GIRL POWER
Love of Technology at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
Ego-reduction
You have to learn how to work along with it as the job is being done.
It is a skilled operation, and the skill can only be acquired slowly, by actual experience, by trial and error.
If you practice the presence you will find ,as a corollary, that your ego has been reduced. If you work at dissolving the ego, you will find that the presence of God consequently becomes more real to you."
Interview with Mariana Monteagudo
When
did you start making sculptures?
I have been doing art since my childhood, but it was in 1998
when I started this doll theme. I began with a group of small statuettes with
plaster, clay, natural hair and fibers. My idea was to create these “idols” from
a lost civilization, an object taken from an ancient burial, but with
contemporary or even futuristic references. A collage of different cultures and
times.
What
is your fascination with dolls?
It is a fascination I had ever since I can remember. It is hard
to explain why I chose the doll as my inspiration. I guess I am attracted to the idea of working
with the human figure as an object, an artifact.
Do
you create a story around each individual doll or an individual identity for
each?
They usually come in a series. I have an idea to start with, a
story or a “script” as if they were characters from a theater play, and in the
process of making them, the initial concept evolves itself often opening
unexpected paths of creation and interpretation.
What
is your creative process from idea to final sculpture?
It’s very routinely, as a matter of fact. Frst is the
inspiration, some sort of “current obsession” that can be anything from ancient
cultures to mass media and pop culture. I start intensive and rather visual
research. Once I have a good bank of images and references I start to put them
into sculpture. It’s a very long process that evolves organically, flowing
within its own energy.
Your
sculptures juxtapose young and old and beauty and imperfection which infuses
depth and character. What inspires your creations?
My sculptures are about expression rather than a search of
perfection.. That’s the beauty of it. Every piece is made by me from scratch trying
with all my heart to make them meaningful, to me at least. My idea is to create
fictional characters but with human expressions. I guess they are a very
personal and intuitive interpretation of the human psyche. It takes a lot of
work to achieve that point when the piece “vibrates” and starts dialoguing with
the spectator. That process does not have anything to do with technical
perfection.
Your
doll sculptures evoke a slightly haunted feeling. Is that intentional?
They come out a little creepy, but that is not necessarily intentional.
Do
you collect dolls?
Yes, I love collecting dolls. I have a little collection from
the places I visit. Like with my sculptures, there’s a story in each and every
one.
Your
current series is entitled “Traveling Circus.” What aspect of the circus
inspired you?
My dad introduced to me the 1930 film “Freaks” by the director Tod Browning, I
always loved that film. It is a heartbreaking story of the dramas within a
traveling circus. One of the facts that I always find especially touching is
that several of the film’s actors are handicapped people, some with massive
physical deformities. They make the film even more powerful and heartbreaking. In
my new pieces I try to portrait that “other side” of the circus world, often
obscure and full of sadness and drama.
Did
you think of characteristics of clowns and harlequins?
For me the clown has multiple meanings. It is happy and scary at
the same time. I am sure most kids can agree. They are masks, representations
of human feelings, but in such an exaggerated way that the results are almost
violent.
Tell
us about your group show “Nuevas Fundaciones” with Kiki Valdes and Jel
Martinez.
Kiki Valdes, artist and curator of the show, had the idea of
making a show with us three. It has been an awesome experience. We might have completely
different ways of expression, but ultimately, we work with the same ideas such
as pop culture, mass media and street art.
What
are you working on next?
I am taking a good rest for now thank you. However, when I start
feeling the “empty nest” for a couple of months, my mind starts to be fertile
again for a new “current obsession” and a new family of sculptures begins to
grow.
What
medium would you still want to experiment with and why?
I suppose the logic next step for me is starting to think about
my pieces as prototypes and then make pieces in other materials such as vinyl
or giant inflatable figures.
What
do you enjoy most about the life of an artist?
Having your own schedule and having the satisfaction to receive
nice words from the people you care about after many months of studio loneliness.
What
challenges are the hardest to overcome in forging a successful career?
You MUST have a structured routine in order to achieve
something, that’s the key for a productive art career. The work begins,
evolves, matures in the making, there’s no other way.
Can
you share something personal about you that people might not know?
I am an obsessive person, sometimes I get stuck in an idea and
cost me a lot of effort to get out of it. I am beyond stubborn.
What
songs are you currently listening to?
