1xRun Thru Interview
Ministry of Public Enlightenment by Cryptik
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, when was it drawn and created?
Cryptik: This piece was created in February of 2013 and took about a month from sketch to finish. The MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT design features the praying hands of a Buddhist monk, draped in prayer beads and holding a candle lit with the Buddhist flame. This design really encompasses the philosophy behind the CRYPTIK MOVEMENT and everything I hope to accomplish, to LIGHT A FIRE!!!
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Cryptik: I wanted to do a flip on the traditional praying hands image that everyone is used to seeing, but also show that prayer is a universal act of humanity. The title for this piece actually came to me before the design, but the image seemed obvious.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Cryptik: This was the first time I introduced a spot varnish treatment, which came out a bit raised, so it really give it an extra sense of depth.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Cryptik: Because something about it resonates with them hopefully…
1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Cryptik: Enlightening.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Cryptik: I’ve been making art my whole life, but have only been active in the streets since 2008. The first piece I put up was a CRYPTIK STANDARD wheat paste on an electrical box in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Cryptik: Early on, I’d have to say Vernon Courtlandt Johnson (VCJ), who did all those iconic skateboard graphics for Powell Peralta during the Bones Brigade era. On the lettering tip I’ve always been inspired by, Chaz Bojorquez, RETNA and more recently USUGROW from Japan.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work?
Cryptik: Mos definitely! I’m fortunate to have a lot of musician friends so there’s always something new to listen to. I believe music inspires art, at least for me, so it’s always been an important part of my work. Shout out to GLK, KUTMAH, BEI RU, CFO, JEREMY SOLE, ITALICS, DUBLAB, BRAINFEEDER & LOW END THEORY!!
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Cryptik: Chaz Bojorquez…he is a living legend! 
1xRun: What else do you have coming up?
Cryptik: I’m currently working on an installation for the Museum of Art & History (MoAH) in Lancaster, CA for an upcoming show this month called, “Signs & Symbols,” featuring works by Basquit, Banksy, Barry McGee, Shepard Fairey, and more!
1xRun: Where else can people find out more about you?
Cryptik: – Website – Facebook – Twitter & Instagram: @Cryptk – Flickr
-1xRUN