What kind of maker are you? (please include ALL mediums in which you create your art/craft).

I think of myself as mostly a painter, but with my company, Iconography, we have done a lot of intricate stenciling in paint, plaster and metal leaf and many combinations of all of those. And sometimes work in some replicated stone or exotic wood. Kitchen remodels-cabinet reconfigurations and refinishing-as well as new planning and installation. Lots of Fireplace and kitchen hood design or updating and installation (not internals). We have fabricated (from raw materials) and installed custom hardwood, Stone, and cement tile. Vast quantities of color integrated plasters (Venetian and the like). And, of course, quite a bit of mural work.

When did you start designing and/or building?

I have been designing and building since I can remember. As a kid, my family moved around a lot and each home we lived in- we tried to make “ours”.

What inspired you to start making?

It’s been a family tradition for generations and the only career I ever seriously considered.

What do you do for work currently? Where are you based out of?

I am a visual artist and the owner/design director for Iconography Finishing- both of which have a studio in the Salt Lake metropolitan area. Iconography Finishing is a decorative painting company that specializes in intricate stencils, often involving precious metal foil “leaf” and sculpted plaster. I am a visual artist using mixed media paints on panels creating moody landscapes and animal portraits.

What is the most engaging part of building for you? What do you enjoy most? What do you enjoy least?

I love re-imagining traditional techniques to create effects that work well in contemporary spaces. That is what I am most excited about. The installation process, especially on some of our more finely detailed works can get tedious especially when we are pushing the limits of available technologies. But there is nothing quite like unmasking day. Seeing the culmination of the many hours spent unveiled is, as an adult, every bit as exciting as Christmas day as a child.

When do you feel most inspired?

I feel most inspired when a client gives me a budget and a blank space to work. It’s super important as I’m dreaming about that space, that I’m only allowing my mind to to in directions that fit their intentions.

Where do you want to take your building and designing skills? What do you hope to learn and do with your career?

I would really like to have an opportunity to do some sgraffito on the exterior of some structures. I think we could take that art form, which was highly explored in Barcelona particularly, and have it re-interpreted to our present, and more specific locale,s and really give opportunity for structures to become beautiful focal points. For example, Heber City. it has moved somewhat away from their historical Alpine architecture. With just a little bit of detail, you could change the character of the structures in that city to connect to something that celebrates the heritage.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a custom builder and designer?

Once we start working on someone’s space, and they understand the possibilities available with our expertise, they want to do more than they originally thought they did. It’s hard to fit that in the schedule available. Also, finding employees that are able to have the anticipation of unmasking to get through the long, tedious installation process

What are some pieces that you’ve made that you are the most proud of?

I can’t really think of any of my paintings that I don’t love to look at again. It’s a little sad to see each one go. Obviously there are other benefits that compensate for that, but it’s always a little hard.

What is your favorite tool/instrument/toy right now?

During quarantine, my son bought a lathe. I’ve really enjoyed playing around with that. Also, I recently bought a kayak. I’ve loved having a reason to be outside and review the spaces I’m celebrating in my paintings.

Favorite design style? (This can be interior design, photography painting, architecture, etc.)

I really am excited about some of the Post-Impressionists and the way they combined earlier representative techniques with almost total abstraction. Building wise- the whole Arts and Crafts movement (their philosophy, not shapes) are the driving forces in the thoughts about what I am creating.

Favorite thing to listen to while you work?

I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts. I’ve especially enjoyed “The Fall of Civilization Podcast.” They are detailed enough that I’ve listened to each episode several times while painting. On jobsites we enjoy listening to audio books. One we have recently enjoyed was “The Feathered Thief.”

Favorite outfit/footwear to wear to work?

My studio isn’t really climate-controlled, so the temperature changes a lot based on the season. Most of the summer I’m in shorts and barefeet (which leads to really sparkly toes). In the winter, I have an old pair of Carhart insulated coveralls that I used to wear to ride my Vespa up the mountain to go snowboarding (yes- with the snowboard on my back). They’re getting pretty haggard, but I still wear them most of every day.

Favorite post-work activity to unwind?

Working with my succulents while I watch my dog playing with the neighborhood kids that she loves so much.

Favorite food?

I’m not very food motivated. It takes something pretty good to get me excited.

Favorite band?

I’ve really been enjoying “Cassette Drift”- a local Utah band

Favorite place you’ve traveled?

I know it’s cliche, but it’s hard to beat Italy.

Place you want to travel to most and why?

I’ve always wanted to go to China because they have such a long history of sophisticated culture. I’m a little concerned about the warnings that have been put out by numerous countries about “arbitrary arrests”.

If you could collaborate with one maker/artist (living or dead) who would it be?

I’ve always enjoyed the time I’ve spent collaborating with Adam Jarzabek. (https://www.instagram.com/faithfulartrestoration/) I would love to spend more time doing that.

Where can people contact you and find out more about you?

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/IconographyFinishing/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/tylerhuntzinger/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/IconographyInc/

https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuntzingerart/

Websites:

https://www.IconographyFinishing.com/

https://www.TylerHuntzinger.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TylerHuntzingerart/