Before we get into this article, I want you to introduce yourself to the readers as well as myself. Who is Michael J. Fabiano?

I always find this to be a difficult question because I don’t really know the answer. I don’t know who I am, I feel like that’s often up to other people to define.

When did you begin to seriously view your art as being something you can pursue as a career?

I don’t know if there was a specific point in time. I grew up around art. My grandfather is a fantastic artist, and so is my mother. So I’ve been drawing forever. But I think it wasn’t until the end of high school that I decided I wanted to go to school for it.

What does your art mean to you and how has it impacted your life?

I have anxiety and panic attacks, and most of the time I find that drawing is a cathartic release. So it obviously helps in that regard. Creativity, in general, is very important to me. I think it’s such a powerful aspect of the human condition that it’s a shame it’s often overlooked.

In terms of creating artwork I am sure internal motivations play a huge role in pushing you to do what you do. I would like to know what is the inner driving force behind your creativity?

My anxiety is a big force behind my art the last couple years. But also just creativity. I try not to get complacent. I want to create things that don’t exist in our world, so I’m constantly trying to change my style to evolve and adapt.

You just mentioned constantly trying to constantly change and adapt your style. I believe in order to have longevity one’s style needs shifts and remain fluid as we grow and mature. If we could label your style, right now; at this moment, what would your be?

I struggle a lot with finding that medium between trying to be a good artist but also a unique one. In the past few years, my style has changed a lot. That’s part of the reason I’m so fickle with the artwork I leave online because sometimes I get embarrassed when seeing some of my old stuff and witnessing how my style has changed. But right now I think my style is heavily influenced by comics books and cartoons. I’m taking some notes from the more detailed defined stylized artwork of comics. On the other hand, I love the minimalist style of comics like Calvin & Hobbes and cartoons like Adventure Time. So I try to learn how to say more with less from them. I think my style right now is kinda hybrid of both of them.

I’m glad you mentioned hybrid because, in art, that word strikes me as meaning combination and/or balance. Now, this question may seem as though we’re backtracking but I feel it ties into the balance of your creativity. Earlier, we discussed the internal drive, now I want to talk about external factors which push you to create. Who are some of the people that have inspired you to pursue the arts?

Well, obviously my Mother and Grandfather as great painters. My girlfriend is a huge inspiration to me too, she’s a cake decorator and a phenomenal one at that. But as for non-family members, I’d have to say Tim Burton is a huge inspiration. I’ve always loved his creativity and the juxtaposition he creates between the macabre and jovial.

Let’s switch topics and talk about some of the tools used while making art. I want to know when drawing, what are some of the applications or programs you prefer to work with?

If I do digital work I have Cintiq tablet, while expensive it’s an amazing piece of equipment. With that, I normally just draw in Photoshop. But other than that I normally just work with Sharpies on paper. I kinda prefer drawing with ink over digital [medium] though, it’s more gratifying.

On a personal note, you’re a fan of professional wrestling and have drawn a number of wrestler caricatures; many of which have garnered attention from the online wrestling community. I would like to know what pulled you to the sport and who are some of your favorite athletes?

I started watching wrestling when I was in middle school. I met a kid at school who liked it and he wasn’t the stereotypical “dumb redneck” type of fan most think of. He showed me that wrestling wasn’t just a “Fake fight” but an actual piece of performance art. Once I started seeing it as art, I fell in love. Right now I’m big on a lot of these cruiserweights they’ve brought in. I love the high flying aspect of wrestling, so guys like Kalisto, Tony Nese, Neville, Finn Balor, are all on my radar. I’m also a big fan of Mil Muertes and Matanza over in Lucha Underground.

Of the wrestlers you have sketched who are your favorites to draw? Have any of them contacted you regarding your drawings?

I’ve never had any of them contact me, but sometimes they retweet me. I usually don’t leave my wrestling drawings up, though, I’m often very fickle about whether or not I want to be seen as a “wrestling artist” because I’m scared it’s gonna limit my future in the industry as an illustrator. But that might also be because it’s still seen as “not cool” to be a wrestling fan. But as far as favorite to draw, I like a lot of the guys that are unique looking with distinct facial features. Guys like Sheamus or Finn Balor.

Of your original concept drawings, what are some of the most recent pieces you have completed and what is the process behind creating them?

Recently I completed a piece called “They Told Us It Was Safe”. Normally I just have a rough idea in my head, but when I start drawing I kinda just let the visuals fill in the gaps. I really like the draw on the fly and kinda adapt and change the drawing as I’m drawing it. I also go through phases where I incorporate the same element into multiple pieces at the time. Like lately I’ve been into sugar skulls and intricate tattoos.

Speaking of tattoos, what intricate designs are you interested in? Secondly, would you ever consider designing tattoos for people? Do you offer custom design work for the public?