I am definitely into electronic music. I need something with a
beat to make my body move. But, I can easily go from the most aggressive
dubstep to baroque music, it depends on the mood.
Have
you ever made a sculpture based on yourself?
A couple. I used to take photos of my face as reference for the
pieces, as if it was just another work tool.
Post title...
When Politicians are terrified
Repair the Earth!
The One
(There is nothing other than the One.)
Qur'ân 37:35 and 47:19
Pray & Work
Saint Augustine
We get the music! Magazine No1
Suite #5458
Deerfield Beach,
FL 33442
Indie / pop rock band from Mexico City with a mixture of culture and sounds.
Music peace and projecting emotions in each of their songs , which is projected by each of its members.
Philly Vanilly - Voice, Lead guitar
Jesus Caves - Drums
Kamalky Laureano - Guitar
Sauartur Jimenez - Bass
As most all bands were formed by various musicians , some still with us , others do not anymore for different reasons . Deveronica was the first name of the band with this many changes , evolving into what today is known as Download.
We could talk about several goals of the band , as what they would really like to be, but everything is summed up in the fact of always being true to their roots and feelings , always using the minimal resource which gives finesse and good vibes to their songs. That the music is heard by as many people without looking for any recognition individually or collectively ,
Would it be a better recognition than people out there liking our stuff ?
The band has performed at important venues at Mexico city , have been opening for major bands and were selected as semifinalists in the Tommy Hilfiger LOUD contest , this being the first live performance of the band and still being a power trio.
The first single released by Download the band was " I Do" which aroused the desire of people to hear and know who these guys were. A major promotional campaign took place by that time, dozens of radio stations in MX were playing the single, with this , interviews and concerts were coming to.
The opportunity to perform live on a TeleHit TV show , helped our music to be heard with a wider audience
TuneAid Records is recording the band's first video , for the 1st single of the EP " I DO" which is available on iTunes Store.
Kamalky Laureano and Jesus Caves joined the band recentely this brought a new feelin´ and touching sounds.
The best thing to come out of Russia since Vodka.
Russia, the birthplace of vodka and now home to the best of current pop synth that has emerged from their icy lands.
A full sound and fresh is what characterizes this quartet led by Anton Sevidov, vocalist and keyboardist of Tesla Boy, the band revelation of this first decade of the century.
In 2010 appears his first self-titled EP with five tracks incredible, which should be mentioned with yellow ink and are not enough for everyone who hears it, looking for more of his music throughout the iTunes Store. Among them, "The spirit of the night".
His new album "The Universe made of Darkness" opens dramatically with the track "Dream machine" totally intriguing and full of mystery, off slowly with a simple but powerful synth, to which is attached a persistent beat giving way to verse solves a chorus expectant amazing.
Signed by the British label Mullet Records, their first shows outside Russia have resulted in his first international tour by the United States, Colombia and Mexico.
Since the beginning of 2013 their sound has established itself as a favorite in our country, resulting in his second show in the capital this September 21, in the acclaimed "The Imperial".
A new wave night
Arriving at the Condesa, parking was the only limitation to a buzz, fortunately the entrance to the event was orderly, fast and without mishap. Filled the place, spoke of expected the show.
Walking through the bar, order some drinks and anticipate rather far forward as possible, you could hear the ambient music synth pop touches.
Shiro Schwarz made his appearance with a good response from the audience and surprising the newcomers to his music, as a server, something unexpected for a support band. Excellent presentation with great sound funk synth pop production. They saved their skins to win the applause of the fans of Tesla Boy.
The moment came
"Neon Love" with an intro adapted, opened the concert among some attendees desperate cries for attention of Anton and his band.
Followed by an ins&a<
Miami New Times/ Our Miami Happy Hour at the Rusty Pelican
Aramis Gutierrez "End Game Aesthetics" at Spinello Project
True Religion
Albert Einstein
The Merging of Spirit and Science
Nuevas Fundaciones - Jel Martinez, Mariana Monteagudo, Kiki Valdes
In NUEVAS FUNDACIONES, artists Jel Martinez, Kiki Valdes, and Mariana Monteagudo each demonstrate degrees of creating physical embodiments of their own practices. Each communicates through their prime foundations of painting, sculpture, surface layering and color. Beyond various art making differences, there is an underlying aesthetic value each artist possesses that unifies their work in the white box.
