Estria Kicks Off Basel 2012 With Visits By Kanaloa

1xRUN Thru Interview
Visits by Kanaloa by Estria

1xRun: Tell us a little bit about the original piece, is it still for sale? When was it drawn and created? How long did the piece take?
Estria: The original size is 5’x10’ (60 inches x 120 Inches). It is spray enamel latex on non-woven acrylic media. This piece was created in December of 2011. I would say this piece from start to finish took me a couple of days. The original will be for sale here on 1xRUN along with these prints. For inquires on the original please email [email protected].

1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about.
Estria: The piece is a portrait of Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the ocean, in his kinolau (body form) as the giant (he’e) octopus. He wears goggles because the ocean is polluted. I love painting the octopus because it allows the expressive body movements like graffiti lettering, bringing some of the flow indoors. This is the first time I have made one of my Kanaloa portraits available for sale in a limited run. I’ve been painting Kanaloa on walls for the past three years. I seem to have a kuleana (responsibility) to him, the freshwater and the ocean. I feel like he watches over and guides me sometimes.

1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Estria: Because of the size, I cannot fit the whole he’e in most of my canvases.

1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Estria: ‘Cuz it’s dope. It’s a constant reminder to protect our oceans, not litter.

1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Estria: Flow.

1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Estria: In math class. I couldn’t stay interested in the class and began doodling in my textbook. My first piece was with an airbrush and a can of compressed air. We climbed into a canal and tried to airbrush the word ‘fresh’ on raw concrete. People stopped to watch, no one thinking it was illegal. We got to the ‘R’ when the air ran out. It got us juiced enough to get spray paint and try it again. That was the beginning of a life-long love affair.

1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?
Estria: The NYC legends: Erni, Seen, Blade, Phase2, Comet, Atom, Dondi, IN, Vulcan, Futura, Lee, Brim TATS, and all the OGs. The Hawaii giants: Bam, Katch, Animate5, Skez 520, Wiz 10, Slick.

1xRun: What artists inspire you now?
Estria: Prime 808, Brook Kapukuniahi Parker, Solomon Enos, Askew, Aroe, Puppet, Wany, Revok, Mare 139, Kofie, Chor Boogie, Os Gemeos, How Nosm, Intes, Cekis, Nunca, Clark FlyID, Jet Martinez…too many to name.

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Estria: It would be an honor to collaborate with any of the ones that inspire me. (In response to the latter) Herb Kawainui Kane. He was the man on Hawaiian painting, and he helped preserve our culture.

Herb Kawainui Kane

1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Estria:As far as my first piece, I can’t remember. As far as the last piece, it was either my 1xRun Askew print, or an East DF print.

FreeRevok by Askew

1xRun: What else do you have in the works?
Estria: I have several upcoming projects. Follow  #Heinekenmurals which will be going on for Art Basel in Miami. I also will be working with MeleMurals creating a series of 20 murals across the Hawaiian islands working with local artists, youth, and educators to tell local stories. You can find out more on that at estria.org/melemurals

1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Estria:  WebsiteEstriaBattle.comFacebookFlickr –  Twitter & Instagram: @estria

-1xRUN