ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: CHASE TAFOYA

Chase Tafoya is an up and coming artist based out of Southern California. His work mainly consists of very large scale portraits that focus on the subject's face. Be sure to check out Chase's upcoming show "Face 2 Face," which opens February 7th at Tradition.
Interview by Alicia Galehdari



Give us a brief description of your background, where you’re from, your roots, your age, etc.
I was born in Merced, CA. I grew up as that kid who often got into trouble because I was more interested in drawing, rather than school, or anything else. I'm 25 now and am a self employed, free lance illustrator. I feel like if it wasn't for growing up in Merced, that I would not have dedicated myself to acrylic painting like I have.

How were you first introduced into the art world?
For as long as I can remember, art has been what pushes me every day. My parents say I started drawing when I was 3 years old....and I haven't been able to put down a pencil or brush since. As far as the art world, I was fortunate enough to be added on the TEMPT Benefit "Represent Represent" group show back in February of 2007. My bro Pep Williams hooked it up along with The Seventh letter/Known Gallery crew. I did these skateboards that were amongst the first to sell. Since then, I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and art show invites that have really been a blessing.

How long is it that you have been in the game and throughout this time, who has greatly influenced you?
Well, I consider myself in the game for as long as I can remember. I think anyone who commits to the devotion of their craft can be looked at as a player of the game. Influences of mine are actually from all other genre's and styles. Growing up, I always thought "fine art" was boring, and that the colors were all the same. Not until recently have I come to understand and appreciate the masters of renaissance art. I've always been influenced by the Graff/Tattoo/ Illustrator guy's (Frank Frazetta, Seen, Daim, Cope2, WON, Mike Giant, Mr. Cartoon, Guy Aitchison, and Greg "Craola" Simkins. These guys are so creative, and have helped me to develop my art into a style that I felt hasn't really been done before.... modern day Renaissance.

Why the fascination with portraits?
I guess I've always thought that faces were interesting…..so much of an individual’s personality is in their face. People's expressions, their hair, and especially their eyes…… almost tell a story. My mother would always tell me that eyes were the window to a person’s soul. Skill wise, I feel that painting portraits pushes me to the next level - everything that I artistically want to accomplish with my art. In a way it brings me comfort knowing that I will constantly seek to improve my skill...there's always a pore, or a wrinkle, or an eyelash that I could have made better.

Being renown for your portraits, what other pieces have you done or enjoy composing?
I feel honored that people take notice of my work. Portrait pieces push me to become a better technical artist. I've always painted what influenced me growing up. I didn't get into painting or portraits until I was about 17-18. Besides portraits, I have always been into graffiti and tattoos...the cultures are so much deeper that just drawing or painting. Anything that I can do on a large scale, I'm down. I've done murals (for friends bars), sculptures, skateboards, and have done some air-brushing.

What materials do you paint with?
I paint with acrylic on canvas...some water to thin the paint. That's about it.



What elements have contributed to your work throughout your life?
Primarily my faith, family, and friends. Just living life, growing up, experiencing different situations in life. In addition, there are so many cultures that play an important part in my work -
music, skating, graffiti, tattoos, the California/Latino culture, etc.

Have you ever been into graffiti? If so which crews?
Around the 8th grade, I started getting into graffiti. I was skating that time too, so it went kind of hand in hand. Graffiti played such an influential role with my art at that time. It taught me so much about color and composition. I think that's why most of my pieces are done on large-scale canvases now (3'x4' - 5'x6'). It's funny because even now, people hit me up after seeing only my portraits, asking if I was ever into graffiti, because they see it in my work with the colors I use.


Have you ever had any impressive or touching responses to your art work? If so, where from, why, etc?
I have painted portraits of friends and other that people I know for some time now. However, the first really touching response came when I painted a skateboard for a recent show called depARTed. It was an art show about people who passed before their time - I painted Harold Hunter. Being able to see how many lives Harold had touched was an art in itself. I never had the pleasure to meet Harold, but growing up skating, I could relate to his raw, rugged, not caring approach to the sport. I saw Harold just having fun, and that inspired me. Every person who has seen the board has expressed to me how emotional and touched they were by it. It became more than a piece of art...it brought back memories of a true friend. With all my portraits I try to give honor to the person, and being able to see it accomplished with Harold was truly touching.