I’ve always been fascinated with the world of tattoos, though never had the volition to get one myself. I get a lot of requests to do tattoo designs, and I use to do them. But people almost never went through with it. Though two times people actually did get my design tattooed on them and it’s very strange to see something I drew immortalized on skin. But if someone is serious I’m open to design tattoos.

I’m open to working with anyone, really on anything they want. Just email me at mjamesfabiano@gmail.com and I’m more than willing to see if I can help

Artistically, if you could have any work; any job as a result of your creative skill, what would it be?

My end goal would be to make comic books. That’s always kinda been my dream but I think artistically I’m still far off from that. Plus I’m not sure if people would read comics in my style. My work lacks the complexity and talented of great comic book artist like Greg Capullo or Frank Miller who can build these entire complex and stunning worlds in just one panel. I’m also not pinned down to that. Like I’d love to do character designs for movies or video games. Graphic design is also a big field I’m currently trying to break into, I think my style could be used best there.

Looking ahead to the future, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

Hopefully still alive! In 5 years I’d like to be kinda laying the groundwork for my career. Hopefully, in 5 years I have found something in Graphic Design (that’s what my degree is in). In 10 years ideally, I’d be making more money and making even better work in Graphic Design, but working on my own art on the side too. Same in 15 years, I’d like to be settled in by then. I’d just be rolling into 40 at that time, and hopefully, I’d been able to set up a decent life for my and girlfriend (hopefully wife by then) in Graphic Design while doing my own art on the side.

Before we go, is there anybody whom you would like to shout-out or acknowledge? Anyone you want to recognize?

I think my biggest shout outs have to go to my girlfriend and mom. While my whole family has been amazingly supportive to a degree which I could never pay them back, there are a lot of days were my self-loathing and anxiety about my art and life become so overwhelming that my mother and girlfriend are the only people keeping me grounded in reality. I don’t know where I would be right now without these two amazing women in my life.

For more of Michael’s work, check out:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaeljfabiano
Online: http://michaeljfabiano.weebly.com/
Email: mjamesfabiano@gmail.com

by Matthew J

Who is KIF? Where are you from?

I´m a female graffiti writer and I have 26 years old (about to turn 27) that always struggle to achieve its objectives. My name is Karina Alejandra Soto Hernandez, I´m a proudly student of the University of Guanajuato (the highest seat of learning in my state). I was born in the city of León, that place that fills me with satisfaction and joy, like my Mexican nationality.

This year I discovered that I´m a feminist (haha). In Mexico, that concept has been distorted by singers (such as “Paquita la del Barrio”, “Jenny Rivera”, etc.) who only assault the male figure and they do nothing to improve relationships between men and women in society. Personally, I didn´t like the label [feminism], until I met, my now close friend and collaborator of ideas, “Luisa Herse”.

I´m also someone who tries to find proper balance between life and spirituality. Apprehend humility, which quoted Socrates, “The pride divides men, the humility joins.”

¿Quién es KIF? ¿De dónde eres?

Soy una mujer graffitera de 26 años (próxima a cumplir 27) que lucha por siempre lograr sus objetivos. Me llamo Karina Alejandra Soto Hernández, soy orgullosamente una estudiante de la Universidad de Guanajuato (la máxima casa de estudios en mi Estado). Nací en la ciudad de León, una ciudad que me llena de satisfacción y alegría, al igual que mi nacionalidad mexicana.

Este año descubrí que soy feminista jaja; en México ese concepto está distorsionado, gracias a cantantes de música popular (como “Paquita la del Barrio”, “Jenny Rivera”, etc.) que sólo agreden a la figura masculina y que no hacen más por mejorar la relación mujer – hombre – mujer en la sociedad. Por eso no me gustaba ponerme dicha etiqueta, hasta que conocí (a mi ahora entrañable amiga y colaboradora de ideas) “Luisa Herse”.
También soy la persona que trata de tener una vida y espiritualidad equilibrada. De aprehender a la humildad, que citando al buen Sócrates –El orgullo divide a los hombres, la humildad los une-

What’s happening with Lady’s Graff, at the moment? What are you working on now?

Lady’s Graff is in a period of inactivity. I haven’t had the time I would want to work fully on the project. I definitely want to continue it and see it prevail. Recently, I was together with Luisa and Pris (Female graffiti artist from “Chulas Klan” crew and my friend too) at a conference in Mexico City (Aesthetic of the Street) where the three were speakers. They both want to collaborate with Lady’s Graff, and help ensure that all the work doesn´t fall only on me. Unfortunately we couldn´t synchronize our schedules to start working (of course the distance doesn´t help a lot, because we are established in Mexico City, Chiapas and Guanajuato). Still I am optimistic; we will make it work.

¿Qué pasa con Lady´s Graff?

