Apopcalyptich Pop inspired comic book imagery with the impending doom of the end of the world. I am fascinated with consumerism, the con, the lie we all buy into. I have been part of that machine and always looking for an exit.

 

Q : Is art part of that machine ?

If you have a product changing hands and work being sold in some ways yes, but this is how artists live and keep creating. It’s about keeping your integrity and a hold of your personal values.

 

 

Q: Will we ever learn the identity of D*Face?

As I get older I am less bothered. At the same time it’s less relevant to know who I am than know my work. I am not interested in celebrity.

 

Q : How do you see your impact from street to Galleries?

The street art was the beginning, it was a way to get me out of  work. I really don’t see a difference between the two. I create pieces and works for the audience, I take risks and like to be able to give back. Finder’s keepers, giving away stuff at my shows, giving my art to the public on the street, it’s all stuff I get into doing. I always have something for everyone at the opening so people walk away with a smile and a something tangible to remember the experience.

Q: Favorite medium? ( for an artist who works in so many)

Screen printing, I love the process.

 

Q: What kind of art interests you?

I am connected to Stolen Space Gallery in London. All of the artist we show inspire me.

 

Warhol and Basquiat, this work is still relevant today and another reason I am looking forward to my show in New York. My Mum took me to many museums and shows when I was growing up but it was these guys that really spoke to me.

 

Q : What came first, graff, printmaking, sculpture, stencil, painting?

Doodling on a lay out pad and from there I started cutting stencils of my work, hitting the streets on my way to and from my boring old job. All the other stuff has come by just doing and wanting to achieve more with every show I have done. I push my boundaries and learn new skills. I am a self-taught artist from screen printing to painting.

Q: Have you shown in New York before?

I have been in a the group show ‘Streets of Europe’, with Jonathan Levine in 2006 but this is my first solo.

Q : What do you think about when you first wake up?

My daily plan, I have a hectic schedule . Then I have a couple of  hours with my baby girl. I am a family man and the mornings are important to us, that’s when we have our time together.

 

Q: What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?

Something my kids can be proud of. I hope I inspire a few people along the way.

 

Q This leads to me next question. You inspire so many people around the globe how does this effect you and your work?

I try not to let it affect me I live a humble life and create. I like being able to walk around and be anonymous . I know people are watching, it’s hard to say that I don’t care. I try not to be swayed by opinion. This comes back to being self-taught and being a D.I.Y artist.

Q: Greatest Joy?

My laughing daughter. The other morning she came out of the house shaking and screaming after seeing miss Piggy for the first time on T.V. She had me rolling on the ground with laughter. When she laughs it’s everything to me.

 

Q: Greatest sadness?

Loss can be upsetting when it’s people you care about. Time can be sad the way it goes so quick and not making more of the time I have.

Q: As an artist what message do you carry?

To question what you surround yourself with and what you are being told.

 

Q : Hopes for the future?

I can only hope to get to carry on living as an artist.

Q: Advice for young or not so young emerging artists ?

Just do you and be yourself. Keep picking yourself up - be inspired but don’t look to closely.

 

Q: What can we look forward to with this show?

A multi-media show. It’s fun exploring documenting recording . I have my new paintings , silkscreen , sculpture , give aways . I have these old school desks with graffiti of all those kids that had them as their desks and doodled away the painful hours of school. I have engraved and made into pieces, they are petty cool . I am very happy with the work, we will see how everyone responds. Of course I hope they appreciate what I have achieved with this new body of work.

Cheers D*Face for taking the time to chat, get personal and share some of your thoughts about work, family and the world in which we all live. If you are fortunate enough to be in New York this September get yourself over to Jonathan Levine Gallery Sept 12th for an experience that will be a feast for your eyes and just might leave you thinking. Take time to look past the obvious and look into the soul of the man and what he is saying.

Richard Scarry and The Chipster