1xRUN Thru Interview
Diver Up! Yank by Victor Spinelli
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale? What materials was this printed on and drawn with?
Victor Spinelli: The original photograph is a negative and not for sale. These hand-embellished pieces were printed on photographic canvas and then I painted the flag with acrylic paint.
1xRun: When was the piece drawn and created?
Victor Spinelli: The original image was taken in 2005 in Ibiza, Spain. I wanted to mixed this incredible man made industrial brass helmet with the soft and elegant female body. I was living in Ibiza at the time and had the idea in my head for a year or so but could not find the helmet until a friend of mine located one. I was leaving the island in 2 days and had to hurry to find a model so in a dash I called a friend and told her the idea and she loved it. The original art study for the flag mix was in January, 2012. Since creating this American flag (Yankee) piece I have made several flags: i.e Union Jack (U.K.), Rising Sun (Japanese), Italian, Soviet and I have been commissioned to create a Canadian, Israel, French and Texas flags.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about? How long did the piece take?
Victor Spinelli: I was thinking about a different background for ‘Diver UP!’ and I love flags so I mixed them together. I did however want it to look rustic and antique so I used an off white color and tinted blue. The original piece took about about a day to work out the details to where I was comfortable with it.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Victor Spinelli: The fact that it is a black and white image mixed with color is special and how the eye perceives it. Also, the canvas gives it great texture. I think the size is perfect for any room and bathroom as well. You can have the piece stretched or have it framed to show the brush strokes.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Victor Spinelli: First off, it’s a fun and dynamic and powerful image. Secondly, I would hope it is a great investment.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Victor Spinelli: Timeless.
Victor Spinelli: I’m a gun for hire and what ever I am working on, I set my quality and bar very high. It does not matter the subject or event, I try my best. I am always searching for that special angle, light etc.
Victor Spinelli: I have been approached by investors about setting up my own gallery in Shanghai, China by February. My fingers are crossed. :)
-1xRUN