MARIO
What activities/art-form did you pick up as a kid that shaped you into the artist you are today ? In what way do YOU think it shaped you ?
“Drawing on the floor with my mama is what I did as a kid, that was my earliest art form. She’s an artist as well. She had these shapes that we would make into patterns and I’m still drawing those same shapes today. I’d say that’s the Foundation of my of my artistic practice. It’s what made me who I am, that’s my superhero origin story drawing, on the floor with my mama. those abstract drawings have turned into giant abstract paintings”
Were you picked on as a child? If so how? How do you think that affected your life today as an artist?
“I was picked on as a child quite a bit actually, but I get it. I was strange as fuck as a kid. I would’ve picked on me too. I get it. Has that affected me as an artist? I don’t give any fucks. I got picked on for being strange and I’ve leaned into being even stranger the older I get. I don’t give a fuck about being strange and I’ve realized people LOVE authentically strange people, so yeah yeah, getting picked on as a kid made it very clear to me that you can’t give a fuck about what people say because people are gonna have negative things to say regardless. Just do you and the people that fuck with you will find you in life. Life is fine, but you should get picked on. It builds resiliency. People commented on how strange I was, and it just made me stranger.”
What daily activity makes you feel most connected to your hands within your Art-form ?
“I paint every day, there’s the occasional day or two off but I paint every single day..”
What do you appreciate most about how YOUR art makes you feel ?
“Through my art I’m able to articulate the bewildering nature of existence, like I am in awe all the time. I’m mystified and perplexed at what it means to be a person and through my heart, I’m able to articulate this grand wonder and mystery.”
What pushes you to be a better artist today ?
“I’m the greatest motherfucker that's ever walked the face of the Earth ever! That’s what I’m pursuing. I think I’m the motherfucking shit, so I got to keep showing up to the canvas or whatever I’m painting on or whatever I’m making I show up to it saying, “this is gonna be the greatest thing I’ve ever made” simply because I think I’m the greatest person to ever walk the face of the planet and that’s not to take anything else from anybody. People are great, but I’m the greatest. I am and have to be my biggest cheerleader.”
BONUS QUESTIONS.
Do you have any tattoos ? If so, which is your favorite and why ?
“My favorite tattoo is the Gucci Mane ice cream cone. For two reasons; Gucci Mane is my favorite rapper of all time but also, it’s a reminder to not take life so seriously. Maybe you just need a scoop of ice cream and a smile yeah yeah yeah.”
If you were a food or drink what would you be ? Why ?
“I’d be an extra dirty Hendrix martini. Why? James Bond. That’s it. JAMES FUCKIN BOND.”
What GROUNDS you ?
“I need a tether. I am a human that needs a tether and that tether takes the form of a perceptive woman that understands me and what I do and how I see the world.”
Favorite quote ? Why ?
“My favorite quote is by the great MLK. “The human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.” Not sure if that’s exactly how he said it but that’s as close as I can get. I am the creatively maladjusted. That’s what I do, perhaps these creations will change the heart to minds and others.”
What are your favorite pair of shoes/boots, and why ?
“My favorite pair shoes… first of all I only wear red shoes. Like the pope. Not this current pope, but in general popes only wear red shoes. I only wear red shoes. The first pair would be a high top red Chuck Taylor’s because it’s the perfect shoe. It’s just enough to be a shoe, nothing more nothing less. It hasn’t changed in decades and decades and people still fuck with them. It’s the perfect shoe. You can dress it up. You can dress it down. Chuck Taylor’s don’t know class they don’t know none of that shit. Everybody wears chucks, and the red high top pair are my favorite. My second favorite, which is kinda not fair to call them the second favorite, would be a pair of classic high wallabies died red. Again, just enough to be a shoe. Feels like you’re walking on a fucking cloud. Most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and plus Ghostface Killah was putting them on game back in the day.”
