We welcome in San Francisco-based artist Yarrow Slaps who joins us with two new homages to two pace setting musical hubs New York City and Atlanta. Joining us for his debut RUN, Yarrow has brought us two new editions Atlanta and City Never Sleeps both available in limited editions as well as in a two-print set! Pulled from Yarrow’s most recent exhibition in Los Angeles at New Image Art, these two prints are extremely limited at only editions of 40. Read on as Yarrow gives us the story behind these two new editions, his background and more . . .
1x: Were these pieces part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did they fit into that given grouping?
Yarrow Slaps: These pieces were part of my solo show Get This Power at New Image Art. Basically I highlighted a few artists that I felt were very important to their region. I would add Scarface to Atlanta if I could.
1x: What materials were used to create these pieces?
Yarrow Slaps: I used spray paint, acrylics and gouache to make these works.
1x: When were these pieces created and how long did they take to complete?
Yarrow Slaps: In 2016 and they each took me about a month to make, the time and detail were key reasons why.
1x: Tell us a bit about how the idea and execution came about?
Yarrow Slaps: A collector had asked for something similar and I decided to run with the idea.
1x: What is unique about these pieces compared to your other work?
Yarrow Slaps: They are part of a series, but are completely unlike anything else I have ever done. I tend to work in a series of series, constantly switching up and not getting stuck making the same kind of work, whether it is popular or not. So yeah, these pieces aren’t like any other works I’ve made.
City Never Sleeps by Yarrow Slaps – Click To Purchase
1x: Why should people buy these prints?
Yarrow Slaps: Because they would like to look at them. Because they feel they are relevant and important pieces of work. Because they admire the time I put in to them. Because I’m alive, motivated, passionate and always working.
1x: Describe these pieces in one gut reaction word.
Yarrow Slaps: Damn.
Atlanta by Yarrow Slaps – Click To Purchase
1x: When did you first start making art?
Yarrow Slaps: In 2009, or from like the moment I was conceived. I have been around art my whole life. Breaking my ankle in ’09 was how I got back into it though.
1x: Do you remember what your first piece was?
Yarrow Slaps: That would have been when I was a kid lol. My first piece that put me on was shown at Artpad, an art fair in San Francisco that is no longer going. But it was dope. It was at the Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco, and all the rooms were stripped and turned into different organizations art galleries for that week.
Southern Gathering Original Artwork by Yarrow Slaps – Click To Purchase
1x: What artists inspired you early on?
Yarrow Slaps: William H. Johnson, Pieter Bruegel, 2Pac, Mac Dre, Big L, Kool Kid Kreyola, Clare Rojas, Os Gemeos, Barry McGee, Margaret Kilgallen, Phillip Ross to name a few.
1x: What artists inspire you now?
Yarrow Slaps: In terms of artists there are too many that I admire. I definitely enjoy seeing artists like Dev Troy, Talwst, Monica Kim Garza, Cameron Amelia, Joe Penney, Muzae, Strong Blue, Tracey Snelling, Diego.Diego, Don’t Fret, Mariah GW, Dustin Fosnot and more.
My inspiration from painting comes more from my thoughts and experiences than from other peoples art. I curate as well. I co-founded “SWIM” with Auguste Somers, we curate shows, make clothes and are releasing our first zine soon. Many of the artists that inspire me I try to show in exhibitions, so stay on the look out and follow @sfswimgram.
Barney At The Dance Hall by Yarrow Slaps – Click To Purchase
1x: Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what? If not, then what is your ideal working environment?
Yarrow Slaps: I need music turned up pretty loud most of the time. I enjoy working with artist friends who are also working. My ideal environment would be a cozy big studio with a nice view in the middle of nowhere with a few dope artists and an unlimited supply. I am trying to shake my nicotine habit like Obama.
1x: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Yarrow Slaps: Kodak Black, cuz “yeah I lied to you, but don’t you lie to me.” I really want to collaborate with graphic designers, people that specialize in designing clothes. People that can design video games, because I got some ideas. Also some ideas for toys.
1x: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Yarrow Slaps: I’d like to just have a few conversations with 2Pac, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Andy Warhol, Van Gough, Fela Kuti, Big L, Bruce Lee, Cezanne, Harriet Tubman, Steve Jobs and some others…
1x: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Yarrow Slaps: The first piece I bought, hmmmmm… I mostly have done trades. My favorite piece I’ve traded for was by Laura Hyunjhee Kim.
1x: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Yarrow Slaps: SWIM book launch “Lil Swim” stay tuned. Bed-Stuy Residency program will be working in New York June and July. Residency program with Pro Arts (oakland) will be curating a show for them in October. Show with Kool Kid Kreyola @ New Image Art Gallery in Los Angeles August 12th.
1x: Where else can people find you?
Yarrow Slaps: Website – Instagram @yarrowslaps + @sfswimgram – Twitter@yarrowslaps
-1xRUN