Interview
7even
Through large-scale murals that embody the spirit and architecture of the cities where he paints, the masked artist ‘7even’ enraptures onlookers as he creatively depicts the dark shadows of reality present in his life.
Boldly stroking at his canvas with vibrant colors, sensual lines, and varied textures and shapes, 7even fervently brings his work forward and offers it to the world.
Over the years, 7even has created a name for himself through his unique eye. He sees more than what the plain eye would see, and shares it with the world. It takes a keen eye and open mind to understand what he puts down on his canvases.
Despite his lack of conventional instruction, his idiosyncratic signature style of abstract work continuously captures the attention of enthusiasts globally. From toddlers to art critics, 7even charms with his raw approach. Celebrated works such as Driving Miss Crazy, The Last Rose, My Friend the Terrorist, Hush Little Beauty, Rich Dad/Poor Dad, and The Narcissist have garnered many fans.
Transcending the unspoken, centuries-old rule which binds artists to silence as their pieces are deciphered by the onlooker, 7even communicates the actual sentiment behind the paintings in his own words. Driven by powerful emotion, each piece contains a strong message of ideologies and beliefs which are unmasked by the accompanying narrative. This element adds a unique opportunity for the viewer to connect with the very soul of the work.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My close friends, fans and followers call me ‘7even’. My art journey began years ago, but didn’t make it into the public until 2019, after going through a series of very traumatizing personal events.
My art, and the narrative that accompanies each work which tells the back story to each piece, truly saved my life. It was transformative and therapeutic, and gave me the outlet to express and share years of life experiences and feelings with the world. By sharing it through this medium with full transparency, I feel it could help others going through similar emotional situations. That would be my greatest reward, even if it’s just one person.
My career and experiences in life have been an incredible journey, and my art just adds another lane to my life’s path.”
“My art is my life. My art and my stories are the basis of who I am. It creates my narrative, my love, my passion for art, for people, for life.
I speak from every point of view: myths, legends and personal experiences, all of which have become such a big part of my artistic work.”
What inspires you?
“My earliest memories go back as a young child, having nightly dinner with my family, and playing board games on weekends. Moments when we laughed about one thing or another, and the interactions we shared under the bright Christmas lights. I mostly remember my mom, and how warm she made me feel inside. And my dad, the greatest man to ever walk the earth, who provided security and unconditional love to us all.
Through their actions, they indirectly pushed the family aspect that I have now come to know, respect and be proudly made of. I’m very much a family man. When I see people that remind me of my family, or that do things that I think are beautiful with their family, it really resonates with me. Real people and life experiences are most often my muse. Thus, my art comes out naturally, like blinking my eyes or closing them just to trap that beauty behind my eyelids.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I’m driven almost entirely by the emotion of my present state of consciousness. I never plan to paint; it just comes to me. Sometimes it's the feeling of love and gratitude for a presence in my life. Other times it can be something as simple as a pair of jeans lying on the floor, waiting to be washed.
I don’t have a specific theme, which is good because it doesn’t tie me down to one side of the artistic world. I would call myself a free-artist, but that would still not fully describe what I do. Each piece has its own unique story and/or message. Sometimes you have to read the words and digest it. Other times, the message comes to you instantly. Whatever the case, it’s definitely pieces most enjoy. My fans can attest to this.”
How would you describe your work?
“A better question would be, ‘How would my work describe me?’
I’d describe my style as wild and completely authentic. My work is what most would call abstract. I tend to do things my own way and love to figure out new techniques, so I would definitely say it’s quite unique. My work best describes who I am at a particular moment. My unpredictable, yet human nature. Whatever my mood, my artwork speaks about me. I hope that’s how my work would describe me.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are several well-known artists that have inspired me over the years. But my very dear friend and Sig Ep Fraternity brother, Bently Tittle, is my biggest inspiration. He was the first one to put the brush back in my hand, and encouraged me to continue my love and passion of art. Losing him so early in life was heart-wrenching, but his memory lives on in his amazing artwork. A special piece he painted for me, and took off the wall from his Melrose, Hollywood Gallery to give me, hangs everywhere I go. He’s always with me, in my heart.
Another big influence of mine was my Uncle Jimmy and cousin Eric. Uncle Jimmy worked in art education for many years in the New York university school system. Through his work, he inspired many youngsters, myself included, to find their passion. Cousin Eric is a super talented Manhattan-based artist who continues to wow his audiences. He speaks of personal struggles though his new book which just hit the global market. He’s an inspiration.”
What is your creative process like?
“I paint in spurts when I’m inspired or emotional. I’m a very organized person, but when it comes to my creative process, it can get messy quickly, as I get things out of my mind and onto the canvas. Whatever it takes to get an idea out of my head, that’s what I do. Sometimes it may take more than a few days to fully see the bigger picture. Other times it’s instant. My creative process largely depends on the kind of day I’m having. Most times, I try to have a personal day. It keeps the artistic ideas flowing.”
What process, materials, and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I love acrylic paint on canvas, and I use a variety of different brands, as I see fit. So far, my process and technique involves getting really to close to each piece, putting my hands into it, feeling it, touching it, really connecting with each piece. In more recent works, I actually painted myself and dove onto the canvas, which created the foundation of the piece.
I connected with this process and technique so much so, that a few weeks later, I did it again, but used a female body, angling her body in different positions throughout a few different works. Those pieces really amazed me with how completely real they felt. You just feel it when you look at them.
I also sometimes use obscure tools to apply, remove or manipulate the paint. Things like forks, knifes, blowtorches, bleach, brooms, mops, even a pitch folk - you name it, I have probably have incorporated it on piece or two. I love using a variety of instruments, tools, and my hands to apply the acrylic and create different textures, that set the mood, before I get stuck into each work.
My process and techniques continue to expand, and thus far have not let me me down. I’m grateful that I’ve had a chance to share my work with the world.”
Website: www.7narrative.com
Instagram: @7narrative
7narrative Streaming Segments: vimeo.com/7narrative
"Counting 7even" - Netflix Q2, 2022 (coming soon) A Netflix Original.
