In conversation with FriendsWithYou

“We noticed that there is an infinite yearning for shared experiences, feeling alone and adrift of symbols and human connection is truly the greatest calamity of the modern age. We want to help alleviate that somehow.”

 - Arturo Sandoval III of FriendsWithYou

Los Angeles-based artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, known as FriendsWithYou. Covent Garden. Photo by David Parry.

Sam Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, the acclaimed LA-based artists behind the collective "FriendsWithYou," are the creative minds behind Little Cloud World, now on display in Covent Garden—the largest installation the neighbourhood has unveiled since 2021. During their recent visit to London, we had the privilege of speaking with them about their creative process and the inspiration behind this captivating project.

How did you begin your journey into art? Did you grow up in a creative environment?

Arturo Sandoval III, (AS): Not truly sure actually…. I was born into a very creative family, my dad is quite a magical artist, a Jazz musician, my brother is a painter, also 10 years older, so I think all of that combined had a big impact. My mom is hyper creative - she never stops coming up with projects and just making things, manifesting ideas, it’s quite fascinating to see how much that kind of thinking shapes who we become. I didn’t really realise I was an artist till I came of the age where people start to ask you what you do and that is all I knew how to do. 

Sam Borkson (SB): I didn’t really grow up in a creative environment, for me it started accidentally. I was just making things since my first memories - sculptures, characters, stories, it’s always been a part of me.

At what point did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in the art world?

AS: I guess in my collage years… I was painting and doing sculptures for the heck of it, mostly for myself and to accessorise my own space. I wanted to live inside a sort of mystical room full of occult items, and I was making all of it. I think I knew then, and there was no other way but through art.

SB: There wasn’t really a choice for me. It was the way.

When did you start creating work under the name FriendsWithYou?

AS: Sam and I started working together in 2001… wow,it’s a lifetime but feels like blink. We started hanging out and sharing books and painting together, and one thing led to another, and we were making these plush toys together… We frame the toys as a sort of amulet, a power source to focus your wishes and intentions into an object, something we are very much still doing 23 years later.

Can you tell us a bit about what themes and subjects inspire you creatively? Has this changed over the years or is there a constant?

 AS: There are a few key ideas and questions we keep front and centre in our art… If I had to distill them down, I would say that the central idea of FriendsWithYou is to redesign and modernise spirituality. Now we have to define what I mean by “spirituality” and well, I would say that to us, this means any mode that humans interact with- the ethereal other that binds us beyond our own individual experience; the song that resonates inside our bones… We noticed that there is an infinite yearning for shared experiences, feeling alone and adrift of symbols and human connection is truly the greatest calamity of the modern age. We want to help alleviate that somehow.

SB: Mostly humanity and providing new systems; Spirituality, healing, love, community in new fun ways.There is a certain constant but we are always evolving.

You have installed 40 inflatable floating clouds as part of your Little Cloud World installation. Can you tell us how the project came together?

AS: Little Cloud is a symbol of levity, a new symbol for hope and peace, a logo for optimism! One of the most interesting parts of making art is that it is really a social experiment, you unearth some kind of symbol or image that sounds true to you, and then you see how others react to it, how it is read outside of your body. Little Cloud is a symbol that took a long time to come into being, it was part of our visual language, but it has its own meaning that transcends our involvement. One of the key ideas of FriendsWithYou is that nature is conspiring to help you, this idea that is us vs. nature, it's truly awful, we believe the opposite, nature is conspiring on your behalf, it’s all going to be OK, trust the universe as it knows all the secrets and is in perfect harmony. Hehehe sounds silly but we mean it.

SB: Emily and the amazing people at Covent Garden hit us up and we made a dream a reality! 

Little Cloud World by FriendsWithYou. Covent Garden. Photo by David Parry.

What kind of experience do you envision for visitors engaging with your art?

AS: What is truly magical about this kind of art is that the work is really created when the visitors interact and experience the work… it’s in how we relate to the symbol that the magic happens. When we were in London for the opening of Little Cloud Sky, it’s fascinating to see everyone that encounters it smiley right away, there is no way out of sensing a little feeling of brightness and hope. 

SB: We hope it brings a joyous moment to all who encounter it. 

Throughout your artistic journey, what has been the most rewarding moment for you?

AS: How challenging and engaged you have to be to keep growing… the artist can never rest, you always have to keep interested, seeking new boundaries, this never-ending feeling is so so rewarding.

SB: All of it... every day it’s magical and new

What has been the most significant lesson you've learned about yourself, your abilities, or life in general, during your career?

AS: Hahaha.... Sooo many lessons…. we need more time for me to answer that.

SB: To be limitless and trust yourself.

Are there any noteworthy upcoming projects you can discuss at this time?

AS: We have some great projects coming up, but one that I’m most excited about personally is a project we are doing in Cleveland… it involves dancing robots that are autonomous, we can’t wait to share with you.

SB: Yes, our museum show at Parco Museum in Tokyo. Our dancing robots at the Cleveland Public Library and our solo exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach at Sarah Gavlak in Palm Beach.

What would be your dream project?

AS: Art direct the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, build a world religion that unifies and harmonises our relationship with the planet, I don’t know…. So many dreams, such little time on this earth… hopefully we can become immortal with the help of AI.

SB: Every day is a dream, but can’t wait to make some films, more public permanent art and maybe some amusement parks or rides. Can’t wait for all of it to continue to unfold.

The [Quick] #FLODown:

Best life advice?

AS: Follow your bliss, what makes you happy is what you will be most motivated to do.

SB: Be love and create - everything comes from that.

Last song you listened to?

SB: Mmmm Alice Coltrane is pretty regular on my repeat, same with Frank Ocean.

Last book you read?

AS: Manly P. Hall,The Secret Teachings of All Ages

SB: The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly Hall

Can’t live without…?

AS: Coffee!!!

SB: Love, loved ones, the ocean, art

What do you love about London?

AS: The walking… L.A. is a car city, and so was Miami, where we use to live before moving to L.A… Walking about is so so so nice, one day I will live in a walking city! Hehehe

SB: How amazing and multi-cultural the city is. All the amazing food/ people/ and art is so inspiring. 

Little Cloud World by FriendsWithYou is on display in Covent Garden until October 2024.

Website: friendswithyou.com; Instagram: @FriendsWithYou; Facebook: FriendsWithYou