244 NW 35th Street.
Miami, FL. 33127
Miami Art Space
6pm - 10pm
244 NW 35th Street.
Miami, FL. 33127
For press contact and for appointments:
Lilian Mustelier
[email protected]
Backyard Paradise at Swampspace
“Backyard Paradise” at Swampspace combined art and a backyard outing with friends into a great night of fun on Friday, September 13th, 2013.
What could be better than an exhibition of some of Miami’s best artists, giant soap bubbles, battered and fried alligator personally caught by the curator and slices of fresh pineapple and watermelon all on one evening? Nothing! It was a perfect summer night in the 305.
Curated by Johnny Laderer, the exhibit featured works by Dogan Arslanoglu, Bhakti Baxter, Justin Cooper, Giles Neale, Gustavo Oviedo, Johnny Robles, Rachel Rossin and
George Sanchez Calderon.
Swampspace announced:
We are nonchalant when presenting “Backyard Paradise.”
When we say “leisure,” we mean “quality of life.” We mean BBQs and sports—relaxation, because Everybody’s working for the weekend. After WWII, when the American economy boomed, tract housing erupted in sprawls of demi-castles, each with its very own back yard. At the same time, the beginning of the twentieth century saw work-week hours reduced from 60.1 to 47 hours per week. The world of work is intimately linked to our time for contemplation and observation; and for an appreciation of the psychology of space.
Today, however, Americans work more than any other industrialized nation. We enjoy far less leisure time.
Situationist International identified leisure in a capitalist society as illusory; not free time, but rather a commodity sold back to the individual. Compartmentalizing lives is a farce. Constant work, society is convinced, creates to more time for leisure.
Time available for leisure varies from one society to the next, although anthropologists have found that early man and hunter-gatherer societies had significantly more leisure time than people in more complex (modern) societies. Europeans on arrival to America saw natives as lazy. Today American society has taken it one step further with increasingly less time for leisure than their European counterparts.
In many ways, the backyard and leisure go hand-in-hand to the point of interchangeability.
Functioning as spaces for more personalized and often kitschy expressions of an idealized paradise, the manicured façade for the world in the front yard occasions private expression in the backyard, or, as they say: “Business in the front, party in the back.”
Backyard Paradise presents artists whose lives and work seem to blend seamlessly.
Whatever their passions or interpretations of leisure may be, their efforts to live life holistically are reflected herein. Their work examines the relationship between the backyard and everything that might appear on a postcard: sailing, reading, gardening, fishing, BBQing, surfing, golfing, swimming, sunbathing, playing tennis, or swinging in a hammock. “You visit; we live it!”
Hugo Montoya "Cause Living Just Isn't Enough" at Guccivuitton
Guccivuitton presented Hugo Montoya's second solo exhibition in Miami, “Cause living just isn't enough,” an exhibition consisting of four new artworks that evoke marginally concealed social tensions through their menacing monumental physicality. True to Montoya's past endeavors each of these works exists in a contradicting space that is both flippant and earnest, while demanding a performative confrontation with their audience.
Stolen Boulder, a 300 lb concrete cast boulder suspended on a thin steel rod, which is formally and pragmatically Sisyphean, recalls Ovid's tale of Ephyra's infamous king's respite during Orpheus' song to Eurydice. The suspended boulder, pitting man's engineering against the natural law of gravity, and the seemingly inadequate rod, like Orpheus unavailing song, propose the troubling inevitability that eventually and rightfully the rock will come crashing down to the floor beneath it. The end result provides an astoundingly implausible tension that invites closer observation as well as instinctually activates the desire to flee.
Clay excavated from deposits in a previous Jim Crow era "colored-only" beach on Virginia Key slathered over a thin monolith-like wall harkening the artifacts in Stanley Kubrick's, "2001: A Space Odyssey", constitute the piece, Black Beach. Like the artifact from 2001, the piece acts as a silent specter to an early experiment that lead to a paradigm shift in Miami's racial narrative. The deeply pitted and cracked pachyderm-like surface of the dried clay offers an emotive insight into the sentiment of 1945 when civil rights activists staged a "wade-in" at the white's only Baker's Haulover Beach which eventually led to the establishment of a "colored-only" area.
While Montoya's work broaches the darkness of contemporary life, his playful and creative insight and mischievous approach to materiality quenches our appetites for hopeful avenues and options to everyday situations. In a way, artists like Montoya propose that art and wit, above politically complicated best-intentioned solutions, offer the more generous possibility of a humane and progressive outlook.
