CRYPTIK INTERVIEW | ART NOUVEAU MAG
"Step inside the creative mind of Los Angeles based artist, CRYPITK, as he shares insight on the essence of his craft, his world, his movement..." - Paley Martin
Art Nouveau: First off, I have to commend you on the multidimensional aspect of your work, not only in medium and subject matter but religious and spiritual symbolism as well. You create with the intention of provoking thought, arising enlightenment, and refreshing the societal consciousness. As a whole, your body of work is considered a "movement." What in terms of your background influenced this belief system that you wish to evoke so strongly within your art? What came first, spirtiuality or art?
CRYPTIK: Many Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. I think I've always been fascinated with the Greater Mysteries; where did we come from, why are we here, where are we going? I'm constantly inspired by ideas that don't necessarily fit into our modern scientific paradigm, from Psi Phenomenon to UFO's to the psychdelic experience. These are just some of the questions that motivate and inspire what I do. Placing art in public is simply my way of sharing all the things I have learned, and continue to learn, along my own spiritual journey.
AN: As the artist with such a bold message, what "change" do you find necessary for your audience and society alike to undertake?
CRYPTIK: I think Mohandas Gandhi said it best, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Until we are able to recognize that we are all one epression of the infinite, that there is no separation between you and I or nature, we will only continue to destroy ourselves, and the planet as a whole.
AN: Can you elaborate on your Sacred Syllables project?
CRYPTIK: "Sacred Syllables" was actually the title of my second pop-up show in Little Tokyo, which was an exploration of Buddhist and Hindu mantras, where the "word" was considered sacred and held magical powers.
AN: Thus far, what do you consider the most pivotal point of your career? Was there a certain point in time when you realized that this is what you are meant to be doing?
CRYPTIK: Honestly, I don't have any expectations with what I do. I just like to put things out to the universe and watch things manifest. I genuinely enjoy what I do and I feel blessed that there are people out there who appreciate and overstand what the Movement is all about; I'm just the messenger.
AN: What is your ideal space to create - mentally and physically? Contrary to that, what does your usual workspace consist of?
CRYPTIK: When I'm painting, I like to think of it as a form of meditation...burn some incense, put on some Brainfeeder instrumentals and inhale. As far as space goes, I've always imagined myself painting in a secluded cabin in the woods, next to a lake...fantasies. My garage will have to do for now.
AN: Top five favorite albums?
CRYPTIK:
1. Black Star
2. Nas: Illmatic
3. ATCQ: The Low End Theory
4. DJ Shadow: Entroducing
5. Mighty Crown: Tribute to Volcano
AN: What lies beneath the "CRYPTIK" title? What is it about the factor of mystery that you find so alluring?
CRYPTIK: "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
AN: What's next in the world of CRYPTIK?
CRYPTIK: I'm really looking forward to taking the Movement on the road this year as part of the "Eastern Philosophy Series" World Tour, traveling to places like Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, and South East Asia. I also have a book coming out this summer, which I'm pretty stoked about.
ART NOUVEAU MAGAZINE
Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 01:15PM 
CHRIS RAINIER | ANCIENT MARKS
