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Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Jose Mertz
By Spraygraphic | February 11, 2010
Spraygraphic Interview with Jose Mertz
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
JM: I am an extraterrestrial from the 5th dimension and currently occupying the form known as Jose Mertz. I make images, recorded sounds, curate art exhibits & I am a pops.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
JM: I live in the tropical lands of Miami, Florida. I work from my home/ laboratory in North Miami.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
JM: Pigment, water, wood, canvas, air, acrylic, graphite, watercolor, prismacolors, gesso, gloss medium.. all that stuff.
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
JM: These days I have been dedicating more time to the art of the sketch. Composition and reinvention of average objects are important to me. So I sketch a lot new ways to reintroduce a flower, flesh or even random things like a barnacle. I also write questions to myself that are like visual challenges. “What does a thought look like?” stuff like that.
When I get excited about something I would like to refine..It becomes somewhat of a production..I then redraw or paint the image onto a larger surface, building on it and making it take shape and form. I never really know when a image is complete but if I feel the conversation is done I move on to the next one.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
JM: If I ever feel like I am trying too hard - then I sometimes go to the flicks or play video games to chill out and take it easy. Maybe eat a salad and just hang out on the porch.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
JM: I have been looking at a lot of graphic design work lately. Science Fiction, music, animation, art books, surfing the internet…etc. I never know when I will get inspired but recently I heard a great story about a situation in Haiti that I found very inspiring. Teaching from Eastern Philosophy are very inspiring as well to me. They tap into a deeper level of inspiration that goes beyond matter making.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
JM: I have had work showcased in different publications and sites for different reasons. I have been in XXL, The Source, Fader, New York Post, Frank 151, Vibe magazine and videos for Tpain, Beenie man, Busta Rhymes, and the HBO TV show Entourage for fashion design. For artwork I have shown in Rare Gallery, Exit Art, City Magazine, New York TImes, Village Voice, Semi-Permanant Book 2006..just to name a couple. oh and of course the shows I have curated in the past.
SG: Where will it be seen next?
JM: I am curating a show with my design company Morifq Studio in April - titled: Crystal Monoliths at Caffeina Gallery in Miami. I will be doing an installation and showcasing new works on paper.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
JM: hmmmmm. I don’t really know, but I would love to be at a Takashi Murakami level with my work. Take the viewer into another world and forget about this one for a while.
SG: What is your favorite color?
JM: I love em all, but when I was a kid I was really attracted to Yellow- the shade of Tibetan monk sashes.
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
JM: I have a bunch of artists I really like. I can’t say which is my favorite but some off the top..right now I really like Mars-1, hello von, james jarvis, doze green, rostarr, david ellis, barnstormer crew, dizmology, james jean, barry mcgee, kaws, phillip toledano, johnny robles, friendswithyou, mario hugo, matthew barney, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Goya, buddhist thangkas, rakim, digital underground, kool kieth…too many to name.
SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?
JM: Yeah, In college… I gave the painting to my pops, but then again isn’t all artwork a self portrait to some degree?
SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?
JM: Fast company magazine, hi fructose, GQ and Mens Heath. Art Books are always in rotation in the studio.
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
JM: I like to hang out in Soho when I am in NYC - I love hanging out with my new son and family - kayaking with my wife and with my homie Rey at the crib playing some Xbox or whatever.
SG: Any final words of advice?
JM: Sure. Stay true to yourself. All things come and go. All situations will come and pass. Always practice your skill and stay silly. When things get too hard they are easier to break. stay loose and have fun.. even when your taking out the trash. peace.
Topics: Artist Interviews |
March 16th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
gangsta man you always keepin it real