Chris Dyer
Year born, location, education?
I was born in Ottawa, Canada in 1979, but I grew up in Lima, Peru till the age of 17, when I returned to Canada. After graduating school in Peru I graduated from 2 different colleges and 1 university in programs like fine arts and illustration.
How long have u been living there?
By now I Live in Montreal, Canada, for the last 11 years. Awesome artistic city, despite the extreme weather.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Inspiration is in every corner of my life. Everything and everyone affects me in a way and ends up in my work. People, music, fellow artists, 80's action figures, skateboarding, old school video games, vinyl records, traveling, worldwide cultures, spirituality, mystical awakening of our consciousness, etc, etc, etc.
What's your favourite color?
My favorite color is yellow. It is happy and warm like the sun and it makes my paintings come alive with energy.
When are you the most productive?
I am a workaholic, so I keep productive constantly. Even when on vacation or traveling, I cant stop doing some kind of art or I will be unhappy and unfulfilled.
Where is your favourite vacation-spot?
Hmmm. It is difficult to choose favorites when there is so many cool places in the world. My last vacation (as oposed to travelling ofr a show or work) was a cruise down the Nile river, checking all teh crucial ruin sof Egypt. So epic!!
What kind of music do you like?
I like all kinds of music, as long as it is good. From reggae to metal, jazz to classic rock to soul n funk, etc. But I would have to say that my favorite musical genres are fussion jazz and progressive rock, as they are so trippy and talented and keep my imagination flowing to make new kinds of art. Some of my favorite are Yes, Frank Zappa, Santana, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd, etc.
Any exhibitions planned
I have show happening all the time but some crucial ones coming up are Alchemeyez Visionary Art Congress (a group show in Hawaii with the best representatives of that genre present) in May, a group show at "Temple of Visions" in Los Angeles in June, a solo show at "Tribe 13" Gallery in Ukiah, California in August and in September i am showing at "Old Crow" gallery in Oakland, California alongside Visionary master Xavi aand legendary pro skater Karl Watson. Super stoked on all these.
What is your favourite material to work on?
For over a decade now I have been doing art on broken skateboards. When I started not many had done that, but by now there are too many, and a bunch of these artists don't even skate, so its been gayed up. I still do it once in a while, but try to look for more interesting board shapes or make multi-board sculptures. But I will paint anything I can get my hands on, from toys, to clothing, sculptures, etc. I am also learning how to use spray paint so I can paint bigger objects like walls and vehicles.
What are your tools? (special pens, colors etc.)
My main medium is acrylic paints, but I like to try new things all the time. I am mixing my latest paintings with airbrush, oils, etc. Spray paint is becoming more of a medium in summer, when I want to be out and of course pencils n pens are always crucial in sketch book work.
Before I say goodbye, I would like to let your readers know that there will be a full on documentary about my life and art coming out this June. You can see the trailer and make a pre-order of the dvd at www.positivecreationsmovie.com. I collaborated this piece with some cats out in Arkansas for the last 3 years and it came out super fun, so I am sure you will like it.
Other than that there is a 260 page coffee table book on my art coming out later on this year by Schiffer Publications. That took em a couple of years to put together, and I think it came out super sick, so try n get a copy when it is released, thanx!!
