Describe your style in one sentence:
Permafrost.
What’s the name of your Infectious art piece?
Bandana Funk.
Can you tell us a little bit about the piece and the inspiration behind it?
When you really look at the imagery that makes up most bandanas it’s pretty girly stuff like paisleys and flowers, but these days bandanas are usually associated with macho gang-bangers. I like the idea that it’s a chameleon-like type of imagery that can take on different connotations for different people, or even take on none at all and just be purely aesthetic. I thought that was perfect for this project because a person’s car can function in the same way; for some people their car is a reflection of their personality, for others it’s just a way to get from point A to point B.
Can you remember what your first piece of graffiti was?
In 7th grade I went with my oldest brother to do some characters for him in an alley in our neighborhood. It was a guy holding a gun at a bird with a bunch of question marks around his head.
If you had to choose three artists to go out and paint with, who would they be?
Anybody in my graffiti crew, AKB. Especially Crisis, he’s my original graffiti partner.
Alfonse Mucha, this Czech artist (think Art Nouveau Poster art). I’m sure he’d be really interesting to vibe with on a legal wall. And Mark Gonzales, I was supposed to take him out painting a long time ago, but it never happened because he didn’t want to get in trouble with his wife. But they’re not together anymore, so Mark, if you’re reading this and you still want to go do something – holler at me.
Can you share one thing about your friend (and fellow Infectious artist) Cycle that will make him blush?
Underneath the gruff exterior, he’s just a cuddly teddy-bear.
How did you get involved with Kidrobot?
Cycle hooked me up. Although it was actually 10pm the day before the deadline when he told me they were looking for designs for the Fatcap toy. Luckily, I had this spraypaint-camo pattern that I had come up with the year before, and they loved it.
What’s the most extreme reaction that you’ve seen to your work?
For a show in New York last year I did a griptape portrait of Satan on a skateboard. It lights up with flames of Hell emitting from a pentagram behind his head. It definitely got a lot of reactions, but I was surprised how many people it didn’t offend. I guess the Dark Lord just doesn’t have the impact that he used to.
You used to work at Thrasher magazine. Were you a fan of the magazine before you became Art Director?
When I got that job it was a dream come true. I had been a subscriber since I was 12 years old. I felt like I got to do things that would inspire kids the same way I had been inspired by the mag as a kid. It rejuvenated my skating and jump-started my graphic design career.
How much is skating part of your life?
My wife gets jealous that one of the only times she’s seen me cry was when my back had gone out and I was worried that I’d never be able to skate again.
Can you describe three unique things that surround you in your studio right now?
Two Pygmy statues purchased in Benin, Africa.
A painting by my friend Keet D’Arms.
My toy shelf.
If you had to draw yourself a tattoo design what would it be and where on your body would you have it?
I have five tattoos on my body and I drew all of them but one. The most recent is an owl, shell and water design on my right arm.
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
I could see myself being an art teacher for younger kids. Sometimes I fantasize about being a scientist, or working as a UN observer.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
Check out my new online magazine project http://www.coldgettindumb.com. Everything else is top secret.
4/7/08
Nico Berry
