Interview
Wyatt Greene
Wyatt Greene is a young upcoming creative from Oakland currently residing in Stockton California. His artwork is very colorful and playful to give a reminder to the viewer to never let go of their inner child. The pieces he creates take inspiration from the world that surrounds us whether that’s people, food, animals, cars, phrases, etc. He puts his own comedic spin on these things, so you can see the world from his point of view. He is a cartoonist while having developed his own established style, Wyatt also takes notes and inspiration from some of his favorite artist which include: Jim Davis, FRKO, and Bill Watterson. As well as other comics like The Simpsons, Richie Rich, Heathcliff, and the cartoon show Chowder. Some of Wyatt’s accomplishments that he is the most proud of include “The Big Book of Art” which is a physical portfolio of his art in coloring book form that also has a sequel. Another accomplishment is his upcoming comic character Bad Apple which is about a young adventurous and mischievous Apple who is also a reflection of the artist.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I'm from a well known city called Oakland located in Northern California. I can't tell you exactly when my art journey started, but I can remember doodling and making art back as far as the age of six years old. From elementary all the way till I graduated high school I was the type of kid who drew on all his homework, test, and quizzes. As I grew older in age, so did my passion for creating art. I experimented with different kinds of mediums such as: making comic books, custom Valentines Day cards, to painting shoes, clothes, and even starting my own clothing brand. I looked at everything as my canvas and I was excited to make these ideas I had formed in my head into a reality.”
What inspires you?
“The Earth and everything that's on it. Just life in general, there's literally inspiration everywhere and anything you see can be used as such. You just have to open your mind and remember that the world is your canvas!”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Themes I often incorporate with my art are alliterations, double entendres as well as American slang. Also with me being African American, I do my best to incorporate my culture in my art as well. There's no deep underlying message in my work, unless I'm intentionally making something symbolic. For the most part all my art does a good job as explaining themselves on their own.”
How would you describe your work?
“Very youthful, playful, and most definitely obscure. My art reflects my abstract along with peculiar imagination. It's an example of my inner child using the world as my inspiration to fuel my creativity. I enjoy that my portfolio is very random. I want the viewer to perceive my art and think, ‘what in the world was this guy thinking when he made this.’ The goal is with the consistency of my cartoon art style it'll attract their attention, then the follow up of the comedic nature revolving my work will make them want to see more of my creations !”
Which artists influence you most?
“Jim Davis (Garfield), FRKO, along side with Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) are my favorite artists. Also honorable mention of Ed Roth (Ratfink) and The Simpsons. Each of them have vastly influenced my art style in addition to the colorful in addition to comedic characteristics of my art. Especially Jim Davis and FRKO. Goal of mine is to one day meet them and have a chance to work with them. Nonetheless, I take visual notes from what do and have done, then add it into my work. Besides the cartoonish similarities they all have yet still looking totally different. I love the raw unfinished art style each of them have. Complete, but still obtaining that raw look that the viewer can see it's all done by hand.”
What is your creative process like?
“Sometimes, I brainstorm and try to think of things to paint on or draw on my iPad, then other days I'm able to be very spontaneous where I'll just come up with something on the fly and freestyle. One saying I do abide by religiously is ‘sometimes you just got to let it marinate.’ Just like how certain foods taste better when cooked longer ? The same concept applies, when I'm creating the vision in my head coincide with what I'm drawing or painting don't line up together. So, I take some time off to step away whether it's hours, days, or even months; then later on I'll go back to finish the artwork just for it to come out exactly how I envisioned.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe our role as artist is to influence and inspire. We use our artistic talents to outreach to the communities and help the viewers understand what the world looks like in the eyes of the artist. There's individuals in the world that are scare of doing things on their own, because they don't believe in themselves or are afraid of failure. But one day they could find about an artist that's the same ethnicity, same age group, or even the same city. as them. Something as simple as that can be so big for the viewer. Which can inspire them to find their own outlet furthermore start their creative journey. I see our place in society being shifted with AI as time progresses (more than it is now), but I don’t think it'll be forgotten. There will always be creatives just like how it was in the past, there will be future generations of artistic talent as well. But with AI improving at the rate it is, jobs we take for clients AI is now taking them from us. Company logos, commercials, clothing designs, flyers, etc. My opinion is very neutral. I am not with anti AI propaganda, neither am I pro AI propaganda. I see the pros and cons in AI, but if you utilize it as a tool as intended then yes it's helpful. You use it to enhance plus aid your creativity not replace it.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“As of right now since I've started going on this path of making a career from being an artist, I have nothing out currently that's ‘professional.’ However, I have applied to two open calls one for the San Francisco Art Market as well as the MIC by Brea Gallery in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, I didn't make the cut for either of those, but I thank God since there were also two other companies I applied to showcase my portfolio and the jury was very impressed with it! I also have a solo exhibition coming up soon with Teravarna as well. I am sure there will be many more opportunities for me as well, my current goal though is to be able to have my art in a physical gallery space.”
Instagram: @wyattalless
