Meet the Artist: It's A Living
We are delighted to announce that we will be releasing a brand new limited edition print with artist It’s A Living at Art Car Boot Fair in Margate this Sunday! We met with It’s A Living to learn more about his practice and how his environment influences his work.
Originally from Durango Mexico, you are now based in Brooklyn. How do cities affect/influence your practice?
Each city brings something new to my life and work. Durango is a very small town in the north part of Mexico, there’s not so much you can do there but when I visit I spent my time with my family, skating with my friends and painting for fun.
Brooklyn on the other hand is my home where I’m based. After every trip I spent some time home working on the upcoming projects. Usually I stay in Brooklyn area or Lower East in Manhattan. The city has so much energy I feel I have to leave sometimes. New York is awesome.
Each city has a different essence and that’s what inspires me the most.
You normally work on large scale murals, how did you find creating the postcard sized work for Art on a Postcard?
Large murals are super fun and take a lot of energy so working on a postcard was a calming and beautiful experience. I worked with brushes (Which I never do) and it’s something that allowed me to work in the studio in peace. It was a great experience.
You’ve worked on murals, and with large brands throughout the world, is there anywhere you’d like to paint where you haven’t had the chance to yet?
Yes, of course I would love to paint many things. I think top wall I would love to paint it will be the Bowery wall in New York. I feel it is a milestone in many artists and it’s quite difficult to do it.
Tell us about your studio. Do you have a creative routine?
I do have a creative routine when I’m home. I start the day with getting up and doing stretching then I grab my skateboard and head down the street for coffee and when I get back I start with my emails then painting.
My studio is not really big but I have been collecting artworks from friends or artists I really admire and I try to keep a gallery look to it. I like to organise things so everything is neat and also I have been collecting Japanese toys. It’s something that has grown with my trips to Japan, it has become a new hobby.
Courtesy of the artist
Are there particular things you need around you to work effectively?
Yes, I need to have a clean work space otherwise I can not focus.
What does it mean to you to be producing work to help raise funds for The Hepatitis C Trust?
It’s a great cause I am always happy to produce work that matters and helps others.
Courtesy of the artist
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from traveling. This year has been filled with trips back to back and looking back I see how Japan has influenced my work and that comes from learning more about Japanese culture.
Interview written - September 2019