The Outer Box

Ok Folks. Here is how Im doing the artist interviews. Im gonna do the interviews and also showcase the artist as the top banner for the blog. For the next two weeks…er…til May 15th my man Toy Crusher is the first featured artist here at The Outer Box. He has been very busy, doing live paintings, showing his work at Art Walk, and becoming very active in Jacksonvilles growing and ever changing art scene. Here is what Toy Crusher had to say durring the interview. Enjoy!

Interview with Toy Crusher- 04/23/2008

Well I have to ask first…where did the name Toy Crusher come from? I have an idea but, you tell us.

Unfortunately, I can’t say that there’s an elaborate story behind it haha. I just thought it was so damn original. Over time, it developed into what it is now. I also go by the same name when I DJ.

I have seen your work a lot lately around town,online, and at the Vestal shows. What type of medium do you use the most? Spray paint, acrylic, both?

Depends on the mission, really. Lately I’ve been using spray paint for backgrounds on paintings, then using oils or acrylics for details and characters. A lot of xylene-based stuff as well. Xylene-based paint comes out extremely clean and glossy.

Graffiti and Urban/Street Art. The age old question of what is what. What do you think is the difference between the two or is there a difference?

Essentially, I believe they’re the same. Graffiti, as we define it, was conceived in an urban atmosphere. It was the minds of the individuals who were born and raised in inner city surroundings that catalyzed the art form. However, there are some who would define urban art or “street art” as more the wheat pasting, stickers, stencils, or graphic design type stuff. The medium and conception may be different, but they’re both on the street.

Where ya gonna be showing some of you work next? I know ya did some live painting durring the last Art Walk. Any plans to do some more live work as well?

Actually, I will be painting at the next Art Walk in May. I had a blast last time and received very good feedback from the audience. My work will be on display inside Cafe 331 that evening. I’ll have a few new canvases to put up and a 3D piece if I can find a place to mount it. I’ll also be showing at Square One on May 14th, Ocean Club on May 31st, Club TSI on July 11th, and possibly painting live again at Club TSI in June; although that isn’t confirmed yet. So, I have a lot of grinding in the lab to do in the coming months. Gotta keep it fresh!

This question is one of my favorites. It has a very different answer depending on who you ask it to. What do you think about the Jacksonville art scene?

I have to say I’ve been very impressed, on all fronts. Lately I’ve seen some good pieces on the street, which is very inspiring. I’ve also seen some amazing artists displayed around town. A lot of which have given me brain grenades when looking at their work. I’ve met and traded pieces with some phenomenal artists in this city, I have to admit.

What or where was one of your favorite shows that you shown in here in Jax?I’d have to say it was the first Vestal Show at Ocean Club. I think I sold 3 pieces in the first few hours that night haha. It was awesome.

Have you ever had a run in with the law due to your “artistic expression”? I know I have…once….dont go tagging stuff in San Marco…cops are a little pissy out that way.

hahaha Yeah, stay away from San Marco unless you run track or have eyes in the back of your head, homie. Ironically, I’ve had a few run ins with the law, but never actually been to jail. I’ve had cops throw me on the ground, but they usually just took my paint and made me sweat for a while. That’s not to say that kids should just go out there and start bombing thinking you’ll get off scott-free, though. There ARE other consequences besides police.

Got any advice for anyone wanting to get started in the biz of being a local artist and displaying work?

Make some noise. Go to shows and hand out business cards. Network online. Hell, you can give away free sketches to people on the street and tell them what your name is. The best way to be known is circulation. I, of course, chose to do that in what some would deem a “destructive” manner. But, the principle’s still the same.

One last question. I really love the music you have sporting on your myspace page. Those are some sick breaks. Ive seen a couple of your pics with the turntables. Do you still spin the vinyl? God….i miss my Technics….damn getting old…it sucks. Never got rid of all the records I collected though…to many memories.

That’s funny because a lot of my friends quit dj’ing and sold all their equipment and vinyl…mostly to me. Now they’re wishing they didn’t. I can’t make fun, though, because my day will come. But, yeah that’s Clint Van Cleef by Nucleus and Paradox. It’s a sub-genre of drum and bass coined “drumfunk”. If you’re into drum breaks, I’d highly suggest digging for some of that stuff. Once again, brain grenades. I still get down on the wheels of mechanized steel. I’ll actually be playing at Bourbon Street Station on May 2nd [shameless promotion].

LOL. Thanks for doing the interview with me man. Hope you have a lot of success with you work in the future. In closing, what are some of your inspirations for your work? Any local or non local arists you really dig?

The wealth of my inspiration came from some of the original Jacksonville writers (of which, as far as I know, don’t paint anymore) like Fancy, Rezen, Next, Kes, and One. I’m also greatly inspired by cartoons, books, and social interactions. Oh, and lemonade. Can’t forget that. As far as locals, I’d have to say Grant Thornton, EdBot5000, Joe Van Dyke, Leader1, Brian Gray, and Kenski. These cats have amazing styles and techniques. Anyone who says that we have a weak art scene is sleepwalking.

Thanks for having me, homie. Respect.

To see more of Toy Crushers work visit him on myspace at http://myspace.com/toycrusher