I'm 26 years old and based in Chicago. I have a BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute, College of Art.
How long have u been living there?
I have been living in Chicago for about 4 years now.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere,-its really hard to pinpoint any one thing that I could say truly inspires my art and creativity. But some things I draw inspiration from: renaissance art, skateboarding, cartoons, toys, comic books, science fiction, strange looking animals, television, fashion, friends, family, the Chicago collective 'Cartel', booze, iconography, walks down the street, good design and typography, psychedelic posters, drives in my girlfriends car, and everyday life.
What's your favourite color?
Lets go with purple...I've been trying to phase out straight black and bring in really deep purples.
When are you the most productive?
Anytime after I've been on the computer for an extended amount of time. I get really antsy while working on the computer and it makes me want to do nothing but paint!
Where is your favourite vacation-spot?
Oaxaca, Mexico. My girlfriend and I took a vacation- the only 'real' vacation either of us has ever taken, and we didn't want to come back. Its a really beautiful place, very rich in culture without being 'touristy'. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially anyone traveling on a budget.
What kind of music do you like?
Hip-hop, metal, jazz, soul, funk- it really just depends on what I'm in the mood for. Let's see, while I was working today I listened to Judas Priest's 'Painkiller' album, some Roy Orbison, a bit of Misfits, and then a hip-hop and funk podcast.
Any exhibitions planned this year?
I've got a bunch of group shows. A few I'm really looking forward to: 'Heavy Hitterz Manila' in the Philippines on May 3rd. 'Stoked Sessions Los Angeles', which is a really great charity event, on the 19th of April. In September I will have few pieces in the 'RAS Customize Session' show at PrettyPortal, which is in Düsseldorf, Germany. There are a lot of random shows, but the one I am looking most forward to is my first solo show at 32nd and Urban Gallery in Chicago on the 17th of October.
What is your favourite material to work on?
Withing the last year it has switched from canvas to wood panels. The panels have such a nice, smooth surface and I have found myself passing by the canvas section of the supply store and going straight for the panels.
What are your tools? (special pens, colors etc.)
95% of my work is done with small brushes and acrylic paints. I also use pencil, liquid acrylics, and inks.
