Interview with Gaia

Why the Greek nickname Gaia?

I chose the name because I am very much concerned with humanity's
relationship to nature. The goddess Gaia seemed like a fitting moniker
because in Greek mythology, she is the personification of earth.

Furthermore, I chose Gaia because I feel that the name epitomizes a
lifestyle that I try to aspire to, even when living in a city. I am
very much concerned with an awareness towards consumption and sharing
within a community.



Does this name influence your style?

Animals have always been the central subjects in my street work. I use
them as a device to convey a narrative within my pieces. Having grown
up my entire life in New York, nature has always been an ideal for me.
The work on the street is essentially an ideal as well for uninhibited
and pure nature is impossible within the urban landscape.



What's your main inspirations?

Folklore, fairytales and stories from other cultures have always
provided a wealth of subject matter for me to delve into. Also simply
biking through the city and exploring will always remain a constant
source of inspiration



Any artist you're fan of?

My primary influences are derived from artists apart of the Vienna
Secession such as Gustav Klimt, and of course artists within the
street art scene, most notably swoon and elbowtoe. I consider myself a
quiet follower of their work and their influence on my style is most
definitely apparent.



Did you go to any art school?

Currently I am a freshmen at an art school in Baltimore.

For how long have you been working as an artist ? I mean, living
thanks to your art?

I have been selling work for a little more than six months.
Considering I am still a student, I am not necessarily dependent upon
my art. Also, I try lead a fairly simple and communal lifestyle so my
expenses are never unmanageable.



Is it something you always wanted to do?

I actually hadn't even known that street art really existed until
Cheekz exposed it to me. The realization came as a truly momentous
direction for my artistic endeavors. I don't know where I would be or
what kind of art I would be producing if it wasn't for street art.

How do you work ? What's your process?

Generally I work in Linoleum because it is a fairly cheap, versatile
and portable medium to work in. Also linoleum was the only printmaking
method I was familiar with at the time that would support the
reproductions i need for the streets.

I compose and grid the pieces in photoshop and then draw directly on
the block reversed. On average I can cut a piece and have it printed
in a week and a half if I can dedicate myself to it. But that is only
really possible when I am on break. Between school work, commissions
and projects, developing new street material becomes very difficult.



About your relations with the local scene in N.Y. A lot of big names
there. How is the "atmosphere" between you guys ?

I would say my position amongst the truly established street artists
in new york namely swoon, faile, bast, judith supine, and Elbowtoe is
one of admiration. I ve visited faile's studio and met elbowtoe
through a show we were doing together just recently.

Also I was fortunate enough to do an internship with judith supine
last summer before graduating from high school. It was an incredibly
relaxing and enlightening experience. mr supine is a wonderful guy.



What's coming next for you?

Now that I am in school I am interested in exploring different methods
of printmaking. Currently I have been experimenting with some silk
screens. I was originally working with a lot of animal motifs but now I
more interested in folk lore and my relationship with other cultures.
I've been looking at a lot of Northwestern Native American tribe work
for inspiration and guidance.



Gaia pictures can be found here
Some pictures copyright http://flickr.com/photos/lunapark/