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 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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