Explain to us the background of a few of your pieces, why did you choose to do them, why the subject?
The main piece that started my new series of portraits was the self portrait of me (with a bandana covering much of my face). This was at a time when I had a lot of personal demons and the portrait depicts my personal struggle with my conscience. It’s a play upon doing what is right and wrong – good and evil. The apple represents sin and my attempt to keep myself from it. The bandana prevents me from smelling or tasting the apple. But like with most things, I am still drawn to it. The snake is tempting me, almost whispering for me to indulge. When painting the picture, I thought the opposite of a sweet apple would be a sour lemon. The lemon represents the right thing to do, which is always in front of us. The angels represent something that I myself always take into consideration - regardless of my actions, someone is always watching.

As far as other pieces, I try to paint homies of mine who inspire me to always push myself. I did a portrait of my bro Chow (with the glasses and tattoos), who is my tattooist. Each portrait that I do tells a unique story about the person…..if you know how to read it. I like to do research on my subjects by finding out about their personality, their likes and dislikes, etc. This helps me to develop the painting. Although every painting is open to interpretation, the symbols are not easily deciphered, so usually only I and my subject know the true meanings. Most of the time, the entire piece will tell a life story. What each person chooses to share with me while I am painting their portrait is an honor.



Regarding art, in your opinion what is more important, style or concept?
In my opinion, I would say style. So many concepts have been played out, but if it's done in an interesting style, then it becomes a breath of fresh air to that particular piece. If I told Mike Giant, Mr. Cartoon, The Mac and Frank Frazetta to draw an angel pin-up....there all the same concept, but each piece is so different in style, and that's what makes it original. As an artist, I believe having your own style is crucial. You can look at certain icons in every genre, and just by looking at the way they paint, or the way they shape their letters....you can tell who painted it. Having a style in art is an artist’s signature. If you never signed your name on a piece of art, you want the viewer to be able to tell who painted it, just by looking at it.

Do you feel art helps those growing up to stay away from the bad elements of street life?
I really think so...considering so many art forms are connected or have been influenced from street life, it's something that is positive and beautiful out of conditions that might not always be. I mean tattoos, graffiti and skateboarding are huge street elements, and art movements. Art gives those growing up an opportunity to strive for something greater than what is already so easily obtainable. Art pushes and challenges those mentally and artistically to gain something greater. It gives them faith. It's faith and believing in what your passionate about that makes someone reach their goals.

What is it that you are up to these days? What do you have lined up for us?
Wow. Right now I'm very fortunate to have a few good things going on. I have some group shows lined up as well as a two-person show in the near future. Thanks to Victor at Refused Magazine, I'm featured in the newest issue (No.5). Thanks to you (Alicia Galehdari), I am being interviewed. I’m working on several personal commissions and continuing to do freelance work. I’m painting every day.

What plans do you have for yourself further along the road? Maybe clothing, etc?
Right now I'm focusing on a lot of different things. I am quite excited about one project in the works, but unfortunately I am not at liberty to discuss until all the details have been finalized. I will keep you posted though. I hope to be a part of more gallery exhibits and will continue to focus on improving style and technique with my artwork.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Being able to see my artwork get more exposure has meant a lot. In addition, realizing and appreciating all the people who have helped along the way, has definitely opened my eyes.

Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time?
On a personal level, I hope that I am still inspired in every aspect of my life…..still having that faith, family, friends’ influence. Artistically I hope that I continue to push the envelope. Business wise, I hope to be involved in a company whereby I can collaborate both creatively and artistically. Being involved with people who want to make a difference in the world….those who care about our environment and those who want to give back is very important to me.

As an artist, are you capable of living off of your art work?
Yes. I feel so blessed in that since. I’m certainly not rich by any means, but I can put food on the table and pay the rent. Being able to wake up every day and do what I feel is my purpose is almost too much to comprehend sometimes. It’s definitely appreciated.



