“I needed independent work while pursuing my art,” Kopp said. “It sometimes is very difficult to balance being an artist and gaining income.”
Plus, Kopp has worked through trauma issues and depression through 14 years of therapy. “The gift of doing so has made me a well-rounded individual and given me great insight as a playwright and artist. It also has led me to working with children with physical and mental disabilities,” he said.
Kopp’s long-term career goal is to create video installation work for museums.
His dream job, he said, is “to have one job as a full-time artist, playwright and performer.”
Kopp said his visual art is “expressionistic, existential, and often employs a sense of humor.” He sold his first piece of art while in high school, earning $100, and he also earned a scholarship to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. His drawings are often on a smaller scale now, and often quite colorful, though he admits he loves producing black & white pieces.
Kopp has written two comedic plays with the theme of bisexuality: “This is not a House” and “Encyclopedia Sexualis.”
Kopp also has found a niche buying, repairing and then selling vintage furniture. He has, for instance, two ottomans from the mid-1950s at his north side apartments that he bought for a combined $50. After spending about $200 to refurbish, Kopp said he will be able to sell for $3,000 or $4,000.
THE STATS
Age: 41
Relationship status: Open relationship with bisexual woman
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Orientation: Bisexual
Hobbies: Mushroom hunting
Job Title: Dramaturg, playwright, performer at Tellin’ Tales Theater, plus an independent artist
Best part of job: “I am working for myself.”
Worst part of the job: “Low pay after expenses.”
Favorite local restaurant: Tiffen
Favorite movie: Wings of Desire
Favorite TV show: Nova
Little-known fact: Was the captain of his high school football team