Tell us a little about yourself.
I love life, love making stuff. If I go a few days without making something I start feeling weird.
What kind of tools and materials do you use in your work?
I used anything to work. I use a lot of traditional materials like oil paint or clay or charcoal, but I use whatever the piece calls for. Could be a camera one day. Could be some trash or chewing gum the next.
What subjects, topics, or messages do you like to express in your work?
The only message I hope to convey with my work is beauty. Any ideas or subjects or messages that show up in my work are only there because they caused me to think of something beautiful or interesting.
What/who inspired your latest work of art?
The work of Robert Motherwell inspired a lot of my last works. A piece that I am starting now takes its main inspiration from a book I read called Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane. It’s a really powerfull book.
What are your favorite websites to visit for art related content?
New York Magazines Vulture blog is great for all things culture. Art Fag City is a great site to stay current on what is going on in the art world.
If you were to offer a piece of advice to an aspiring artist on how to succeed, what would you say?
Work hard and stuff will start to fall together. Look at other peoples art. Artist are not islands. Art is one big discussion and seeing how others tackle problems is a great way to learn!
How did you get to be an artist? Was there a particular artist or experience that made you want to pursue art?
I have always loved drawing! My earliest memories are of drawing. My mom was is a single parent and I always went to work with her. I would just pull out some markers and draw for hours.
How has life changed since winning Work of Art?
Work of Art was great because it exposed my art to literally millions of people! There are so many great people that have contacted me and want to become collectors. An artist couldn’t ask for anything more
What style of art do you work in?
I am not sure how to describe my style. I usually use people in my work, so you could call me a representational or figurative artist. But I use people and the figure as the base to start exploring with different materials, whether it be paint or different building materials.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently really excited by sculpture! I have always loved three dimensional work since my younger days playing with action figures and legos!
What work of art do you wish you had done? Why?
Great question! There are so many works that I wish I had done. So many pieces that will probably go to the grave with me. That is my greatest fear as an artist; that I will not bring to life everything I have inside of me.
What is your work space/environment like?
My space is a wonderland for an artist like me but probably looks like a dumpster to most people! It kinda smells too, but I love it
What is your process when you sit down to work?
Most of the time I have no idea how to get started. Getting started on a piece is like pulling teeth, but you gotta do it. When I am stuck I usally pull out simple pencil and paper and just start drawing. Something simple like drawing just gets the blood pumping.
Any funny stories from the art studio that you could share?
Plenty. Most of them are what not to do stories. One time I need to hammer a nail but I didn’t have a hammer so I used the bottom of a can of spray paint. It was working well until, surprise, it exploded in my face! I looked like I robbed a bank!