Artist Spotlight: Shaggonomics
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Shagganomics
Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up and how did you find yourself interested in design? Was there a pivotal moment that you can remember?
My name is Shaggonomics, call me what you like just dont call me late to dinner. I grew up in San Diego. To be more specific, City Heights. Although I have moved around a lot, the city has never left me. My interest in design began when I got my first Sega Genesis. At the time, everyone already had the Gamecube, but for me I cherished the Genesis more for its graphical capabilities and late '80s/early '90s vibe. The artstyle is what grabbed me the most. There was less tradition, everyone had their piece to say and it was unique. Not to mention, it was anything but minimalist. I wanted to encapture both the vibe of the '80s and '90s while at the same time throwing that idea into a fever dream. So Vapor95 came in right as I peeked into the Land of Vaporwave, and from then on the rest is history, I've been with this fine company for about a year now and every moment has been amazing.
People often attribute nostalgia to A E S T H E T I C and Vaporwave. Why do you believe this is such a powerful force for so many people? How do you translate that feeling into your art?
I believe that this is so because Vaporwave has been utilized to remind us of the years long ago with the song choices, sounds, and mixing that fall into play. These songs that are sampled range anywhere from the 70s-90, a time of growth in technology, music, and design. I translate this time in history through repeated reference to television and figures in history. These two go hand in hand when it comes to being on the same level of influence for America at the time. One could say still to this day.
What inspires you the most about creating your artwork and what kind of image or idea are you ultimately trying to convey to your audience?
Sardonicism Revisited. I try to keep those that see my work on guard, questioning every aspect of the picture in front of them.
MAD DEADLY WORLD-WIDE CONSPIRATORIAL GANGSTER COMPUTER GOD COMMUNISM WITH WALL to WALL DEADLY PROTECTION, LIFE LONG SWORN CONSPIRATORS INCORPORATED ORGANIZED CRIME, THE POLICE AND JUDGES, DEADLY SNEAK PARROTING PUPPET GANGSTERS USING ALL THE DEADLY FRANKENSTEIN CONTROLS.
How do you feel like the cultural and philosophical themes of Vaporwave have influenced your artwork?
There is definitely an element of philosophy when it comes to the laidback feel of Vaporwave. The comfort of the past is sometimes all we have and that in itself stands for so much more. We must not lose sight of what things were in the past, especially who we were. Good or bad, Vaporwave welcomes all with a Walkman in one hand and a Solo cup in the other. It brings you in and invites you down to take a load off from the real world.
Do you have a work ritual? Take us through the process of creating your art.
I take a while for my art. I want everything in my piece to encapsulate a certain feeling I am having along with the sardonicism of a stark teenager. For me watching older cartoons, like the Hanna-Barbabra style cartoons, always tends to envoke better inspiration for me.
Who are some of your favorite artists, business people, creatives or intellectuals?
Besides Ghost from True Capitalist Radio, no one else comes to mind.
What has been the highlight of your artistic career so far?
"Sealed Deal" This piece included the actor Michael Richards as Kramer along the likes of Japanese writing and Windows '95 custion pop ups. This piece holds a bit of a secret too, because the Japanese writing spells out repeatedly "Who told you to put the balm on? Did I tell you to put the balm on?" In the episode called "The Maestro" Kramer tried to sneak coffee into a theater, only later on to sue the coffee place for the coffee being too hot when it spilled on his lap. He puts a balm on the burns that helps it heal and ruins the chance at a lawsuit that his lawyer friend wanted to drive home for him. Hence the phrase that was stated earlier.
Please tell us something about yourself that we may not know that influences your work.
I own a '91 Acura Integra and I don't take no for an answer.
What are your plans for the future and direction of your work? How do you see yourself growing as an artist?
I see any growth of mine to be on the side of Vapor95, which has taken me from the bare components of a part-time artist to a true, definitive visionary. I see a bright future with Vapor95, not just for me, but for everyone involved. We take pride in our work and each other's skills.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Don't do what I did and wait. Keep practicing, keep drawing, and keep on making the effort to outdo who you were a week ago
Final Thoughts?
Long Live the Stuffed Crust Agenda, And Death to Hollywood.