The first time THEillUZiON's Salomon Faye beamed through the threshold of Cypher League's Dojo in Bed Stuy, it became manifestly apparent that the guy standing in front of me was an alchemist -- no, not the sort that could turn a hunk of lead into silver or gold by some passive act of sorcery, but the type that could inevitably turn a book of rhymes into a platinum record.

As I've gotten to know Salo, however, I've realized that his alchemical quest is about much more than status and the metallic luster emblematic of wealth (the "Fool's Gold" he and his collaborator Enasni Leber ostensibly refer to in their debut music video). Salomon doesn't feel the need to posture in chains in order to shine, because his natural confidence and polished verses radiate just as brightly without them, as they do in the Dakota Blue Harper directed video for "Alchemy", the first single, produced byBlack Mack, off Salomon's solo project, Book of Salomon Faye. 

"And I don’t just talk shit; I walk this. Being present is a God’s gift, I represent the light in the darkness. Which one of you is a starving artist, forced to sleep on a couch or a carpet? Me. Which one of you recognized your hardships as piece of the price to Godship? Me." 

Unlike other rappers who lord their (feigned) wealth over others without it, Salomon rises above that. Because materialism isn't what matters to him. Instead, he sees himself as a custodian of knowledge, a role that he believes is reaffirmed by the inscription on the Wisdom sculpture at Rockefeller Center, which reads:

"WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE THE STABILITY OF THY TIMES"

Whether he's meditating on the Cypher League roof, holding it down in Harlem, or commanding an audience at Apostrophe alongside his collaborators Enasni Leber,Vader the Villin, and Alan South in THEILLUZION, Salomon consistently exhibits a degree of mental discipline that surpasses that of most young emcees, and most people in general. Rising above the negativity and greed that consumes most of mankind, Salo is grateful for the gifts he's already been blessed with: a forceful presence, a powerful mind, and a positive message. After all, isn't that what hip hop was founded on anyways -- making something out of nothing, using the resources you've already got in order to make something special? There's the real gold.

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.