THE COLLABO SHOW - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
The Collabo Show - Back by Popular Demand
“The Collabo Show” was “Back by Popular Demand” for one night only in a warehouse space in Wynwood. Part of a series of one day exhibitions dedicated to collaborative engagements among artists “The Collabo” featured more than 100 Miami-based artists like Bhakti Baxter, Agustina Woodgate, Johnny Robles, Sinisa Kukec, Onajide Shabaka, Franky Cruz, Gustavo Oviedo, Magnus Sodamin, David Rohn and Hugo Montoya.
The forth installment of the artist-run exhibitions that began in 2005 brought together artists with a wide range of practices. Engaging, interactive and experimental the art in “The Collabo” was all about enjoying art for art’s sake. The audience was invited to participate and immerse themselves and essentially become collaborators in creating a truly artistic, creative and self-exploratory experience.
Originally conceived after spontaneous collaborations at dinner parties the event always takes place in the middle of the blistering Miami summer hosted in a different space each time. Selected artists are encouraged to challenge their individual practices and enter a realm of co-experimentation. As a result, the majority of the works have been performative and interactive in nature, culminating into a vibrant and jovial happening.
The art engaged and involved the viewer on different levels. Some pieces were very personal, solitary experiences that fostered a one-on-one interaction between art and viewer, whilst other pieces were geared towards interactive, shared group experiences.
Sodamin’s project “Illuminations” aimed to explore a collaboration between painting performance, light and sound. Painted dancers Katie Stirman and Jenna Balfe were immersed in a large-scale Day-Glo painted background through movement and interaction with each other to the sound of echoing guitar loops. Movements were minimal as the dancers responded to each others gestures, never physically touching yet connected in movement and spirit. Says Sodamin, “Through patterns of repetition the piece brings focus on mimicry in nature and the animal instinct to change and adapt to the environment.” He adds, “As the large rorschach patterns in the background seem to reference spinal or pelvic areas, the dancers float the idea of their personal space and structure. Both, innocent and daring, the piece years to call to a primal past from which man has emerged..”
"Ive been trying to reverse the state of childhood into adulthood with some of my works. Also attempting to retrace ambiguous memories or feelings of my childhood and my fascination with science and nature. It starts out with daydreaming, which most adults don’t do anymore, instead play in there minds. I thought it would be appropriate to create something where people can play out loud for others as well for themselves to experience.”
The most popular piece of the night was a collaboration between Johnny Robles, Giancarlo Sardone and John McMahon. Paint-filled balloons were attached to a large-scale canvas and the anticipating crowd people was asked to use a slingshot to fire marble rocks at the balloons and thereby release the paint and be part of the creation of an abstract rainbow-colored painting entitled “Recreation Paint.” The artists encourage active engagement by the viewers, who each leave their mark
Explains Robles, “The soul of ‘Recreation Paint’ resides in its psychological implications: the piece presents itself to viewers with no pretensions. It is a work that needs no plaque to explain its intentions, they become obvious when the viewer's gaze drifts downward where they find laying at their feet a bag of marble pebbles and a bin of white slingshots. Pairing this nostalgic set of tools with the image of paint filled balloons, whose pattern is reminiscent of thermal imaging scans, the viewer concludes that their role is greater than that of mere spectator: they can shape what the piece becomes.”
Gutierrez originally collaborated with Angelica Vergel, who is getting her masters in Media Studies at the New School in NYC. Gutierrez made a playlist on Spotify titled "Work" with songs that were titled "Work," "Werk," "Werq," "Werqing," and even "Professional." All songs, mere images of effort, are a call to "work" or reference expectations of someone else "working." Vergel made a YouTube playlist titled "WORK" and found similar video clips from all these random and crazy sources.
Things had to adjust once the artists started to set up for the show which brought forth new collaborative efforts. Explains Gutierrez, “When I set up the computer on a plinth in the space for the show, the computer was too old to play Spotify and the video link wasn't working so I asked Amanda Sanfilippo from Locust Projects how I could do something online with the computer with her and we decided to go onto the website: http://www.twoyoutubevideosandamotherfuckingcrossfader.com/ I convinced the band playing next to me to let me use their audio system when they finished their set and hooked up the computer to that.”
