Can you share about the piece and how you conceived of it?
Once upon a time, I had this box full of cassette tapes but did not have a proper cassette player or stereo. I had to go to friends houses who had cassette players just to listen to them. We’d air guitar and sing along, they were the sweetest of moments. My folks were “rock-is-the-devil’s-music” types, so to them, rocking out was like doing drugs or something. One day they confiscated my tapes and burned them. The end.
The piece is about that bittersweet story.
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
It’s like a barangay party where folks waltz on ballad rock tunes. It’s kitsch. It’s pinoy pop.
What’s your creative process when producing a piece of art?
I gather all sorts of junk from things around me and put it in a blender that is my head, add a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt. Bon Appetit!
Could you share an image of one of your latest sketches?
This is a proposal for a vinyl toy maker.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in response to your work?
I wish someone had French kissed me. :)
A simple nod from someone you look up to, whose works you admire, or a thumbs-up from someone who is very reserved and not easily amused… that is the best compliment for me.
What’s the art scene like where you live?
I haven’t followed the art scene here since I left art school. I’m trying not to be too conscious about it, I have even dreamed of being an outsider. I still keep in touch with my “artist” friends though.
What art is hanging on your walls at the moment?
A litho print by my friend Patrick De Veyra, an oil painting by me, and a lot of doodles by my two lovely daughters scotch-taped everywhere.
What are you really into right now?
Mixed Martial Arts, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Randy Couture, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai, and Karate.
Yes seriously!
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
It’s gonna be a long list but Radiohead will definitely be on the top.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Sort of lo-fi-proto-punk-psych-folk-pop-no-wave-electronic-shoegaze-funk-karaoke-trash riff coming out of a mesa boogie.
What do you have as your desktop wallpaper?
My office desktop has the standard corporate color blue (pantone 2728C) and the company logo stretched and out of proportion, it sucks! My laptop currently has a photo of my Woody Happy Meal toy beside a pile of books.
What websites do you check out regularly?
Facebook, Foxsports NBA, Wikipedia. Basically I surf and just let the waves take me anywhere. And yes Infectious!
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
MP3 torrent downloads. Sorry :(
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
Muscle men like Arnold Swarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Lou Ferrigno were my favorite subjects as a child. Raw power!
If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be and why?
I’d be Barney so I wouldn’t have to hire a mascot for my kids’ birthday parties.
What was your last memorable dream?
I always dream about beating-up someone but they don’t seem to feel anything at all. It sucks!
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
It’s quite a big leap already from being a McDonald’s crew member to a graphic designer. But I’m still furious about that janitorial job in the local hospital I didn’t get when I was younger.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
I have a show with my friends, Jaco Payawa, Mervin Malonzo, and Renan Ortiz slated January 2010.
What’s your motto?
If you can’t be anything, at least be an artist!
Rius
