Apr 15, 2013 8 Questions With: Ian Kuali’i
I got to meet Hawaiian-born, New Jersey-based artist Ian Kuali’i while I was in Hawaii for POW WOW 2013 for Imprint earlier this year. I’d just arrived in town for the massive art summit, and was eager to see all the wall murals in progress. Ian overheard me saying as much, mentioned he was just about to do the rounds himself, and generously offered to show me around while he was at it. Since it was my first time in Hawaii, and therefore Kaka’ako, I was really relieved to get on the fast track to seeing amazing work in progress and meeting some of the incredibly talented artists involved. During the walk and over the next few days I got to know Ian a little better too. He has been working a seven year long apprenticeship under accomplished contemporary/post-graffiti artist Doze Green, an impressive feat in of itself. He also considers himself an Art Mercenary, ready to support peers like WK Interact, Blek Le Rat, Carlos Mare139 Rodriguez, and Ron English, in their own endeavors. Ian explores themes like urban decay, his heritage, ancient symbolism, and developing his own stream-of-consciousness freestyle design work. Read on to learn more about Ian and his impressive work…
Credit: Andy Kim
What are you currently working on?
Currently I’m working a few installation concepts for this year and next which are a bit hush hush right now. I am also working steady in my studio producing an on going series of freestyle hand cut paper designs on old rusty spray cans I harvest from illegal graffiti spots in NYC/NJ. The series is called ‘Afterlife’ and the concept is to give life back to the vessel or tool that gave us who use spray paint life by collecting that which we have just discarded and have left to rust. It’s a sort of a ‘Phoenix Rising’ idea or a giving back to The Giving Tree (by Shel Silverstein) in stump form as an altar concept. From the ashes or from the tree stump comes new life and respect. I’m releasing an edition of 25 of these ‘Afterlife’ cans with the good folks at 1xRun scheduled to drop in April.
How would you describe your job?
The delicate meditative process of destroying to create.
Nice! What does your average work day look like?
I start my morning like most…with a couple of cups of coffee. I’ll play some music, do a little stretching, research and hopefully begin. I have days where all I do is stare at a huge blank sheet of paper resting on my cutting mat wall for the whole day and other times I’m feeling it! Dancing around, tossing paint and plaster, the blade is moving beyond the motion of my mind…and SHAZAM!!! A new piece…it’s like magic.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in most things these days. The good, the bad, the neutral, things natural, things man made and the supernatural. I think it’s the mystery of how all things are interconnected that inspires me most and finding the keys to unlocking one’s personal understanding of these things.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up I wanted to be one of two things and please don’t think me crazy…an Architect or an Assassin. I know…no five year old should be thinking about working for a secret organization of international killers.
Ha! What are you reading at the moment?
I am currently reading books on my Hawaiian ancestry like Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Beckwith, Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii and Tales & Traditions of the People of Old by Samuel Kamakau. My involvement in the last Pow Wow Hawaii was very intense spiritually and currently has me looking back to my genealogical past to create greater visions not only for my future but hopefully future family members.
What’s the best thing about living/working in the Tri-State Area?
The access and possibility of so many amazing experiences if you truly seek them.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Relaxation and the quieting of my mind in bed.
Credit: Andy Kim
