At the beginning of October, we had five artists from Live Art Wednesdays come to do some live sketching during our monthly First Friday celebration. All month long, the five have had pieces up in our Downtown store. For these final days of October, we interview each of the artists with the same questions to highlight the similarities and differences between their styles, processes, and ideas of what it means to be Oaklandish.
Give us a short run down of who you are. How long have you lived in Oakland? Did you go to school for art or are you self taught? How has your upbringing and life experience worked it's way into your art?
My name is Marcos LaFarga. I’m an Artist, Graphic Designer, Family Man and Beer Connoisseur. I’ve resided in the East Bay my whole life. I attended California College of the Arts and studied Illustration, Graphic Design, and Printmaking. I’ve had a very mischievous upbringing growing up. Focusing on art kept me out of trouble. Graffiti played a major role in my interest and passion for letters and typography.
Describe the piece hanging in the Oaklandish Store. What did you make it from? Where did you make it? Does it represent any larger themes?
The piece I have hanging at Oaklandish is part of a slogan based drawing series that I have been continuing for a couple years now. My drawings are mostly typography based, which is different from my acrylic paintings on wood, where I combine both figures and type. For these drawings I use paper, which I draw, cut and collage. I draw graphic elements to enhance the composition. The over all theme in my drawings are the slogan or sayings.
How did you get started with Live Art Wednesdays? Is this your first experience with producing live art?
I was invited to Live Art Wednesdays by good friend Obi Kaufmann from Swee(t)art. I have worked with Obi in many facets. He has always shown me love and has opened many doors for me. I have been a part of tons of other live art making in the past.
Is your process for live art any different than your process done from home/in your studio? Do you enjoy one style over the other?
My process for live art making really depends on the situation. Whether it’s drawing at a table in a gallery or bar, on a 2,000 square foot wall outdoors, or in my own studio, every situation is different. The process for live art really depends on where I am. I enjoy making art anywhere I can, but there is just something about painting outdoors on a nice Cali day!
Do you have a favorite current visual artist in Oakland?
I’m a fan of many. Alex Pardee has always been an inspiration. I really like Bloom Press Printing and all the artist they work with. I’m also really fond of Ken Davis’ sign painting and letter styles. Vogue TDK has recently been doing some incredible canvass’ with aerosol and Brett Amory’s paintings are beautiful.
What does it mean to you to be Oaklandish? Is it a style? A mindset? An attitude? Or something completely different all together?
There is such a renaissance happening in Oakland right now. So many artisans live and work here. So much good art, music, food and creativity. I don’t think it can be defined by a style, attitude or mindset. It’s such an eclectic place and there is so much individuality that it’s tough to define, other than being a creative melting pot. It’s an interesting time for Oakland.