Cities on Fire So Skate // Al Theiss

Cities On Fire So Skate

Al Theiss

Artist Statement

Versatility. There are many thoughts and processes that go into making art especially when you decide to use multiple mediums. Drawing, Photography, Screen-print, Graphic Design, etc. are just some of the mediums I work in. They each have their own feel, their own pros and cons and each one gives a different experience in the “making of” process. A lot of my work that involves me choosing colors, I always tend to lean more towards shades of blue and shades of oranges and reds because I’ve always been drawn to those colors from an early age. Blue itself is my favorite color and it makes me feel this type of freedom and safety I don’t get with other colors so I always try to include it in my work. I’ve also always been inspired by the “skating sticker” style of artwork, that being the kind of art you would see on the underside of someone’s skateboard and the stickers they may have on it. That graphical, cartoon, look has always been something I have wanted to strive for in my own art making and my own personal style when I draw so a lot of my art and art process reflects that and the skating community in general. When it comes to both graphic design and photo work I feel like there is no end to my creative freedom which is both daunting and liberating at the same time and I really enjoy both mediums because it works different creative mindsets I have. Photo work is something I fell in love with more recently and I haven’t looked back since.

"Waffles"
3 screen-printed reverse color coded Bears
skateboard(s) // wood

"One minute I'm in Central Park..."
Billy Joel minimalist concert gig poster(s)

"Natural 20"
CMYK Gum Print
Photography