I am in no way against Art Basel. I actually support and love the attention it brings to the city. The concept is more a reminder toward those living in the city that jump on the “Art Basel bandwagon” and then forget the local artists for the rest of the year. I simply want to encourage those people to go to shows and art openings throughout the year. The original concept was to give the t-shirts to local artists for free in order to express this idea. Only I never considered that visitors would end up wanting them as well. Still the reaction by visitors’ interest sort of made it more as a universal statement “that art is all year round and no one should forget that.”

Differences between the art world in New York and Miami?

NY is more conducive just because it’s had a longer life to establish itself in the arts. Many art movements have begun in NY. It was the art capital of the world at one point if not still. Art is part of the daily life in NY and I believe more people are open to it there. Miami on the other hand is still a young city that has recently grown faster then anyone has expected. Miami is an abundance of influences still attempting to carve its niches. We are blessed with many talents and ideas, yet cursed within a society that is still trying to understand its movement makers.

Things you can’t live without?

Doodling, Music, Traveling, Books, and Cuban Coffee. 

How is Miami developing its art scene?

The art scene has really been growing since the beginning of the decade with more support for locals and the locals proving that they are equal to any other scene. Big name collectors have been setting in motion creative growth in the areas of Wynwood and the Design District. The artists themselves have also been coming together building shows on their own and getting the word out. The scene is a melting pot that has spilled over and as of lately poured to the rest of the world as more then just a place for a tan and a cuban sandwich.

Most exciting events of Art Basel?

The main show at the convention center is definitely a whole day event worth indulging in. On the other three days of roaming the art weekend PULSE, SCOPE, NADA, and DESIGN MIAMI are all usually influential events. But the best ones are the surprise-make shift studio/galleries that unexpectedly pop up. While on your way to one good event you typically end up finding 5 even better ones.

Other events in Miami, that has a lot of potential to get really interesting?

Miami Spice is an event that happens between August through September every year which allows everyone to go to the most upscale eating venues from Blue Door at the Delano to The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Participants get a chance to eat a three-course meal for $20. Fantasy Fest in Key West is our version of Mardi gras, which occurs in October and is a ridiculous entertaining spectacle. During March you have Calle Ocho, known as the world’s largest street party, that celebrates Hispanic culture. Other good events worth checking out are also The Dragon Boat Races, Fete de la Musique & the Miami International Film Festival.

3 favorite artists?

Michael C. Place of London, for his simplicity and overall outlook plus he just oozes pure love for his craft.

Dan Funderburgh of NY, for making me always say, ” why didn’t I think of that?” and then smile.

Alex Trochut of Barcelona for his “way with words.”

favorite websites?

ffffound.com, basically because it is what it is, randomness at its best.

cpluv.com, it’s just clean and quick design info always updated.

prettymuchamazing.com, keeps my headphones fulfilled.

Favorite projects you have worked on?

My favorite projects usually are collaborations. Most recently was a mural project I did with KRAVE at the Whitelaw Hotel on South Beach. The project was of three floors and 51 rooms painted by brush over the span of 4 months with full creative freedom. The owner allowed us to do anything we wanted as long as it incorporated the colors pink, white, black and subliminal sexual innuendos. My second favorite was a collaboration I did for the AIGA with my Mother, who is a fashion designer. We created two costume/dresses fully constructed of paper with the constant underlying theme that it had to resemble real fabric construction as much as possible. Newer projects I’ve enjoyed has been the collaboration I did with Elastic People to create a new identity for Ricky Martin 17 and my latest sticker pack designed for WALLOVE where I fully illustrated 7 new characters which would allow people to revamp “ones blah surroundings”. You may check those out at http://www.wallove.com/item.php?id=43.

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