Lady´s Graff está en un período de inactividad, no he tenido el tiempo que quisiera para poder trabajar de lleno en el proyecto. Sin duda quiero que siga prevaleciendo, justo hace poco me reuní con Luisa y Pris (Graffitera del crew “Chulas Klan” y amiga mía) en un congreso en la Ciudad de México (Estéticas de la Calle) en donde las tres estuvimos de ponentes. Ellas dos quieren colaborar con Lady´s Graff para que el trabajo no recaiga solamente en mí, lamentablemente no hemos podido sincronizar nuestros horarios para empezar a trabajar (por supuesto, la distancia no ayuda mucho ya que estamos establecidas en México D.F., Chiapas y Guanajuato).

Now that you’ve been studying more traditional and technical forms of art, how do you now view graffiti? Is your approach to graffiti different? If so, how have you been able to adapt your new knowledge to your graffiti work?

Of course not, my approach to graffiti is still the same, I love to see the “dirt” that graffiti is going to leaving on the streets; in the public space. The academic background allows me to work more on my graffiti composition. i.e.: I try to experiment more with color, shapes (directionality and movement), proportion and the technical itself.

I´m also desirous of have more knowledge about the “mapping” and other artistic variants of digital media to experiment together with graffiti, or if it´s not with graffiti, public space intervention.

Ahora que has estado estudiando formas y técnicas más tradicionales de arte, ¿Cómo ves ahora el graffiti? ¿Tu enfoque al graffiti es diferente? Si es así, ¿Cómo has sido capaz de adaptar tus nuevos conocimientos a tu trabajo de graffiti?

Por supuesto que no, mi enfoque al graffiti sigue siendo el mismo, me encanta ver la “suciedad” que deja el graffiti en las calles, en el espacio público. La formación académica me permite trabajar más en la composición de mi graffiti, es decir, trato de experimentar más con el color, las formas (direccionalidad y movimiento), la proporción y la técnica en sí misma.

También estoy deseosa de ya tener mayor conocimiento sobre el “mapping” y otras variantes artísticas de soportes digitales para experimentar conjuntamente con el graffiti, o bien si no es con el graffiti, intervenir el espacio público.

Continuing off the last question, has your concept of graffiti shifted since studying at Art College? I ask because many people who start out as graffiti writers have switched up their perception of graffiti and after going to school have distanced themselves from their “graffiti roots”. (Do you still feel it’s an important form of expression or should more importance be placed on traditional art?)

The concept of graffiti that I have (since I started) is that it should remain as part of the illegality, of struggle and resistance. Ourselves put it inside the law, and consequently, moves into a comfort zone… I think It obeys, to circumstances of life itself, that is, the fear of being caught by the police and causes mortification to our families; that it´s risky to our health, to seek recognition (either fame, money, etc.) and to place it in galleries, and even a search of plastic experimentation selves.

I´ve distanced of my roots, not by choice, but because now I want to stay focused on my studies and they´re highly absorbent. But when I have spare time I try to paint, including in schoolwork each that I can add a touch of graffiti on them, I think is now that I cling to not let go of what I’ve been for the last 13 years of my life.

I was chatting with my professor of aesthetic about if graffiti could be to able consider like an art and He told me that yes, but the problem is that same graffiti writers don´t want to do it! And I think it the reality.

Graffiti is a expression form by itself, no need to enter into the categories of traditional art. Well I would say that semiotically and aesthetically, the creative process of the author and the perceptive process of the viewer, is the same in all types of art.

Continuando la última pregunta, ¿Tu concepto del graffiti ha cambiado desde que estudias en la escuela de arte? Lo pregunto porque muchas personas que empiezan como escritores de graffiti han cambiado hasta su percepción de graffiti y después de ir a la escuela se han distanciado a sí mismos de sus raíces graffiti (¿Todavía sientes que es una importante forma de expresión o debería ser de mayor importancia colocarlo en el arte tradicional?)

El concepto que tengo del graffiti (desde que comencé) es que debe de permanecer en el marco de la ilegalidad, de la lucha y la resistencia. Que nosotros mismos lo metemos al margen de la legalidad y, por consecuente, lo adentramos en una zona de confort… Obedece, creo yo, a circunstancias de la vida misma, es decir, el temor de ser capturados por la policía y causar mortificación a nuestros familiares; que sea riesgoso para nuestra salud, que busquemos el reconocimiento (ya sea fama, dinero, etc.) y lo coloquemos en galerías, e incluso, por una búsqueda en la experimentación de la plástica misma.

Yo me he distanciado de mis raíces, no por elección, sino porque ahora quiero permanecer enfocada a mis estudios universitarios y son muy absorbentes. Pero cuando tengo tiempo libre trato de pintar, inclusive en los trabajos escolares cada que puedo agrego un toque de graffiti en ellos, creo que es ahora cuando más me aferro a no desprenderme de lo que he sido durante los últimos 13 años de mi vida.

