Gustavo Rimado is one bad-ass artist, and a straigh up cool dude. Based in Alaska, the 28 year old has been drawing since before he can remember.
His work is reflects his proud Mexican heritage, using combinations of Cholita style girls and Mexican Folk Art, 50’s Pin-Up, Pinstriping and tattoo style design, Gustavo’s work is nothing short of amazing!
His influences range from the original old school tattooist Sailor Jerry and pinstriper Von Dutch, right through to artists of today such as Sylvia Ji – Just don’t call him a rip off!
I recently caught up with Gustavo for a few quick questions, and i must appologise first and foremost to Gustavo, but to all you reading this, for this interview being brief and not having as much depth as other interviews i have done previously, things have been busy here at This Life of late!!
We will catch up with Gustavo again sometime down the track to make up for it!
Go check this guy out, buy his art, support his deal, he is on top of his game!
First things first, thank you so much for your time, how are you?
I’m good, working on some projects and living life!
For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you originally get into art, and how when did you decide to make a living from it?
Well my mother says I’ve had a pencil in my hands ever since I could hold one so I guess I’ve been into this since back in the day. I decided to make my move about 2 yrs ago while trying to better my life and that of my family, watching them struggle really puts the pressure on to be great.
Say i had a time machine, and you could choose to permanately go back to one period of time, which would it be?
I can’t really say I would like to go back , It would alter my life to much and I wouldn’t change a thing. But if I had to I would go back to when I first joined the military and keep on continuing to paint and create cause I took a 3 yr break from art overall.
How does a day in your life unfold when you’re not creating art?
Well that usually doesn’t happen if I’m not painting I’m losing my mind so I’ll watch a ton of tv or go watch a movie nothing special.
What other artists are you into, who else is inspiring you to do what you do?
First and foremost this style of painting was inspired by the amazingly talented Sylvia Ji. The other elements that inspire me come from artist such as Alberto Vargas , Olivia , Gil Elvgren, Frida, Diego Rivera , tattoo artist such as Bert Grimm , Rick Walters, Bob Roberts , Clark North, hot rod art from Artists like Ed Roth , Von Dutch, Makoto, Robert Williams and many many more.
You’re work has a distinct Mexican feel, and i can see elements of 50’s pin-up and pinstriping, as well as having a tattoo vibe to it, ever done any tattooing?
You know I worked at a shop for 1 yr thinking I would become a tattoo artist but it just didn’t work out. I’m still waiting for the day when someone will teach me because they wanna make some serious money instead of just wanting me to change the toilet paper, I’m a 28 yr old man not a 17 yr old punk. Yeah that’s a sore subject.
What’s on your current playlist?
Haha well it ranges from Johnny Cash to Elton John and to gangster rap and some Metallica somewhere in there.
Where do you/what do you draw inspiration from as an artist?
Just from everyday life from a simple walk or bike ride or sitting at the bookstore for hrs looking through hot rod magz.
Greatest accomplishment as an artist?
well I currently have my work reproduced by a kickass company worldwide so that’s pretty cool and since this is my first interview I suppose this wonderful interview.
Favourite place to hang out?
Barnes and Nobles coffee and a ton of books and magazines
What’s in your pockets right now?
Headphones ,wallet and a razor knife haha work related.
What are your views/opinions on the World and Society today?
Well that’s a tough question without pissing someone off, I feel as though the race issue is back alot of tension and anger, it’s sad and disturbing at times to see all the bickering and lies that are portraid in the world today.
Name 5 things you couldn’t live without.
1. My daugther Benni Monroe
2. My supporting wife Kerrie
3. Family and friends
4. Art in general
5. iPhone haha
Advice to aspiring artists?
Never ever quit, it’s a hard road and it will bring you down plenty of times but always always keep on pushing forward.
Any up coming projects that we should know about?
Actually yes I’m working on 2 series one called ” Frankies Rucas” ( girls) it’s a combination of brides of frankenstein and pinup all the models will be painted on a coffin shaped board. The other series is called ” Tragic Dragstrip” Its a day of the dead combo with a hot rod twist.
Word association, you know
the deal, say the first thing that comes to your mind when you read the word.
Australia – heat
Obama – Hope
Religion – Deception
Time – Lost
Greed – Politicians
Humanity – Beautiful
Peace – Impossible
Freedom – Priceless
Tattooing – Amazing
Art – Life
Life – Difficult
Happiness – Rare
Space – Eternal
Love – Forever
Gustavo Says:
I believe in finding true happiness and in following your heart. This life is tough and as much as it has tore me apart finding myself still standing is amazing , I can’t wait to raise my daugther in this culture. I’m very excited about all my upcoming projects and if anyone ever has any questions or want advice always feel free to ask I will always get back to you.
Where can people follow what you’re up to and view your work?
Myspace is my spot for now I also use Twitter everyday and to buy prints and stuff contact me on myspace or u can also find my art at blackmarketart.com my email is alaskagus06@yahoo .
Last words, shout outs?
Thank you so much for interviewing me it was a great experince. Shout outs to my babies at home love ya Benni and my wife Kerrie. And a special thanks to all the models I work with and the amazing photographers who take the inspirational photos .
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