Interview with SHAZ Art
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Shaz is a young artist from Bordeaux, a pure product from the urban culture. Specialized in portraits, he captures faces and transcribed their emotion with the tip of his black pen. He reveals to the public a unique style with eclectic influences. Basically, he did not intend to pencils but football. Over time, his passion for drawing took over football. His drawing are inspired by various arts such as painting, drawing pen, sculpture or street art. Shaz already mastered a number of techniques like drawing pen art, stencils or games mosaic. He does not hesitate to take risks in order to innovate and enrich his art, always in search of the perfect balance.
Hi Shaz, today MoW selected 4 of your artworks inspired by music. Can you tell MoW Why you chose those music artists ? What was the music behind the artworks ? What inspired you to create them ?
I draw what I listen to. I never program to design a particular artist. I just need to listen an old or new song from an artist I like to making the portraits. It’s simple it’s just a feeling.
This is what I did for Earl and Kendrick’s artwork. I love them. I really appreciate Earl Sweatshirt’s style, his voice, his flow and his beats. Kendrick is dope. I believe he’s the future and the next superstar of hip-hop.
It was different for J Cole and Stromae artworks. I did and posted their art when they drop their album. Per-say I used the buzz of who they were to make theirs. Everybody is doing this. Of course I love both too. Stromae is considered a genius in France, because he has his own style and it’s totally different and new.
Why is music important to you and your art?
I listen music everyday, from when I wake up, until I go to sleep. I love to be alone just to listen music. I draw a lot of singers, so there is a connection between my art and music. There are so many singers, or music groups, I draw inspiration from.
I’m also eclectic, in the sense I can listen to rock, hip hop, pop, r&b, even African music, there’s no limit in music. Of course I’m attached to hip hop especially to old school.
Music is an inspiration, it’s about the artists, beats or lyrics.
If you had to choose between the artworks presented today, which of your artwork would be your favorite ? and why ?
Stromae!! I love this one and people really liked it on social networks! We can see power and sweetness in this artwork. There are curves, straight lines and the colours are cool, just my opinion. It’s one of my favourites.
Can you tell MoW more about the techniques you used. How old is your technique? How did it start? How long does it take you to make an artwork
I divide my work in two parts. First, I work with a white sheet and black pens. Then, I add my personal touch to the drawings with unique lines that makes the work specially my own. Lastly, I scan my drawings and then I use illustrator to finish it with colours. That’s why the result is digital.
I found my own technique in 2 years. It took a long time to make something nobody has done before. But I think now I can be even better in this technique.
The timing would depend on many things, like if I would just a portrait or include the body. In example for a portrait, I would need between 3-5 hours to draw, scan and add colours.
Do you have plans on creating new artworks insipired by music ?
Yes I have some projects in progress; I’ll draw Chance the Rapper, Joey Badass and Disiz, a French rapper so keep tuned!
Do you listen to music when you’re working ? If so, what kind of music ?
Yes of course! I must. It’s like a code. I can’t draw without music. I’m always listening to music of the artist I’m drawing. For example, if I draw 2Pac I’ll listen to his albums, that’s what I always do.
What is the song you liked the most lately? The album ? What was the last gig you went to ?
At the time, I’m listening to two albums, ‘Oxymoron’ by Schoolboy Q and ‘Electric Circus’ by Common. I’m obsessed with the song ‘Between Me You and Liberation’ by Common. Such an inspiration.
Are you a musician yourself ? If so can you tell MoW more about your music projects ?
No, I’m not! I never played an instrument except when I wan in school.
But I worked on an album cover for a French rapper from Paris, ‘Naï’. It was a great experience to collab on a music project. The project was cool, because there were three differents covers.
Find out more about SHAZ Art here :