Estaba platicando con mi profesor de estética sobre si el graffiti podría ser considerado con un arte y él me dijo que sí, pero el problema es que los mismos escritores de graffiti no quieren hacerlo. Y creo que es la realidad.
El graffiti es una forma de expresión por sí misma, no necesita entrar en las categorías del arte tradicional. Pues me atrevería a decir que semióticamente y estéticamente, el proceso creativo del autor y el perceptivo del espectador, es el mismo en todos los tipos de arte.

For those who don’t know, what is Lady’s Graff and specific role has it played in terms of helping female graffiti writers, both in Mexico and abroad?

Lady’s Graff began as a website of dissemination in 2002 (the truth is that I can´t remember well the timing of events), gradually got to know the site and got to a point where I had to include international graffiti artists. Then it was mutating to blog and coming soon… ummmm, better I don´t advance what we have in mind until it´s more seriously and real. Well, Lady’s Graff is a space to spread and support graffiti done by women, not as a matter of segregation, but being a minority (in number of elements, compared to boys) is a communication network contact us all and share what we do and what we think.

Although I’m not updating the blog constantly, I try to participate in different groups created on Facebook (by colleagues who have the same intent), I share there news and interesting things that have to do with other women, not just my work.
Because of my work like a webmaster in Lady´s Graff, I´ve had the opportunity to collaborate in magazines, websites, books and graffiti events dedicated to the female gender.

Para aquellos quienes no saben, ¿Qué es Lady´s Graff y el rol especifico que ha desempeñado en términos de ayudar a las escritoras de graffiti, tanto en México como en el extranjero?

Lady’s Graff comenzó como un sitio web de difusión en el año 2002 (la verdad es que ya ni recuerdo bien la temporalidad de los sucesos), poco a poco se fue conociendo el sitio y llegué a un punto en el que tenía que incluir a graffiteras internacionales. Después fue mutando a blog y próximamente… ummmm, mejor no adelanto lo que tenemos en mente hasta que ya esté más palpable y concretado. Bueno, Lady´s graff es un espacio de difusión y apoyo al graffiti hecho por mujeres, no por una cuestión de segregación, sino que al ser minoría (en número de elementos, a comparación de los chicos) es una red de comunicación para contactarnos todas y compartir lo que hacemos y lo que pensamos.

A pesar de que no estoy actualizando el blog constantemente, trato de participar en distintos grupos creados en Facebook (por colegas que tienen la misma intencionalidad), ahí comparto noticias y cosas de interés que tengan que ver con otras mujeres, no solamente mi trabajo.

Debido a mi labor con Lady´s Graff, he tenido la oportunidad de colaborar en revistas, sitios web, libros y eventos de graffiti dedicados al género femenino.

What can you tell us about heading back-to-school? What are you studying, at the moment, and how has that affected your way of thinking and perceiving art — all art, not just graffiti:

I’m studying a bachelor’s degree in Digital Arts, I honestly didn’t have much notion about art in general. What more I known it was about the forefront artistics and some things Greco-Roman.

My introduction to graffiti was the total influence of the street; by my brother´s friends who spent their nights walking the neighborhoods of the city to paint over trends of territorial graffiti, cholos and gangs … So I always minimized the academic art, because it´s pretty appearance, what it liked to society.

My courses about art history were taught by a very passionate Architect in the subject (Armando Perez), whose classes showed me the great architectures in human history, from prehistoric era – Wonderful techniques in different periods for painting; order and proportion, even deconstructing of all them. Studying some of the amazingly detailed sculptures of different eras, I fell in love with Mexican art; with everything from prehispanic symbolism to expressionism of the great Mexican authors, specifically what David Alfaro Siqueiros, who created for all political activity, the mindset of struggle and resistance he had.

Now I think that all the important artists of the history of art and their various techniques, deserves great respect and admiration, even Marcel Duchamp with his horrible urinal (for me it had had more credit if he had defecated doing a protest performance against critics and “experts” in academic art).

¿Qué nos puedes contar sobre tu actual movimiento de “regreso a la escuela”? ¿Qué estás estudiando por el momento? y ¿Cómo ha afectado eso a tu manera de pensar y percibir el arte, todo el arte, no sólo graffiti?

Estoy estudiando la Licenciatura en Artes Digitales, honestamente yo no tenía tanta noción sobre el arte en general. Lo que más conocía era sobre las vanguardias artísticas y un poco de los greco-romanos.
Mi introducción al graffiti fue por la influencia total de la calle; por los amigos de mi hermano que pasaban sus noches caminando los barrios de la ciudad para pintar, graffiti con tendencias más territoriales, de cholos y pandillas… Por eso siempre minimizaba el arte académico, pues era el aspecto bonito, lo que le gustaba a la sociedad.

