Back like we never left. (Pretend I didn’t miss last week’s interview).
I’m very excited for this week’s guest. Since I’ve started this series, I’ve had my eye open for people within the culture that I might be interested in speaking with. With Social Media nowadays, self promotion has reached the grandest of heights. It’s not easy to find someone who hasn’t shared their entire story, or at least who they would like to be perceived as. Our guest today is quite the opposite. While he does share all of his work, he doesn’t quite include his story, which is why I reached out to meet and ask a few questions.
I’ve been a fan of artwork since middle school. I don’t think I have ever stated this publicly, but around that time is when I got caught painting graffiti. I really enjoyed being able to create on such a large canvas. Art’s been a part of my life for 20 something years now, whether creating, documenting, or admiring it.
That’s how this week’s guest caught my eye; his art. But I found him a great candidate to speak with because I thought you all might enjoy his work as well – his pieces are heavily Surf influenced. Enough about me. Let’s meet the man.
HELLO, MY NAME IS: Nengah Ari’s – Kangguru.Artchive
Hey there Nengah, hows it going? Thanks so much for your time! Big fan of your work. Do you surf yourself?
- Doing well, my friend. Thanks for the questions!
- Yes, I do enjoy surfing, especially the culture that comes with it. I think my love for the beach naturally led me to appreciate surf culture and everything surrounding it.
How long have you been an artist, and where did you get your start with creating?
- I’ve been working as an artist for around eight years. My journey really began when I decided to leave the company where I was working and focus on my own creative path. That said, I had enjoyed drawing long before making that decision.
What mediums do you use to create your art? Do you have one specific favorite tool?
- I work with a variety of mediums, both traditional and digital. If I had to choose a favorite, it would definitely be traditional tools – especially pencils and drawing pens. They feel more natural and honest to me.
What motivates or inspires you to create?
- The people who enjoy and appreciate my artwork are what keep me motivated and excited to create. One of those people might be you, haha!
Who are some of your favorite artists, and what do you admire about their work?
- Some of the artists I admire are Jammie Brown, Mike Giant, and Obey Giant, among many others. What I respect about them is their consistency and their ability to keep coming up with fresh ideas.
Do you have one piece that is your personal favorite, or do you enjoy each work as much as the last?
- One of my favorite pieces is an illustration of a surfboard seller. The message behind it, along with the unique visual style made it especially enjoyable to create and print. I enjoy all of my projects, but I’m always drawn to creating things that are a little different from what others are doing.
What do you want people to think or feel when they look at your art?
- I hope people understand the message behind the work, and that it adds value to their experience when they connect with and enjoy it.
Has your style evolved over time, or does it look similar now as to when you began?
- Absolutely. I love challenges and trying new things. Experimenting with different styles is exciting, especially when I find ways to combine them with my own approach and create something fresh and original.
Where is your favorite place to create?
- Most of the time I work from my small home studio. Sometimes I visit a coffee shop for a change of atmosphere, and occasionally I’ll work near the beach as well.
Is there anything you would like to say or share?
- Keep exploring your potential and work toward finding your own style. Don’t be afraid of making bad art – everyone starts at zero before reaching ten. Never become too comfortable; continue challenging yourself so you can stay creative and innovative. Art has no limits, just like the sky. There will always be new surprises waiting to be discovered.
Beautifully said, Nengah. When I reread that last sentence, I found a lot of similarities to Surfing. I found that to be meaningful. Thank you so much for your time, and for sharing about yourself. It was a pleasure to meet you.
You can follow, see, and keep up with Nengah and his artwork at:
@ Kangguru.artchive on instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kangguru.artchive
See you soon.
Cheers,
hwilsin
Drew Stanfield