for a couple of years but put it aside to focus on illustration and graphic design (how I got from architecture to commercial art is a long, convoluted story). About 2003 I decided to pick up my TopoArt again and started making my three-dimensional pieces out of layered wood. Eventually I also began painting the designs on canvas.

Have you created any TopoArt designs of other cities?

I’ve done a couple of cities such as San Francisco and Pittsburgh, but cities are not ideal subjects because they are typically situated on flat land and also because the landscape has been so extensively reworked that the natural design of the land has been lost. The best subjects are mountain ranges and valleys. My favorite three-dimensional piece is the TopoArt I did of the Sierra Nevada Range in California (see above). My favorite two-dimensional piece is my TopoArt painting of the Iron Range in Wisconsin (see below).

Are you from Milwaukee? 

No. I was raised and went to college in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve also lived in Columbia SC, Washington DC and Pittsburgh PA.

What brought you to Milwaukee?

Prior to coming here, I was living in Pittsburgh, PA. A former boss, who had moved here, called and offered me a job to run the Creative Services group at his company. Never having been to Milwaukee I was hesitant but agreed to come check out the city. He knew I was an avid sailor so he made sure I saw the harbor and the sail boats on Lake Michigan (I raced Olympic-class sailboats and served as a representative for sailing on the U.S. Olympic Committee.) I was hooked. 

What are your favorite cities you’ve traveled to?

Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City (I love Asian culture), Sydney Australia and Dublin Ireland (for the people). 

What were your first art experiences? What brought you to art?

My dad was a Philadelphia fireman but was also a really talented artist. He would sketch cartoons, human figures and architectural designs for fun. I was fascinated by them and began copying his art, especially his cartoons. My dream job as a kid was to be a Disney artist. 

Who are your favorite Milwaukee artists?

Ah no, that’s not fair. You’re asking me to make enemies (he said with a smile)! Let me put it this way, I appreciate every artist, especially those who make art their livelihood. I know how much thinking, time and talent goes into a piece and it is not for me to judge. Only to admire. And learn from.

What are you currently working on? 

I have been working on some three-dimensional clay-on-wood abstract pieces that grew out of my fascination with the meandering, curvilinear lines of topography. Also working on some new TopoArt paintings of locations specifically in Wisconsin but it’s difficult to find unusual topographic subject matter here because of the geologic nature of our terrain and the minimal changes in elevation.

What would you like to do next?

I would love to do a large three-dimensional TopoArt covering an entire wall. The play of light and shadow would be a really intriguing sculpture in a public space such as a museum, hotel lobby or other commercial business.