Mis cursos sobre historia del Arte fueron impartidos por un Arquitecto muy apasionado en el tema (José Pérez), sus clases fueron las que me mostraron las grandes arquitecturas en la historia del hombre, desde la prehistoria… Sus técnicas maravillosas en distintos periodos para la pintura; el orden y la proporción, incluso la deconstrucción de éstas. La escultura tan detallada de las diferentes épocas. Me enamoré del arte mexicano; desde la simbología prehispánica, hasta el expresionismo de los grandes autores Mexicanos, específicamente lo creado por David Alfaro Siqueiros con toda su actividad política, la mentalidad de lucha y resistencia que él tenía.

Ahora creo que todos los artistas importantes de la historia del arte universal y sus distintas técnicas, merecen un gran respeto y admiración, incluso Marcel Duchamp con su horrible mingitorio (para mí hubiese tenido mayor crédito si él hubiera defecado haciendo un performance de protesta frente a los críticos y “expertos” en la academia).

In your opinion, what can you tell us about the current position of female graffiti writers; not only internationally, but in your Province of Leon Mexico, as well? Are female writers getting representation?

In this moment I´m somewhat disconnected about the international scene. I think we should put more work on our warmth human and our quality graffiti.

Sometimes, it´s very sad and stressful for me to see that several people and I have been making a projects basis, efforts and ideas that are of no use. The girls in my country and my town are still having super high ego, even not for the quality of their work or their actions, but because they keep playing the role of “pretty girls”. A stupid competition has achieved social pressure, interested to be prettier than the other, be able to take the boyfriend to the other girl, and endless betrayals between us.

Leaving of centralized on the important things and focus to attack each other, but yes, seek recognition, attention and representation by the mere fact of being women and playing with the feelings of men.

There are all kinds of people and minds in the graffiti world, I reason to further develop ideas and joint projects with women who have left all that shit back, I´ve come to establish good friendships with girls who are in the same synchrony that me. I admire and respect their work, to their person because they have quality and warmth, because they´re women who are interested in taking seriously what they do and what they are passionate about. By the way hello to all, especially girls as Shady, Rank, Dita, Chulas Klan, Nuz, Peste, Traumas, Nala, Tysa and many others that deserve my utmost respect, not only in Mexico but throughout the world.

En tu opinión, ¿Qué nos puedes decir acerca de la posición actual de las escritoras de graffiti, no sólo a nivel internacional, pero también en tu provincia de León México? ¿Son escritoras consiguiendo representación?

En este momento me encuentro un tanto desconectada de la escena internacional. Opino que deberíamos ponernos más a trabajar en nuestra calidez humana y en nuestra calidad graffiti.

A veces es muy triste y agotador para mí ver que todo lo que varias personas y yo hemos ido logrando a base de proyectos, esfuerzos e ideas no sirve de nada. Las chicas en mi país y en mi ciudad siguen teniendo el ego súper elevado, ni siquiera por la calidad de su trabajo o por sus acciones, sino porque siguen jugando a ser “las niñas bonitas”. Una estúpida competencia que ha logrado la presión social, el interesarse por ser más bonita que la otra, ser capaz de quitarle el novio a la otra y un sinfín de deslealtades entre nosotras.

Dejan de centralizarse en las cosas importantes y se enfocan a atacarse unas con otras, pero eso sí, buscan el reconocimiento, la atención y la representación por el sólo hecho de ser mujeres y de jugar con los sentimientos de los hombres.

Hay todo tipo de personas y mentalidades en el mundo del graffiti, yo me motivo a seguir desarrollando ideas y proyectos colectivos con mujeres que ya han dejado toda esa mierda atrás, he llegado a entablar buenas amistades con chicas quienes se encuentran en la misma sincronía que yo. Admiro y respeto su trabajo, a su persona porque tienen calidad y calidez, porque son mujeres a las que les interesa tomar en serio lo que hacen y lo que les apasiona. Por cierto un saludo a todas ellas, especialmente a chavas como Shady, Rank, Dita, Chulas Klan, Nuz, Peste, Traumas, Nala, Tysa y muchas otras más que merecen mi máximo respeto, no sólo de México sino del mundo entero.

Family is important, whether they are biological or the ones we choose – friends turned family through bond. I want to know, in your mind, what does family mean to you and how are you able to keep a balance of work, art, family, and personal goals? How do you keep things level? How does your family help center-you within your day to day
life?

Family for me is my daily engine, my strength, my pride, my admiration and what I’m structured. I think that balance is something that I´ve not yet succeeded, I´m no longer with my family (I speak of biological and friends) to address school issues. Living in a different city, it´s very difficult to have the time to be with everyone and also focus to college; further away from home I’ve managed to have other links with people that I cherish most, people that I met in college and I want to preserve in my life (Brenda, my boys from “Coliseo”, classmates of generation, etc.).

