1xRun Thru Interview
Fortress’ Heavy Formation by Flying Fortress
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, Is the original still for sale?
Flying Fortress: The original first series of this artwork was a short hand printed silkscreen in an edition of 9 pcs. They are all gone. So this is the chance to get a classic Fortress Trooper print in a new colour way. Also each print here is hand-embellished adding a little extra.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Flying Fortress: I started to use this kind of trooper formation for my sticker project. On the stickers the formation makes you able to create an endless unbroken pattern when sticking them next each other. Even when I designed new stickers with new “themes” they still go together. So this print brings you a “classic” fortress trooper army.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Flying Fortress: I guess it will be a perfect background on your wall behind your Teddy Trooper vinyl toy collection. Or just for the joy itself.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Flying Fortress: Start marching, Troops!
1xRun: When did you first start creating art?
Flying Fortress: I had been drawing my whole life long but seriously I started doing Graffiti 25 years ago as a free expression medium. After being a commercial illustrator I focused on my art like 10 years ago when came up with the Teddy Trooper icon.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Flying Fortress: Early on Jim Phillips, Andy Howell, Robert Williams, along with all the graffiti artists I was able to catch visuals from.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Flying Fortress: I am already able to hook up with living legends while traveling a lot. This year I had been good tag team with Nychos. Also Revok and 123Klan. All the good folks at the Pow Wow festival in Hawaii. And of course my crew!
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?
Flying Fortress: The first piece I nicked was a drawing from Stefan Marx. Still owe him one of mine in return… The last was a doodle from my friend Dave The Chimp.
Stefan Marx & Dave The Chimp (R)
1xRun: Where can people find you?
Flying Fortress: Website – TeddyTroops
-1xRUN