Riktor is an Art of Austin artist! Check his work and read his interview
Riktor
AoA – How long have you been in Austin and how did you find your way here?
Riktor – I have lived in Austin for 5 years and moved here from Salt Lake City with my wife to get out of the snow and see what the city could offer creative wise, so far so good!
AoA – When did you realize that you were an artist?
Riktor – I started painting when I was a kid with my older brothers being Artists, it influenced me to take up traditional painting and drawing. It wasn’t until my late teens I discovered Graffiti in the 90’s and it changed my perception of Art. The unique art of letters, and original art styles added to my traditional styles really made me feel like I was exploring art that was unique, young and new, I then realized I was an Artist not only trying to paint pretty pictures but trying to push boundaries of art discovery.
AoA – Can you speak to your art training?
Riktor – I went to Art School at the University of Oregon after working professionally in the Art world. I felt that after painting most of of my life, Painting Professional Art in the Film industry, Luxury home market, and Commercially I didn’t really learn too many new painting techniques from Art School. What it did give me was a place to meet other aspiring serious artists, discuss new ideas and concepts while still doing a lot of experimental Graffiti on the side. It also pushed me to do new things I wouldn’t of tried if I didn’t attend. It helped me realize how Painting and Art have a lot more depth than just the obvious.
AoA – Who are some artists that you look up to?
Riktor – Jaybo monk, Zoya Frolova, Satone, Yesnik, Tobias Kroeger
AoA – Where do you derive inspiration from?
Riktor – World Travels, Stimulating Conversations with People, Future possibilities.
AoA – Can you tell us a little bit about your work?
Riktor – Currently I’m exploring Old Traditional styles mixed with Graffuturism, (an abstract style influenced by street graffiti) to form Abstract realms of movement, space and depth with idea. My new series is “Head Space” with usually a face or subject and abstraction flowing from the dome. It’s a representation that humans have so much shit going on in their head at all times that it radiates in all forms, some suppressing, some letting it all out.
AoA – Can you talk a little about your creative processes in creating?
Riktor – I like to try to create something daily, I believe creative exercise brings out the performance of the best ideas. Digging deep in a phrase or meaning helps to me process something that either I enjoy or hope someone else does.
AoA – Where can we find your work?
Riktor – Cherry Cola Dog.
AoA – Do you have any shows planned for the future?
Riktor – Miami Beach Art Basel.
AoA – Cool, well see you there this year!
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