There are weekends where I go back to Leon and I spend time partying with members of my crews (IKS, CK and Female Soul); and others in which the gang will not notice that I´ll be in town and I´m only with my mother, my brothers and my dog. There are days in which I prefer to disconnect from all of them and I´m going to paint, others in which I stay in Salamanca locked for hours in my apartment studying for exams and / or preparing a project or task.

I always do what I crave, when I think I should give time to my people, I let go a bit of work to be with them. My family (you see that I have the joy of having a large family) they understand that the priority for me right now is to finish my degree, they know that I´m pleased learning and for this reason they try to tolerate that I no longer spend as much time with them.

La familia es importante, ya sean biológicos o los que se eligen (Amigos que se volvieron familia a través de vínculos). Quiero saber; en tu mente, ¿Qué significa la familia para ti y cómo eres capaz de mantener un equilibrio entre el trabajo, el arte, la familia y las metas personales? ¿Cómo mantener el nivel de las cosas? ¿Cómo funciona tu centro de ayuda familiar dentro de tu día a día?

La familia para mí es mi motor diario, mi fuerza, mi orgullo, mi admiración y lo que me estructura. Creo que el equilibrio es algo que no he logrado aún, he dejado de estar con mi familia (hablo de la biológica y los amigos) por atender asuntos escolares. Viviendo en una ciudad diferente, es muy difícil tener el tiempo para estar con todos y además enfocarme a la universidad; además lejos de casa he logrado tener otros vínculos con personas a las que aprecio mucho, gente que conocí en la universidad y que deseo conservar toda la vida (Brenda, mis chicos del “Coliseo”, los compañeros de generación, etc.).

Hay fines de semana en los que vuelvo a León y me la paso en la fiesta con los integrantes de mis crews (IKS, CK y Alma Femenina); otros en los que ni le aviso a la pandilla que estaré en la ciudad y sólo estoy para mi madre, mis hermanos y mi perro. Días en los que prefiero desconectarme de todos ellos y salir a pintar, otros en los que me quedo en Salamanca encerrada por horas en mi departamento estudiando para algún examen y/o preparando algún proyecto o tarea.
Siempre hago lo que se me antoja, cuando yo considero que debo darle tiempo a mi gente, me desprendo un poco del trabajo para estar con ellos. Mi familia (mira que tengo la dicha de tener una familia grande) entiende que para mí ahorita la prioridad es terminar mi licenciatura, saben que me satisface el aprendizaje y por eso tratan de tolerar el que yo ya no pase tanto tiempo con ellos.

Since learning more about art and expanding your skill set, how would you describe your evolving style, as an artist? How have you changed? In what aspects have you grown? Where do feel further growth is needed?

KIF: I’ve noticed that my graffiti style is very marked in what I do custom for college classes. I love my philosophical readings relating to art, classes like aesthetics and semiotics I´ve fascinated me a lot, even though it costs a bit of work to have the habit of reading, because I come from a culture where since childhood has not been inculcated reading. I need more growth in the drawing, because I still do hard time human figures and faces, spray I´ve not tried, only with the software.

Desde aprender más sobre el arte y la expansión de tu conjunto de habilidades, ¿Cómo describirías tu evolución de estilo, como un artista? ¿Cómo ha cambiado? ¿En qué aspectos has crecido? ¿En dónde sientes que necesitas un mayor crecimiento?

KIF: Me he dado cuenta que mi estilo en el graffiti se ve muy marcado en lo que hago por encargo para las materias de la universidad. Amo mis lecturas filosóficas referentes al arte, materias como estética y semiótica me han apasionado mucho, aunque me cuesta un poco de trabajo tener el hábito de leer, pues vengo de una cultura en la que desde pequeños no se nos ha inculcado la lectura. Necesito mayor crecimiento en el dibujo, porque aún me cuesta mucho trabajo hacer figuras humanas y rostros, con aerosol no lo he intentado, sólo con el software.

Shout-outs?

Again, thanks Matthew for following up on my work within graffiti and personal situations, as does a good friend.
Thank you very much to all the people who support me, appreciate me, respect me and have left positive knowledge and ideas in my mind.

