Can you share a little bit about your pieces?
POWER:
I’m a huge fan of all things black. Over the last few years I’ve been working on a series of black on black tone paintings. I love how the light plays tricks on your eyes. This piece is also a tribute to the revolutionary art of Emory Douglas.
PEACE:
This was inspired by connecting the ideas of 1960’s pop art (Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns) with my early type treatment designs. I still love working with a single color and few classic type faces.
FRESH:
Whenever I see the word “fresh,” it takes me back to the early days of hip hop. I thought it would be a nice tribute to that time, when everyone and everything was fresh!
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
My work draws inspiration from the American pop art movement of the 60’s and 70’s. Most of my paintings and graphic design deal with observations from society and popular culture. Spending time with artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Like them, I use popular images and icons as well as bold lines and solid shapes in my work.
What’s your creative process when producing a piece of art?
Since the early 80’s I’ve been creating album cover designs for Def Jam Recordings. So, first I try to connect the idea with a piece of music for inspiration. Next I try to think about who will be viewing the work. I enjoy adding or removing elements that might not be expected by the viewer. After that’s done, I might take a marker or pencil and make a few very rough sketches; sometimes I’ll jump on the computer to flesh out an idea.
Could you share an image of one of your latest sketches?
Would you share three unique things in your workspace that inspire you?
I’m from the golden era of hip hop, so I’ve been lucky enough to work with the greatest people imaginable from old friends like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys to legends like Stevie Wonder and Muhammad Ali. I have tons of books and images of Ali everywhere in my studio. I also draw inspiration from amazing friends who have passed: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Dondi, and Frosty Freeze to name a few.
What’s the best compliment/most extreme reaction you’ve ever received in response to your work?
Once I was directing a Jay-Z video at Russell Simmons’ Phat Farm store, when Chuck Close happened to be passing the set. We spoke briefly and he gave me very supportive advice about painting. I’m a huge fan of his work so that was very special to me.
You’ve worked with a lot of legendary recording artists in a lot of different capacities. What creative concept are you most proud?
My album design for Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet would be high on my list of favorites. Chuck D has great creative vision, he always gives me plenty of room to work and do what’s best for the project. We’ve teamed up on most of P.E.‘s album releases and it’s always a blast.
What art is hanging on your walls at the moment?
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Haze, Lee Quinones, Zephyr, Shepard Fairey, Mike Davis, Tristan Eaton, Nika Sarabi, Dennis McNett, Morning Breath and Greg Lamarche.
What are you really into right now?
I’m working on a series of sports logo paintings using Sign Painters’ One-Shot Lettering Enamel. The stuff flows on smooth like butter.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique meets Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue with a touch of Bob Marley’s Exodus.
What websites do you check out regularly?
DEFbook.com, House Industries, BeastieBoys.com, Infectious, Mets.com, Krink, Cyclewashere.com, Newamericanpaintings.com
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
I love real Barbeque. I would be chillin’ and grillin’ in Memphis or Austin.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
I just published a great book with Harper Collins titled, DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop. It’s the first comprehensive anthology published in the name of the genre during the last thirty-five years. This landmark volume celebrates a culture that has made its mark on everything from fine art to the label on a bottle of Hawaiian Punch, including fashion, automobiles, movies, television, advertising, and sneakers. It highlights the careers and artwork of such crucial hip hop elders as myself, Lady Pink, Mare 139, Haze, Run-DMC, Dapper Dan, Buddy Esquire, Spike Lee, Martha Cooper, Claw Money, Ricky Powell, Kehinde Wiley, Mr. Cartoon and Shepard Fairey.
What’s your motto?
Stay Up!
Cey Adams