Taking the theme of the show to the audience Gutierrez invited everyone to participate and collaborate with him by picking songs to play and let creativity run free.
Franky Cruz’ and Mauricio Gonzalez’ installation centered around the song “Unicornio Azul” by Silvio Rodriguez, which Cruz calls a “romantic, epic, sentimental, sad song.” The old Cuban song’s beauty stands in sharp contrast to the aesthetically unappealing foam piece “smoking” a Cuban cigar while being observed by a surveillance camera. Whether an ode to a woman or to art, the collaboration invited viewers to simply enjoy music, muse over the meaning of art in their lives or take their interpretation further and discuss migration and government policies.
David Rohn was part of a attention-grabbing, obnoxious-on-purpose and in-your-face troupe of performance artists based in and around a white tent inside the warehouse. The performance, involving drag queens, clowns and divas, was an entertaining exploration of presence, personal space, social class, American society structure and narcissism, especially in the age of social media. Inhabiting their own space within the tent, an exclusive space for a selected view, the performers made relevant statements asking the audience to think about a culture that creates “elites, “ whether the rich and powerful, politically influential or celebrities.
The “Closed Circuit” performance combined fun and serious ideas into a captivating performance as the audience observed a VIP party in the tent with champagne, cake and music. Only few were invited but you can check out the photos on Facebook and Instagram later to see what an awesome party you missed because you weren’t on the list. The divas love themselves and took a lot of photos while you had to dust the flour and cake crumbs off your clothes and wipe the smashed grapes off your shoes.
Hedges collaborated with Kevin Arrow for the third time, turning their initial idea into a series. The first collaboration was “Breakfast,” followed by “Lunch” and now “Dinner” for the latest edition of “The Collabo.”
Says Hedges, “It has always been a dry documentation of something I regularly prepare and consume. I am the one cooking and Kevin shoots it. This time I made chicken tacos which I probably make once a week these days.”
Arrow adds “We have collaborated previously on these wryly, humorous didactic film-strip presentations. ‘Breakfast’ was created in 2005 for the Co Operate exhibition at Bas Fisher Invitational. The second one, ‘Lunch’ was created in 2007 for the Confluence exhibition at Fredric Snitzer Gallery.”
In line with Hedges’ food-centric oeuvre he will team up with Arrow again to serve the next two courses of the series, “Dessert” and “Midnight Snack.”
Compassionate Action
to make yourself wrong.
At that point, you could just contemplate the fact that there is a larger alternative to either of those, a more tender, shaky kind of place where you could live."
Pema Chödrön
Aramis Gutierrez - Artist Interview
For his current body of work, Miami-based artist Aramis Gutierrez addresses the marriage of Cold War nuclear deterrence policies and recent cultural legacy visible through a visual aesthetic. Actively resisting a ‘fascist aesthetic’, where long-standing symbologies and stereotypes are inexorably linked to an artist’s medium or practice, Gutierrez reveals numerous (sometimes all) layers of a painter’s process to initiate an interactive dialogue between artist and viewer. A firm interest in dramaturgy and cutural myths induce creative polarities which Gutierrez explores in theaters of war and Classical dance.
Aramis Gutierrez was born in Pittsburgh in 1975. He received his BFA at The Cooper Union, New York. Gutierrez has exhibited widely across the US, having his work featured at venues in Philadelphia, New York and Miami as well as a special exhibition of South Florida contemporary artists held in Istanbul in 2007. He has held residency with The Deering Estate Invitational Studio Residency Program and his work has appeared in publications including The Miami Herald, 944 Miami, MAP Magazine, Ocean Drive, Oxford American: The Southern Magazine of Good Writing (No. 66, September 2009) and the 76th Volume of New American Paintings (2008). Gutierrez lives and works in Miami.
Interview with Kazilla
Where are you from?
I grew up in New Mexico in my formative years. I kind
of lived everywhere though. I went to 16 different schools before I graduated
from high school. I did move around a lot. I have been in Miami for about eight
years now.
What brought you to Miami?
Definitely the culture and the ocean. When I came to
visit my parents, who live on the other coast of Florida, I came over to this
side and just fell in love with the ocean. I actually lived in Coco Beach
before I came here. I love to surf and they have good kite-surfing. In Miami
not so much but I can go to California and surf. I go snorkeling every weekend
cause I love the water here. It’s amazing. Growing up in the desert it’s is
totally different.
When did you start your career as an artist?
