-The man himself. Chase Tafoya!
Where did you grow up? How old are you? Did this influence you at all to become an artist? Where do you reside?
I was born and raised in Merced, CA and I’m 26 years old. Growing up in a smaller town definitely gave me the opportunity to focus on my art. It’s a great place to be, considering the amount of work I have these days. It’s a nice place to stay focused and humble.
How old where you when you painted your first painting? What was it?
I started painting when I was 17 and have been painting for nine years now. My first painting was of Ghostface of the Wu-Tang Clan.
A lot of your paintings are portraits of people. Are these people usually just influences of yours or do people ask you for portraits of themselves?
-A self-portrait of Chase. This is the first piece I’d ever seen of Chase and I was instantly blown away and have been a fan ever since.
Both. Most all my paintings are either my friends or family members. Sometimes I’ll ask a person if I can paint them if I get inspired from that particular person. Some hit me up offering to pose for me. I’m always looking for people to paint.
Any formal art school training or are you just self-taught?
I have been drawing since I was three years old. I took high school and community college art classes, but consider myself to be self taught. A few years ago, I applied to several art schools throughout California from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and no place would except me. I have wanted to make my living as an artist my whole life, so I took my career into my own hands and started networking and getting my art out there. I take great pride in being self taught. I’d love to have gone to art school so that I could soak up as much as I could from a place like that. I’m always striving to better my craft.
I ask all of my interviewees what types of odd jobs do they/have they held?
I’ve been janitor, construction worker, maintenance person, painter, lawn guy, stage technician… All sorts of stuff.
-’Gangsta’ Ass Shit.’ One of my favorite pieces by Chase.
What/who inspires you dead or alive?
Everyday life inspires me. Friends and family inspire me. There’s so much that happens on an everyday basis; whether in one’s personal life or just globally. That’s what gets me inspired. Individuals that inspire me are Chuck Close, Frank Frazetta, James Jean, and Rockin’ Jelly Bean. These are a few artists that make me want to keep on pushing my own limits and see what I can unlock in myself.
-Chase’s painting for FM$ now hanging in Opera Studios.
What are some brands you have worked with in the past and what are some you plan to work with in the future?
I’ve worked with FM$, Soul Assassins, and The Lovewright Co. to name a few. I’m currently in the works with Expensive Taste, The Wild Ones, DSTROYR, and xWHERE EAGLE$ DAREx. I am also working on some other very exciting projects! Be on the look out!
How did you and the Soul Assassins family come to be?
I owe everything with that to Alicia Galehdari and DJ Muggs. Ali did an interview with me for the Soul Assassins website. Muggs had seen the interview and when we met, we immediately started sharing ideas and working on things. We did the Takeover event, which led to the SA intermission album, and are now working on another project for the very near future. Big thanks to the whole Soul Assassins family!
Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
For sure! Anyone who’s pushing the envelope. I’m always down to do art with anyone; no matter the style. If I could, I’d collaborate with everyone you have linked on your site. I love being surrounded by creative people. It keeps me growing as an artist. Maxx242 and I are talking about working on something together.
Speaking of Maxxer, how did you link-up with FM$?
Definitely. Big ups to the homie Maxxer! Maxx had hit me up one day and was like ‘Yo Chase, I showed Travis your website and he was definitely feeling your work. Do you want to do some projects for FM$?’ That was a no brainer in my book, so of course I said yes. They’ve done a lot for me. It has been quite an honor to work with that team and I look forward to what the future holds with them. Famous Stars and Straps!
-Chases’s piece for FM$ on Mark Hoppus’s bass.
Where can one purchase work of yours? Any upcoming art shows we should know about?
I’m currently building a new website where people can purchase prints, stickers, and t-shirts, as well as originals. Until then, you can contact me direct or pick up an original at any upcoming art show. I’ve got a show in Berlin, Germany next month at Struchnin Gallery, as well as a two person show at Flatcolor Gallery in Seattle, Washington in March 2010.
-Here is a sneak-peek at a new graphic for an upcoming FM$ t-shirt.
What’s next? You down to release that graphic you did for us?!
Haha…for sure homie, you know I got you guys! As far as what’s next, I’m taking some time to work on new paintings and take my art to the next level. I’m ready to grow again and see how far I can push my own limits.
Parting words….?
Family and friends…
Memories over Materials…
Stay Humble…
——————————————————————–
This interview was conducted with the help of $C@R, and questions created, edited, and transcribed by Matt.
4 Comments so far
Leave a comment
[...] Filed under: COLLABORATIONS, FRIENDS, GET EDUCATED!, SHOUT-OUTS, SHOWCASE If you have read the interview we did with our homie Chase Tafoya you might remember he leaked another collaboration he was [...]
Pingback by CHASE TAFOYA X FM$ PIECE « WH3R3 3@GL3$ D@R3 L.C.C. December 10, 2009 @ 10:22 PM[...] Until then, occupy yourself with our interview with Chase here. [...]
Pingback by NEW CHASE TAFOYA PAINTING! « WH3R3 3@GL3$ D@R3 L.C.C. February 4, 2010 @ 11:04 PM[...] we are. Nice one Chase! I must also mention the interview we were happy to do with the man himself here. Do yourself a favor and educate yourself on Chase because you will need to start getting used to [...]
Pingback by NEW EXPENSIVE TASTE SEASON AVAILABLE NOW @ THE FAST LIFE « June 8, 2010 @ 2:45 PM[...] we have now confirmed an upcoming interview with Pep. Stay posted for that one! Meanwhile, peep the interview we did with Chase Tafoya a while back if you haven’t done so [...]
Pingback by CHASE TAFOVA PHOTO BY PEP WILLIAMS « August 22, 2010 @ 1:13 PM