Slyde Artist Alert: YozzyCrow, Fashion, & van Gogh

Slyde Handboards loves it when artist reach out to us to share their artwork & creative insights.

We recently connected with talented California artist Yozzy, who took us on a colorful tale of art and adventure.

How would you describe your art style?

My art style is eclectic and it is heavily dependent upon the music I am currently listening to at that time.  I have been painting since I was a little child.  As a late bloomer, in terms of learning to speak full sentences, I learned to express myself in
painting since that was the only way to communicate my own language and get my point across. 

If you had to choose 1 what would you pick? And why?Graphic Design, Fashion, or Photography?

That’s a tough pick but I would chose fashion above everything else.  Just check out my closet.  I need a walk-in closet if not more.  Fashion speaks in volume.  As a designer, strangers would randomly stop me on the street to ask me where I bought my leather jacket, for example.  Additionally, if you wear my apparel designs, that’s free marketing all in itself, and it can go in infinite directions. 

My designs can be seen anywhere in the world, and it feels like I’m traveling with the consumer in that great adventure.  Fashion is also related to trend, but it’s also
repeatable.  Take fishnet stockings from the 80’s for example. Who knew that it would make a comeback decades later?  I would love to design fashion that is not trendy, but classic, meaning that it is always constantly in fashion.

What artists inspire you?

Jakuchu Ito is the ultimate and idol.  Vincent van Gogh is the heart and soul.  Gustav Klimt is the experiential and adventurer. If I can chose to meet any famous person, living or dead, I would like to sit with these three mentors at a pub!

What do you do to find your artistic zen?

It’s such a cliché, but the first thing I do before coming up with the next concept or sketch, I meditate and try to unite all images around me while listening to alternative music.

How do you break out of "creative block"?

I’ve trained myself to switch back and forth spontaneously.  As  a graphic designer, I need to think logically for the clients but  also have the space to think creatively.

What Type of Music Do You Listen to When Creating?

In random order: Blur, Sigur Ros, Metallica, David Bowie, and The Doors.

What's Your Favorite Project or Piece of Art You've Done?

As a former band member, I used to meet with other glam rock bands and collaborate on subjects integrating music and art.  I have to say that my all-time favorite was seeing a grand scale of my painting at the center stage of a rock concert as thousands of fans rocked to the music of that band. 

That was the highlight of the era for me, and I would love to create something like that again.  Too bad I didn’t take any photographs or keep the painting at that
time.  It was in the moment, a spontaneous decision, but I’ve received great feedback, and it will always bring back the glory days.