Vinz started the Feel Free project in 2011 throughout the streets and galleries of Europe and the United States. He uses a multi-step process to create his unique imagery and his Tattooed Girl hand-embellished screen prints and Especial mixed media hand-painted editions are no different. Each is individually hand-painted by Vinz personally and each of the 10 Especial editions is individually hand-collaged and painted, read on for more from Vinz and grab these very special editions right here before they are gone…
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, was there an original created or was it made specifically for this print release? Anything immediate you want to highlight about this piece?
Vinz: She is a XXI Century Venus goddess. I did create an original painting a year ago. But you know, sometimes it’s not enough. Sometimes you are so proud of a work and you want to share it with more people who cannot purchase an original. Screen prints are perfect for that.
1x: What materials were used on each of these prints?
Vinz: For the regular edition, just 6 different colors of gouache. For the especial edition, around 12 colors of gouache, and ink and different old papers I found at flea markets around the world.
1x: When was the piece drawn and created?
Vinz: The original one end of 2014. This print edition, during spring 2016.
1x: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Vinz: My model, who was also my muse, told me she wanted a tattoo to cover all her skin. I wanted to create an artwork with her body that survives after her death. So in some decades, she will be dead, but her beauty and her tattoos will still stay in this world.
1x: How long did this piece take from start to finish?
Vinz: The original one, around 3 weeks. This print edition, including the especial edition, 4 months since the first email contact.
1x: What is unique about this piece compared with some of your other work?
Vinz: I never think in longevity when I work. Street art is so ephemeral. This time is different. The purpose is that artwork survives our lives. I want to give one to her as a gift for her descendants.
1x: Why should people buy one of these prints?
Vinz: Because it’s a document of the moment we are living right now. The veneration of the art above the skin. This is tribute to the people who decide to make a piece of art tattooing their skins.
1x: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Vinz: Hermosa.
1x: When did you first start creating artwork? What was your first piece?
Vinz: I draw since I remember. And I started to take pictures since the moment I had a camera. I decided to mix both (paint and pictures) at university. I can not fix an exact date or a concrete canvas. I didn’t decide to start into the artistic world. I was inside when I realized.
1x: What artists inspired you early on? Now?
Vinz: The list can be endless hahaha. Goya, Leonardo, Michelangelo… (All ninja turtles haha), El Bosco, Banksy, Moebius… and tomorrow I can tell you 20 more. Also from science fiction, comics, literature, music, dance, activism… I never could group all my influencers. Now it is the same.
1x: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Vinz: I listen music almost 24 hours a day. Even sleeping. Any kind of music except reaggeton. Damon Albarn’s last LP “Everyday Robots” really relaxes me a lot.
1x: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Vinz: Spencer Tunic. His vision about nudity in public spaces, and the impact of civilization on the nature, had a big influence on my work.
1x: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Vinz: I’d love to do a collaboration with any artist from the Paleolithic Age who painted on caves. On the rocks.
1x: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Vinz: It was a small draw from a nomad artist in residency at Tacheles squat in Berlin. He needed the money for weed. Months later I changed it for some weed. It was the most true art deal I’ve ever made.
1x: What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Vinz: A big screen print of Faile last year. I was so lucky… and quick purchasing.
1x: How has 2016 been so far for you? What have you been up to?
Vinz: I’ve been collaborating with different projects and artists, but focused on the next character of the feel free project, the bunnies. It’s enough powerful for launch it in a publication, not sure yet if through a book or through a fanzine. Old style for sure, mixing original pictures, drawings, mixed media works and texts.
1x: Any other big plans for the Spring/Summer you want to share?
Vinz: I play with surprise factor. First, because you never know when plans can be cancelled. Also, because each project has it own time for promo. I just can say that this 2016 is gonna be with some sweet surprises ;)
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Vinz: Website – Facebook + Instagram @vinzfeelfree
-1xRUN