Special greetings to the members of my crews: IKS, CK and Female Soul; My family of Mexico (and those who are warriors around the world, dealing with racist and absurd situations), the man who has captivated me for the past 4 years (NAGM); To my friends I know in “real life” -lol- and stay with me forever (poxo, Ivette, Vicky, Bei) … Of course my colleagues graffiti writers, MCs, DJs and Researchers, people that I met through the “graffiti life”: Dita, Anahí, Rank, Saha, Shady, Kirs, Daniela, Luisa Herse, Peste, PSF (Germany), Sax (Spain); Caitlin Bruce, ARE2, Jessica Pabon and Tiffany Evans (USA) … CAB (LA), DJ Raven, Oex, Deker, Spok, Warner, Husmer, Pes, Sketch, Sk@pe, Weva, Wes, Reak, Beis, Ruben Jasso, Pedro Rangel and crews like KW7, Chulas Klan, UK, FEGS, BR, EIN, TFK, GSK, HEM, ODK (Netherlands) …

People from ENAH who invited me this year in their annual event “Aesthetic of the Street “.

More than greetings, I thanks to important people in my academic life: My teachers who always fill me with knowledge; My guys from the Colosseum (Yure, Tavo, Luis, Marcelo and Luis Mi); To my co-generation (Jhony, Martha, Sus, Lexy, Estefy, Nalle, Angy, Fran, Jess) and also absent but still communicated with me Craes and Bruno… To my roommates Brenda and Pau.

THANKS TO EACH OF YOU.

Saludos?
Una vez más, gracias Matthew por darle seguimiento a mi labor dentro del graffiti y en situaciones personales, como lo hace un buen amigo.

Muchas gracias a todas las personas que me apoyan, me aprecian, me respetan y que han dejado conocimientos e ideas positivas en mi mente.

Saludos especiales a los miembros de mis crews: IKS, CK y Female Soul; A mi familia de México (Y a quienes están de guerreros por el mundo, lidiando con situaciones racistas y absurdas), al hombre que me ha cautivado durante los últimos 4 años (NAGM); A mis amigos que conozco de “la vida real” –lol- y permanecen a mi lado siempre (Poxo, Ivette, Vicky, Bei)… Por supuesto a mis colegas graffiteros, MCs, DJs e Investigadores, personas que conocí a través de la “vida graffiti”: Dita, Anahí, Rank, Saha, Shady, Kirs, Daniela, Luisa Herse, Peste, PSF (Alemania), Sax (España); Caitlin Bruce, Are2, Jessica Pabón y Tiffany Evans (Estados Unidos)… CAB (LA), DJ Raven, Oex, Gerry Corzo (de “Ganja”, reggae mexicano), Deker, Spok, Warner, Husmer, Pes, Sketch, Sk@pe, Weva, Wes, Reak, Beis, Rubén Jasso, Pedro Rangel y a los crews KW7, Chulas Klan, UK, FEGS, BR, EIN, TFK, GSK, HEM, ODK (Holanda)… A la gente de la ENAH que me invitó de ponente este año en su evento anual “Estéticas de la Calle”

Más que saludos, agradezco a personajes importantes en mi vida académica: A los docentes que siempre me llenan de conocimientos; A mis niños del Coliseo (Yure, Tavo, Luis, Marcelo, Luis Mi); Para mis compañeros de generación (Jhony, Martha, Sus, Lexy, Estefy, Nalle, Angy, Fran, Jess) y también a los ausentes pero que siguen comunicados conmigo Craes y Bruno… A mis roommates Brenda y Pau.

For this week’s Tattoo Tuesday here’s a tattoo of skull on a hand done by the artist Tim Pangburn from Art Machine Productions in Philadelphia.

For this week’s Tattoo Tuesday here’s a stomach tattoo by the artist Paul Dobleman from Spider Murphy’s Tattoo in San Rafael, CA.

Sacred Skin is a series of short documentaries on tattooing in different cultures from around the world. In the first episode, film maker Maellyn Macintosh travels to remote regions of India to document the indigenous tribes who use tattooing and piercing as an essential way of life, for healing, as a form of currency and as a form of religious devotion.

Maellyn Macintosh is looking for support to help fund her documentaries. Help donate here.

Source: Ink Butter

With Apple’s iPad event happening today, there’s been last minute speculations as to what they will announce. The Wall Street Journal has a good one, according to their sources, there is definitely a retina iPad Mini in the works.

Mac Rumors has also predicted along side the release of OS X Mavericks, a new iPad 5 with potentially a keyboard case.

Apple’s keynote kicks off at 1PM EDT/10AM PDT.

The latest episode of the Mario Warfare internet series was recently released. In this episode the characters Link, Ness, Little Mac, Kirby, Ash and Pikachu are introduced as fighters in the Smash Club.

For this week’s Tattoo Tuesday here’s a tattoo by the Italian artist Antonio Todisco.

Introduce yourself to the readers and tell them exactly who is Tommy Surya?

Hello everyone my name is Tommy Surya, I’m living on small city of Malang East Java, Indonesia. I’m 31 years old and work as a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, and, sometimes, I do paintings. I started drawing in 2007. As far as formal education is concerned, I don’t have an actual degree in art & design. I did study Social Politics at Communication College, but art has always been more interesting, to me, so I decided to pursue that path. I just want to say I have never regretted my choice to follow art, because for me art is everything. We can live life without politics, but we can’t exist without art. Know what I mean?

