Interview
Joseph Capuano CAPS
Joseph Capuano CAPS has 22 years experience with tessellation and typography art. Often the two get mixed together to create something you have never seen before. He lives in a world where words/names are repeated, or reflected to create a symbol. He loves the challenge of commissions, working with letters other than C-A-P-S. Commissions allow him to break through his boundaries and level up his game in a big way. He is inspired by graffiti, M.C. Escher, and picture languages.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My background is lettering and letter manipulation. I remember in kindergarten learning English letters and being absolutely enthralled. From which strokes to use to build the letter, and what order of strokes were used to create it. Going to my first art exhibit I remember being more interested in the artist signature than the actual piece. Then, seeing all the graffiti around town really helped me see how creative you can get with letters, without losing its legibility. After dropping out of art school, a fire was lit in my soul, and I have been creating art that has never been done before. I started by developing 6 new alphabets, each with its own set of rules. From there, I focused my energy on my name CAPS, and have been building up my portfolio with new styles for 22 years. Current focus is on commissions for nicknames, states, countries, and quotes.”
What inspires you?
“Graffiti and M.C. Escher are my biggest sources of inspiration. Ancient picture languages really help melt everything together, to help me form my style. I get ideas for art from the strangest places, so I never know when something will jump out and surprisingly amaze me. Simple and complex designs found in quilts, signs, and everything older than me, speak to me on a level that is undeniable. Music that has passion in the lyrics or the melodies, keeps the gas tank full.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“2D and 3D overlapping patterns are a constant theme in all my work, but sometimes my lettering evolves into patterns as well. The art I create is a direct result of my passion for letters, and symmetry. My hope is, when people look at my work, not only to be inspired, but to give your all in everything you do. Not everyone sees the same things in my work, or even what I intended them to see. The thing that always surprises everyone, is that you can turn each piece and find a whole new design. The other big one is, people are fascinated when I point out that the design has been created using the letters in my name, CAPS. That is when I inform them I could do their name in any of the styles I have created. The biggest compliment for me is when people look at my portfolio as a catalog for what their name could look like.”
“Showing depth, overlapping, and movement is the goal for every piece. I love working with shapes, and coming up with new ones.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my art as Tessellation and Typography Art. But I have had people categorize it as Geometric, Symmetric, Abstract, Optical, Kinetic, Indigenous inspired, and sometimes Fractal art. It can be a mouth full, so I try to keep it simple. I mix several types of art into a single piece, so I find it difficult to describe correctly. Showing depth, overlapping, and movement is the goal for every piece. I love working with shapes, and coming up with new ones. But I would have to say I get the most satisfaction from creating new lettering styles that build words into symbols when reflected or repeated.”
Which artists influence you most?
“M.C. Escher is number one in my eyes. My wife Sammie (Queen CAPS), is extremely influential in my art and life. She is the most supportive, motivating, and grounded source I never knew I needed. I can ask her questions on styling, coloring, direction, or concept no matter how vague, or complex, and she always illuminates the path to completion. She gets me, and my art, so she always understands what I'm looking for and the end result. Cameron Schuyler, RETNA, DEFER, MEAR, DEPH, MEME, Mechmaster Mike, OG Abel, Sofles, and Theo are amazing, and massively talented people.”
What is your creative process like?
“Getting ideas from patterns in quilts, signage, graffiti, calligraphy, and kanji is only the beginning of the process. Since the final design is never imagined, I will start with either a lettering style or a shape, and create until the page is full. Always ensuring there is depth, overlapping elements, and movement, or perceived movement, whether it has lettering or not. After the initial idea is down on paper, I incorporate more direction with the addition of letters or shapes. Allowing the designs to create themselves by using me as the tool, seems to flow easily and have a cohesion through the years.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Everyone should give their 100% effort everyday and in everything they do. Artists' role is to show how creative we can be by pushing ourselves to be better everyday. Inspiring others by showing them the effort they put in, equals the outcome. Be passionate about the things that make you happy, and spend more time doing them. Technology is helping everyone evolve, I think artists are responsible for opening the doors in peoples minds to the opportunity that they too can create something beautiful.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“2nd Floor has allowed me to do a few shows with them, and it is always a blast. RAW Artist had me in a show in 2017 and it was amazing to be able to speak with so many like minded people. Lola's Tattoo Block Party was instrumental in making me a full time artist. Convicted Artist Magazine did an interview with me, and I cant tell you how much that has helped my career.”