That’s always a hard question to answer. Generally, I have
been painting ever since I can remember. Professionally, it has been about
eleven years that I have been working on my art and doing contract work and
painting for galleries. The last two years is when I really made the commitment
to do it full time.
How does your moving and traveling change or influence your art?
It definitely adds a lot of color. I always had really
colorful work but here in Miami my work is almost neon, it is so colorful right
now. I am completely influences by the colors here. I am just a very vibrant
person as it is.
Your subjects are mostly women. Why?
My stuff with the ladies is definitely more popular. I
really love doing portrait style work. I did photo-realism for a long time and
I did a lot of black and white portraits of people. I also did black and white
photography. I love drawing old people. I hate drawing kids. I cannot do it.
Their heads are shaped weird. I am just not familiar with little children. I
love those imperfections that make people so beautiful.
Do you base the characters on women you know?
Sometimes it’s people that I know and then a lot of
times it is just on top of my head and just let it go.
Are the ones with the glasses based on you?
The ones with the glasses are based on me. Actually, I
was listening to a lot of No Doubt, so there is a lot of Gwen Stefani in it but
I also put me in it. I don’t really like doing self-portraits and adding myself
into my artwork so it is more about hints. A little tattoo here, or the glasses
there, or some kind of fashion element that I like.
You are very interested in fashion. Can you tell us more about how you
incorporate that into your art?
For a long time I wanted to do fashion illustration. I
am really good at drawing females. I love creating new outfits, especially
accessories and headpieces. I make a lot of jewelry. I used to paint on pieces
and make earrings. I really like making headdresses. It is my favorite thing.
It is something I have been wanting to explore more now cause I haven’t done it
in a long time. I spent a good four years making my own outfits. I used to be a
party kid and did the whole dance lifestyle. I do not know what you call them
here but in Colorado they used to call them “Candy-Stripers.” We would go to a
party and get the party started by getting everybody to dance. We would go on
the dance floor and get everyone excited. I did that a lot. I would make new
outfits every weekend. A lot of people wanted to buy my stuff so I started
making clothes for other people and started designing my own stuff. I haven’t
done it in a while. My sewing machine is nicely tucked away.
You have many Native American references in your work. Where does that
influence come from?
There is a lot of Native American influence of course
in New Mexico and I am also part Shawnee, which is actually from the Midwest. The
Ohio basin. I have a little bit in me. I have done a lot of research into all
the tribes of North America and also South America. I am into Asian tribes
right now. They have these amazing headpieces that they wear. I really like
history. I read up on Shawnee culture and I know pretty much everything about
their history that there is to know. I read as many books as I could find. It
is really beautiful how their cultures are so similar but so different at the
same time.
Do you keep the meaning behind different aspects you use in your work
in mind?
I do. For example, some of the patterns that you find
in tribal designs have specific meanings, like three solid triangles in a row
can be clouds. When you have the different shapes and different line work and
when I put it in my artwork I do it for a specific reason. Usually, I am trying
to tell a story in a non-verbal way, using patterns and imagery, which is why I
have been doing a lot of pattern work in my pieces recently.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on a bunch of pieces for a solo show this
fall. It will be my first solo show in three years. I have not actually put
together a body of work to show all on my own so it’s very nerve wrecking and I
am very nervous to out my work out like that but I think it is a good, natural
progression for an artist.
Have you decided on a theme for the show?
Yes. It is called “Inner Reflections,” which is based
on one of my pieces of a girl that has a reflection of herself behind her. She
is very peaceful and tranquil and then behind her is this angry person but its
all rainbow. The light is coming out of her even though she is not expressing
it. Above her is a bunch of elements from my past like I lizard that I had when
I was a kid and my mom’s favorite flowers and my grandma always loved
butterflies so I have butterflies on there. The date for the show is still kind
of up in the air. It is either going to open on the second Saturday of October
or November. Most likely it is going to be November at Unix Gallery in Wynwood.
You also often paint tigers. What’s the story behind the tiger?
I always had a really strong connection to really
large cats. They are really smart. I do like small cats, too, but I am not as
impressed with them as I am with large cats. Some can be so individual and
others are extreme pack animals. Or they can be both. They are just very
independent, which I think I vibe with.
Did you start with canvas or murals first?