I know many artists don’t like being labeled or pigeonholed into particular slots, but if you had to do so, how would you describe your style?

Well, I don’t know what to say (laughing). I simply draw things I want to draw. Like many artists, my work is influenced by things that held significance when I was younger. I love [to draw] some surreal art and, comic books, as well, from back in the day and therefore much of my work is heavily influenced by those styles. Still, at the end of the day, I like to think I am putting my own twist on those influences, and making the art a reflection of me.

How did you get your initial start in graphic design, and what about that particular medium caught your attention?

I would have to say, I first started [with graphic design] in 2005. I was learning about silk screen printing (on t-shirts) when a friend of mine showed me some of the designs he was making. I was amazed by what he created, and that inspired me to start making my own designs. As they say, real recognizes real.

In my city, many people attempt to make their own shirts, but after a month or so, they fade away and quit printing. Obviously, screening is NOT an easy route to take. Tell me, if you could, what has been the most difficult aspect of screen-printing for shirts, for you? What has kept you linked to this work?

I would have to say the hardest part of screen printing, in my opinion. is to work on the film positive because I don’t have electronic printer, so i have to go down town print store to print and then go back to my place. It takes more time, which does suck BUT I still love silk screen printing. I don’t know what specifically has kept me linked to this pursuit, but there’s a sense of joy that comes from doing this work manually. Automatic machines make it easier, but there is a feeling of accomplishment, from manually creating shirts, which cannot be replaced by new technology. The DIY vibe is way more fulfilling. Also, the kinship that comes with making those limited, custom shirts, with my friends, is so rewarding — it’s priceless.

Who/what has been the biggest influence on your art? Who would say has given you the most motivation as far as your design work is concerned?

It’s hard to list specific people, because everybody is influenced by so many people and things. But if I were to name the biggest influences of mine, I would list: Salvador Dali (for sure), Rembrandt, Frazetta, Bernie Wrightson, Sergio Toppi, and Pushead. Without question, they have had the biggest influence on my work, thus far.

Motivation is key, in order to succeed; it’s what keeps a person glued to their vision. Every artist has different reasons for doing what they do, and personal reasons for chasing their dreams. I want to know what motivates Tommy Surya to create all the things he does.

Without any question, my little family motivates me. They are my center … they are all I need; they’re the driving force behind my work.

Everybody has a vision of where they want to be, someday. Career wise, where do hope to be five years from now?

Get back to me in a few years for more defined answer (laughing), but for now, I’m trying to build my own art studio, and just draw and paint. Again, I plan on consistently creating new things; improving each day. Every artist should be focused on bettering themselves.

Ok. You’re right, a lot can happen in five years — it’s too far away to speculate. Rather than looking at the next five [years], where do you see yourself in the immediate future? Besides starting up your studio, what do you expect yourself to be doing?

I have an art exhibition taking place in September, at my friend’s local art gallery, and then the rest of this year I plan to do more pencil drawings and acrylic painting. The main plan is to just draw more and more every day; sharpen my skill and improve abilities.

Beyond that, I’m going to do more surrealism [art], next year, painting & drawing. I do realize I keep repeating the idea of improving my skills, but that is what I want to do. So I will keep practicing more portraits (drawing) because, personally, I feel, that is a skill, which needs to be developed the most. Lastly, my other mission is to get more local art exhibition(s) taking place in my area.

I think it’s always important for artists to share some of the spotlight with their counterparts, so I want you to take this moment and list some of the artists/graphic designers, in your area, whom you feel are making serious waves (impact) in the world of art?

There are some truly amazing painters coming out of Indonesia, right now. Lists aren’t easy, but off the head, I would say the one people should look for are: Basuki Abdullah, Raden Saleh, Affandi & Antonio Blanco. Again, those people are amazing.

What advice would you give to fellow graphic-designers who are out there, trying to get their work noticed? Are their particular techniques or routes they should use when trying to get noticed?

If I were to give advice I would tell designers to keep working and working. You will found what you want by practice, so don’t be afraid to trying new things and expand your resume.

I would also encourage them to try and absorb all visual things around them. Lastly, and most importantly, they should try to do it (art) their own way. If they’re heavily influenced by other artists, try to move outside of their shadow and make art that is your own. In other words, design your own blueprint.

Last question, where can people find your work online? Do have any particular websites or blogs to mention?

Right now, I only have my online portfolio with Behance: www.behance.net/toohard88. If people go there, they can find my contact information, and see more of the art I have created. Thanks!

For this week’s Tattoo Tuesday here’s a dagger tattoo by the San Francisco artist Ryan Shaffer from Picture Machine Tattoo.