WWW.CHASETAFOYA.COM

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INTERVIEW: TERROR

Formed in 2002, LA’s Terror is the definition of hardcore. Combining a classic hardcore sound with heavy breakdowns, and just a touch of metal, Terror bridges the gap between these two genres, carrying the torch of old school hardcore ethics while winning over new generation of metal and hardcore fans. With an unrivaled live show, and a relentless touring schedule, Terror has cemented their status as “the hardest working band in hardcore,” gaining legions of diehard fans in their wake.
Their newest album, “The Damned, The Shamed” released over the summer to rave reviews, and Terror is ready to take their band to the next level. We sat down with their singer, Scott Vogel, to ask him a few questions about the band.

Terror has been a band for over 6 years, and you guys tour more than any band that I know. What keeps you motivated?
Before I get to all the bullshit like I love it and all of that… It’s been a lot of work, and we are finally at the point where we are getting paid decently. I’ve been doing bands my whole life, and I don’t really have much of a future after this… It’s definitely good to put some money aside.
Going to new places. We just went to Korea for the first time. We’re going to South America and playing some new places like Columbia and Ecuador.
Sometimes I hate it, but most of the times I love it. Going out and meeting people, and just being able to play music. When you have a great show and the energy and crowd is just right… there’s nothing really like that. It definitely keeps me going.

What were you influences when you started the band, and what are some of your influences now?
When we started the band our biggest influence was probably Madball, but we were influenced by everything from Youth of Today, to Chain of Strength, to Merauder. There are some newer bands too… Bands like No Warning and Bitter End. For the most part, we are at a show everyday we hear 4 loud bands a day. I like to listen to a lot of other stuff, calmer stuff, or hip hop stuff.



In the past you have featured some hip hop artists on your albums. Guys like Evidence from Dilated Peoples and Murs. What is your connection to them?
I really like hip hop, I listen to it all the time. There are a lot of kids that listen to Terror that also listen to hip hop, but there are also a lot of kids that are more closed minded. I think if you take away the sound of the music, a lot of the attitude and style is very similar. I think people that listen to hip hop care about the lyrics… They don’t just use it as background music, it’s something that’s really important in their life. I wanted people that listen to Terror to hear Dilated Peoples and see what they are about. Getting to hang out with Murs and spend some time with him, I saw that he is on the same mental level as us. He has the same passion for music, and the same reasons for doing music.
We did an EP last year, and Vinnie from Jedi Mind Tricks actually screamed on one of our songs… He didn’t rap, he screamed.
He hit us up a year or two ago to remix a Jedi Mind Tricks song, which was really cool. That was the first time we met him, we did that at some studio in Philadelphia. Ever since that, I consider him a good friend, and I’m definitely a fan of his music.
I don’t know if it’s ever gonna happen, but we talked about doing some shows with Murs and maybe a tour with Jedi Mind Tricks. It could be a beautiful disaster, or it could be insanity, or it could go smooth… I don’t know.
I know when I saw Jedi Mind Tricks at the Troubadour a few years ago… Before they went on stage I looked out in the crowd, and it was all white kids with New Era hats…I don’t know what would have happened if we would have played… It could have been crazy.

It could have turned into a giant fight… Someone would step on someone else’s sneakers….
Haha… I don’t know how it would go. The way Terror and Jedi Mind Tricks are, I think we would both be down to try it out and see how it goes.

You hear a lot of stuff about Terror shows about the crowd and the violence… Do you think you have a bad rap?
I know we have a bad rap… Do I think we deserve it? I don’t know. We only have ourselves to blame. There are a lot of clubs that wont book us anymore, and a lot of bands that don’t want to play with us. I think in the last few years we have really calmed down and we don’t have many problems anymore. I think we will always have that stigma attached to us.
There was a point in 2004, that there were fights at all of our shows. People were coming to our shows to fight people, and at that time we didn’t do much to stop it. A year later, no one wanted to book us and no one wanted to have us back, we realized that we were ruining our career. We couldn’t play in a bunch of shows in L.A. for a while…
The only time we get involved is when security is trying to manhandle kids... If we’re playing and people are getting beat up by security, we are not going to sit back and let that happen.


