Mac (Juxtapoz #103) is not your typical street artist. Aside from his near-perfect eye for proportion and lighting, Mac refuses to follow conventional methods of street artistry. A true original, Mac has made a name for himself the world over with his awe-inspiring murals and his artistry currently occupies the subscriber cover of this month’s August 2009 issue. David Choe delves into Mac’s mind in his feature interview, but now we’re wondering what Mac is thinking right this second. Curious too? Good thing Mac answered our Back Talk questions.

How do you feel right now?

Extremely fortunate. A little out of shape. Like there's just not nearly enough time to do even a fraction of all the stuff I want or need to do. Excited about upcoming shows, murals, projects, trips, etc.

If you could wake up in a different place tomorrow morning, where would it be and what would you do?

There's so many places I'd love to go it would be hard to decide... But Moravsky Krumlov in the Czech Republic sounds good. I'd check out Alphonse Mucha's "Slav Epic" paintings. Japan might be my next backup choice. Or Thailand. Or just about anywhere in South America. The Netherlands too... etcetera, etc.

If you lost your creative skill, how would you see yourself making a living?

Finding a way to get it back!

If you could punch one living contemporary artist, who would it be?

There's nobody I can think of right now that would be worth the trouble.

Was your first kiss worth writing a song about?

Ehh. Maybe an instrumental. Technically I guess anything's worth writing a song about.

At what point were you particularly happy?

When I wasn't too preoccupied with how much happier I could possibly be. I'm pretty happy most of the time when I'm making art...or visiting a new country. Or listening to good music. Or watching a good apocalyptic movie.

No regrets allowed, but there must have been one?

There's been a lot more than one.

What trait do your friends have in common?

They all put up with me and most of them have names that end in vowels.

If you had to evacuate your home or studio, what's the one thing you would grab?

I have a few paintings that would have to come with me somehow. I couldn't just grab one.

Greatest love of your life?

Art.

What is your favorite vice?

Either graffiti or female beauty.

When you blow out the birthday candles, what do you wish for?

More opportunities to blow out birthday candles.

If you could play a character from a favorite film or TV show for a day, who would it be?

Maybe somebody from the movie "The Warriors"...or maybe that guy opposite Sofia Vergara on the old Univision travel show, "Fuera de Serie". Being in just about any telenovela would probably be fun, too.

Do you ever lie?

I'm no saint, but I try my best not to lie. That's really important; life is too short.

Do you think viewers understand the intent of your work?

I'm sure some people get it and some don't. I hope what I do is relevant and can move people…hopefully lots of people, which is the appeal of graffiti and murals and other public art. But when it comes down to it, it's just something I have to do. I probably shouldn't worry about it.

What virtue can you do without?

If it's a virtue and I actually have it, then I'd like to hang on to it.

Do you even notice when you're swearing?

Fuck, I don't know.

What has been your proudest moment?

I try to keep the pride in check... but realizing that I'd reached the point where I was able to pay the bills doing what I loved the most was definitely up there. Working so hard on something for so long and actually getting somewhere with it.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Making the best art I was capable of and not being a total asshole. It would be nice to pass along some inspiration the same way my favorite artists inspired me.

How would you prefer to die?   

Hopefully with some dignity and a clear conscience.

More on Mac at www.elmac.net