1xRUN Thru Interview
Beast Mode by Ekundayo
1xRun: Tell us a bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Ekundayo: I started painting this piece in the Fall of 2011 and finished in spring of 2013. It was created using ink, watercolor, acrylic and spray paint on paper mounted to panel. No, this piece is sold, however, with this RUN I will also be offering a series of original drawings exclusive to 1xRUN.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Ekundayo: Like most of my pieces the place it begins is usually never the end of the story. I start with some form of reference then I build the story as it transforms. I go back and forth subtracting and adding til the painting starts to emerge from that process, build to destroy then build again.
1xRun: We spoke in Hawaii at Pow Wow! about the importance of these houses in your pieces, do you want to elaborate on that for us?
Ekundayo: Yeah that was a fun time! I’ve been painting those houses for a long time it’s really like therapy – I’m fascinated by how homes can carry so much history and character, they are such a part of who we are and contain so many memories. They become long lasting fixtures in our minds when we think back on those places we have visited or lived in.
I put the homes on people’s backs, or illustrate them as living things moving throughout the piece, because when I was a boy my father and I were living a life on the run, we moved from place to place, state to state for years. I never got to stay in one place for long, although the memories of other people’s homes and the places we visited stayed with me til this day. No matter where you go or how far away you are from were you started you can always carry that feeling of home with you.
1xRun: How long did this piece take from start to finish?
Ekundayo:I worked on it on and off for two years, at one point I even blacked the whole piece out with ink then recovered it. You can see what I mean with some of the progress pics.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece compared with your other work?
Ekundayo:I’ve never totally blacked out a piece before.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Ekundayo: It will inspire you to flip your “Beast Mode” switch in whatever it is that your passionate about.
1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Ekundayo:Believe.
1xRun: You’ve been staying busy since your last RUN, what have you been up to?
Ekundayo: Just had a three person show at Think Space Gallery ”Reflections Of A New Generation” with Joram Roukes and Adam Caldwell, that will be on view until August 3rd. Aside from that, I’m gearing up for NYC Comic Con this October where I will be releasing my first hand sculpted limited edition figure as well as a new piece for Art Basel Miami this December!
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Ekundayo: Website – Facebook – Tumblr – Instagram @ekundayo_paints
-1xRUN