Artist Spotlight : Joshua Silveira

Amidst the multiple warnings of people telling others that trying to make a living as an artist will mean failure, there are those out there who still pursue this path. Perhaps we should strive to become doctors instead no? Or, if you want to be creative, why not be a structural architect cause it's safe? They make a lot of money...

What most people tend not see is that artists usually do not care too much about what you think. Not all artists are losers. Not all artists are drug addicts. Not all artists are in magazines. Not all artists are struggling. Not all artists are in museums. Not all artists create in studios. Not all artists use paint. And most certainly, not all artists are famous. Some...are just artists. Your all around average Joe.

I just figured he'd probably lose it or give it away. About a year later my boy Lanier called out the blue and told me to check out this hip-hop documentary called "the MC why we do it" by Peter Spirer. He was relentless about it and kept calling everyday asking me if I had picked it up. He wouldn't tell me why, but he'd just say "you should go grab it man!" I kept telling him I was busy. Finally I realized that he wasn't going to stop until I went and bought the DVD. It turned out that there's an interview with Ace towards the end where he's sitting in his studio and above his monitor was my stencil. Doesn't sound like much, but if you really think about it, when someone you admire

and respect has something you've created in there own creative workspace and environment...well damn, that can make you move mountains. Know what I mean?

Tell us about the training in art you have done or had?

I never had any formal training, but when I lived in LA I studied with three artists; John Mahoney, Cornelius Cole III, and E. Michael Mitchell. They helped me see the creative process through very different eyes. And because of that I was able to find my own path and develop a style unique to my own. It's amazing how many levels to art there are, and when you get that, everything changes. Once I could break down my drawing on different plains, my skills and confidence shot through the roof. When you have that confidence behind your work, the possibilities are endless as to what you can achieve. After making that discovery, all the strides I made were through self-realizations and playing with different techniques and mediums.

Besides art, what else are you into?

I love music and film. I'd really like to fuse the two and work on my own short films driven by music I produced. I have mad ideas kid. Someday!

Tell us about your music tastes?

Music is my soul! I listen to so much music its insane. I depend on it to set my mood and for giving me artistic vision. Nothing in my selection is mainstream and I've dug pretty deep to obtain my collection. I like hip-hop, downtempo/electronic, trip-hop, blues, soul, jazz, funk, and different music from around the world. It's really hard for me to name artists cause I like so many but I will say... Nina Simone is the truth!

Are there any web sites you like to visit to see art or for inspiration?

No not really. If I'm on the computer looking for ideas or reference material I just do image searches on google.

Tell us something unique about yourself?

Most people don't know that I've been into low rider culture since I was a kid. Just this last year I bought a 1984 Buick Regal Limited. She's my baby! In 7th grade I had a low rider bike that was all custom and really nice. Still have it actually. It's an original 1964 Schwinn Stingray. I intend to rebuild it soon and paint it to match my car. However when I'm not working on my car or bike I have low rider model kits that I like to build. I know I'm a nerd but I love that shit. [laugh] And yes I'm a comic book junkie as well!

You've dabbled with spray paint, what are your experiences and feelings with graffiti?

Well... in 2003 I met a writer named Pyroe. Amazing painter. He wrote for BOF and ELK crew out of Sacramento. We did an art show together and became good friends.

I had always had an interest in graff but after we started painting together I got sucked in. [laugh] He was who introduced me to the culture and taught me the basics. From there it was just practicing and painting when I could. Doing wheat pastes and murals was a lot of fun too, however, I stopped painting years ago. I just don't see graffiti the way I use to.

How would you define art?

I don't. I just do it. If I see something I like then I won't forget it. I feel like people spend too much time trying to define it instead of just letting it be.

What is your connection with your art and some of the commission pieces you've done for musicians?

My work has always been driven from something that inspires me. Since

music is one of my main inspirations, I thought working with musicians would be a good idea. It's been great and has made it possible to work with some of the people who've inspired me most. Recently I did some custom Vans for the Grouch. He's a good dude plus his music is powerful. The Grouch has always been himself, and never sold out. Working with people who hold it down like that and continue to grow is an amazing experience. I had fun doing the shoes and he was really grateful. Even Larissa thanked me many times and was very appreciative of the art. Can't ask for more than that.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Stay true to your art or craft. Don't let what's popular, or what sells affect what you do or how you do it. People are always going to have an opinion, but all that matters is that you achieved what you wanted out of what you created. If something inspires you... do it and don't look back. You only fail when you stop trying.

Have you dabbled into street art? Tell us about that?

Yeah...But these days I just do my own thing and work on my own fusion of styles and genres. Some of my work has an urban/street feel to it but I wouldn't define anything I do anymore as "street art".

Any special tools or homemade devices you have for your art? And last, you have any upcoming shows so people can see more of your work?

Not so much anymore. A few random things here and there but not like when I use to do stencils. I'd always have crazy contraptions around. I had special weights and sticks rigged up to keep detailed pieces in place and hold everything down. And I actually have a show at Upper Playground coming up in the Fall.

- Joshua Silveira (Click for his portfolio)