Where are you based?
I was born in LA, grew up in Vegas, spent about 10 years in Miami and now I currently reside in the land of the mouse, Orlando Florida.
What supplies do you use to create your work?
Lately I've been going back to the basics, pencil, colored pencil, graphite and paper. But most of my work is a mix of media, spray paint, house paint, marker, things to scratch with, things to paste with, and found objects. I’ve also been making some sculptures out of melted down crayon wax.
How long does it take to complete a medium sized piece?
Usually around 2 weeks, but I’ve worked on pieces for months at a time, just depends on what I’m trying to accomplish with the piece I am working on.
How do you go about choosing subjects for your work?
Most of the subject matter in my work stems from current trends in music, art, technology, nature and how mankind will eventually be a morphed into a combination of all.
What does success mean to you?
Completing my goals one at a time, no matter how big or small. I just like to follow through and do what I set out to accomplish. If there is a monetary return associated with my goals then I'd like to make sure that is achieved as well. But mainly just being supported by like-minded people, friends and family makes me feel as successful as any millionaire.
What song lyric best describes you?
Everyday I'm Hustlin', hustle hustle hus hustlin.
How does being an artist affect your personal relationships?
That's depends on how much of my time is consumed by a project. But typically being an artist tends to place me in situations where I am surrounding by those that are like-minded. So I'm not really sure, how it affects my personal relationships, you'd have to ask my girlfriend and dog that question.
What is the biggest sacrifice you made for your craft?
My craft is my life, it is something that even if I wanted to stop, I couldn't. Something forces and pushes me to continue, so I would say that I have sacrificed a "normal" life to be an artist.
If there were an art hall of fame what about you or your work would earn you a place in it?
I think I have helped to cultivate the careers of many emerging and mid-career artists, in a time when our genre/movement didn't have too many international eyes upon it. I have financed and provided a platform for these types of artists to exhibit and gain exposure from. I owned and operated one of the first galleries on the East coast that focused on our genre/movement. I have been shit talked on, used, and been made to do all the dirty work and through it all have continued to push forward. So I think my persistence and dedication to this field would put me in there, especially being as active as I am in a market where we basically have created an "art scene/movement" from scratch.
What aspect of the art world gives you the most pleasure?
When you work hard on organizing a show, executing the vision for it, and getting respect from those that you admire, that is the single most rewarding aspect I get. If the accolades come from a collector or a patron, to me, the recognition of my hard work brings me the most pleasure. It also feels good to shut up the haters and shit talkers.
What bothers you most about the art industry?
The elitism of it. These groups of rich wives that pretty much control who is "cool", current and worth collecting. The art world is saturated with artists and it bothers me that so much unrecognized, dedicated talent, often times gets overlooked.
What is your niche?
My niche tends to be young professionals that grew up skateboarding, doing graffiti, DJing and those that are obsessed and consumed with sub-culture. Such as sneaker heads, fashionistas, and party goers. Simply because most of these people grew up when I did, and are influenced and inspired by many of the same things I am.
Who is your audience?
Those that are seeking culture, progressive ideas, and anti-establishment. I also seem to attract cougars, maybe its my looks.
Outside of art what makes you an interesting person?
I tend to decorate my house with 100's of knick nacks, my car is named La Bamba, I have a unique sense of taste when it comes to furniture & collectibles, I have sorted wasabi, and can do no comply under flips.
Where can people purchase your work?
You can find some of my work on Alarevenge.com or by emailing me at dustin@alarevenge.com
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