Murals. I actually started painting murals with paint
and then moved into acrylic. I did a lot of graffiti in high school. Once I
decided to take a move in another direction I started doing my murals in spray
paint. Now, I mix it up. I do paints and markers. I have been doing a lot of
murals lately. That has been my bread and butter recently. I am doing one at
the new Wynwood Brewery and the other one I have in progress right now is
actually in Biscayne Park. The next one I will be working on is in West Palm. I
am doing a collaboration with a couple of awesome Miami artists. Ruben Ubiera
and Trek6 are also going to be on the mural in West Palm. In the near future I
want to do a collaboration with Alex Yanes, who is a good friend mine. He is
totally awesome. I cannot wait to do it. He is going to do his 3-D cut out
stuff and I will paint around it. I am also going to do the costume shop that
is right by the RC Cola Plant with my friend Grabs. He is in the graffiti crew
FDC. He is amazing. He is totally cool.
He is Brazilian and a really great guy. Then I am doing the mural on the
DOG building on Miami Ave. I will be doing that hopefully within the next two
weeks, too. For that one I have a sketch I did a year ago. I always wanted to
do it big on a wall. It is a wolf howling and out of his mouth comes a big
rainbow towards the sky. I always envision sound as color. I always try to
interpret what I see around me as a prism.
How important is public art to you?
I really have a thing for art in public spaces. And
the one idea I have is to make a sculpture that is basically a solar powered
charging station. You can put it in parks or school. It would have a turbine on
top and solar panels, which I already have done all the research one. I already
made the business plan. It would also have the charging station so people could
charge their iPhones or whatever and chill out in the park and enjoy the beauty
of nature and use a natural way to charge.
If you could pick any wall or building in the world, which wall would
you love to paint?
That’s a good one. I would love to do something in Brazil.
They have a lot of houses kind of stacked up on the hill. It’s the same in
Colombia and Venezuela. I always wanted to go to one of those three countries
and paint a giant piece stacked up on twenty houses. It would continue all the
way up so if you are standing next to it you could only see some detail but if
you go far away you can see the whole piece. There is one artist, Junior, he
has been doing these huge portraits all around the world. He is one of my good
friend’s friend. He moved to New York a couple of years ago and I think he had
done something in Brazil that was like that. He started off doing eyes and
little kids’ faces and he went to a couple of different countries and did giant
wheat pastes of kids’ eyes across a couple of buildings. You can only see it
from the air or from across the valley. It completely inspired me and took my
mind to a different place that I can do something so large. It made me start
thinking about small canvases and small walls and start doing giant pieces that
can be more powerful and significant to people than just like one canvas. You
can bring a place that is all slum to a place of beauty. Art really improves a
community. Art heals people and people change the world. That’s really what I
want to do. And, I would really love to do something on the Berlin Wall. I
actually have a friend that just went there recently and she took a picture of
a piece that kind of looked like something that would inspire me. I always
wanted to do something there and now I am actually planning a trip next year to
do something. I am part Czechoslovakian so I really want to do something in
Prague. I will be doing a really cool thing in Greece next year. My friend’s
whole family is from there and they have a house there in this little town.
Beautiful, by the ocean. Her aunt is hiring me to paint her house here and then
she is going to fly me out. All I want is a trip to Greece. There is four
generations under one roof. I am going to paint this house that they built out
of stone 400 years ago. Then I am taking a tour around Europe starting from
Greece.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to spend three years on the road,
traveling and painting everywhere. I have spent a couple of years on the road
just backpacking and hiking and I fell in love with that gypsy culture. That’s
what I want to do. At least three years just on the road like a tour of
everywhere I can go. Just do art to make my way to the next place.
Do you have a favorite band or musician?
I do. I love music. There is a couple. Beastie Boys. I
never get tired of their music. I could put that stuff on repeat for the rest
of my life. I listen when I paint. Also, Bonobo. He is a DJ and producer and he
has a whole band. They play amazing music. Trip hop meets down tempo funk. It’s
really beautiful.
How did you come by the name Kazilla?
When I do my art and pretty much everything else that
I do, I do it super fast and with a lot of speed momentum. I feel like a
tornado or whirlwind. My real name is Cassie. My friends started calling me Cas
because of the Tasmanian Devil. I am a huge fan of old school monster flicks
and Godzilla is one of my favorites from back in the day. I totally love all
the old monster flicks. Godzilla was a character in a couple of the pieces that
I did so my friends started calling me Kazilla.