Do you feel that hardcore as a genre, in 2008, is still relevant? Is there still something that can be said that hasn’t been said?
The word hardcore has been stretched so thin. There are a lot of bands out there that consider themselves hardcore bands that have nothing to do with me. There are bands that play “hardcore” that don’t sound anything like hardcore to me… I’m not the judge and the jury. There are still bands that are doing it for the right reasons and are important.
It’s crazy, you can go to Mexico City, and these kids are poor are they are growing up in a completely different environment to me, and we can sit and talk to them about their favorite records and their favorite bands.
I think it’s still relevant. I think it has been tainted, but if you don’t let the bullshit affect you, you can see that it’s still relevant.

Do you think being a hardcore band is limiting? It seems like hardcore bands reach a certain point, and they hit a plateau. How do you continue to grow as a band?
It’s hard because once you start gaining new people you start to lose your core fan base… They want it to be this little secret club that know Terror. Once you put an album out that has distribution, and new people start coming to your shows they get turned off by that.
It’s hard to judge because Terror definitely has bigger and better shows now, but we sell less records because no one buys records anymore. How do you judge?
I don’t get too worried about that stuff. As long as we can still play, and I’m still enjoying it, and I can still pay my bills, I’m going to keep doing it. I think with our new record there is some room for growth, some elements that will catch people off guard. We are just playing what we like what feels right.
Being a band that plays the music we play, we aren’t going to be on the radio or MTV.
But you can take a band like Hatebreed, and I don’t know how they did what they did, but they draw everyone from metalheads, to punks, to hardcore kids, to Goths… There are ways to grow.

How would you describe the sound of your last record, “The Damned, The Shamed”?
It’s definitely Terror… The main difference is that it is a complete album. Some of our older records were 13 songs that all sounded pretty similar to each other… this is a full album with some new elements. It’s exactly the record we needed to make. We got a new booking agent, and a new label… We are in a pretty good spot.

You recently made the switch from Trustkill records to Century Media…
I don’t have too many bad things to say about Trustkill. They did a pretty good job for us. They got our records out, they advertised, and they did the job that we needed. I just think we needed a fresh start. Trustkill has gone in more of an Indie Rock direction… “Cute” guys playing music that I can’t relate to. Century Media is a label that has a little bit of hardcore, but definitely has a metal history, and I feel our band fits in better with a metal label. Another thing that added to our decision is that Century Media is a worldwide label with offices all over the world, and we go overseas all of the time.

Japanese artist, Usugrow, did the artwork for the new record. How did you hook up with him?
We were in Japan, and our bass player, Buske bought a book of Usugrow’s art. Buske knew all about him.
When we got back, Buske emailed him. It turns out that Usugrow was a fan of the band, so he said that he would do it. No one in our genre of music has used Usugrow. When you look at all the records that come out today, all of the artwork is very similar, and this is totally out of left field.



You personally have been playing in bands for almost 20 Years… What keeps you doing it?
I don’t really know anything else. There is nothing else that grabs a hold of me like music does. Before I was in Terror, I was in bands for like 12 years. When I wasn’t in a band, it was cool for like 6 months, but then I would start freaking out. Catch me on the right day, and I would tell you that I hate being in a band and I hate being on tour.
For anyone that thinks being in a touring band is a cakewalk… it definitely sucks a lot. Having no clean clothes, living in a van with a bunch of dudes, and sharing hotel rooms. The good still outweighs the bad…

What’s in the future for Terror?
We’ve had the chance to tour with some big bands, and get on some big tours like “The Sounds of The Underground.” It gets kind of pointless to just tour and tour and tour, and play to the same people each night, we are definitely looking for the chance to play to new people.

Anything else you want to add?
One thing that has been on my mind lately, with the whole downloading thing, is that no one sees the artwork anymore and no one reads the lyrics anymore. That’s the biggest thing that is getting lost. Whether you buy the record or not, at least go to the band’s website and check out the artwork and the photos, and try to get your hands on the lyrics. Without the full package, you’re not getting the full meaning of the band or the music. And if you’re not reading the lyrics then what’s the difference between a real underground band and some bullshit radio rock?

MYSPACE.COM/TERROR
WWW.TERRORHC.COM

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