September 2017 Artist - Russell Muits

We recently sat down with our September artist, Russell Muits.

Sean:  How do you explain your artistic style? What mediums/ tools do you work with?

Russell:  I create art from the streets, sidewalks, and other parts of our infrastructure specifically street metal (manhole covers, sewer drains, pit lids and other chunks of iron). Using raw canvas and water-based block printing ink, I create life sized relief prints.

Sean:  From what/ from where do you draw artistic inspiration?

Russell:  I’m inspired by historic, symbolic, and ornate pieces of iron. It’s about history, craftsmanship, overlooked utility design, and capturing and preserving those things though art. Each city is unique and each piece has a story.

Sean:  How do you define “artist?” Have you always considered yourself and artist? Was there a specific time or moment when you began to define yourself as such?

Russell:  Everyone is an artist in their own way. We all imagine, reimagine, and create in our daily lives. I guess it’s when you capture those moments visually or in some other way, it becomes art. I defined myself as artists when I had to choose a category for my Instagram account.

Sean:  How often do you work artistically? How do make space and time for creating works?

Russell:  I’m always on the hunt for new and undiscovered printing plates. If I have some ink and canvas and find a sweet chunk of metal in the street, I usually try to make a print. I’ve converted my Subaru Forester into a “print mobile” equipped with paint mixers and a drying rack which has become my studio.

Sean:  Briefly describe your life—outside of artistic creation-- hobbies, work, family, etc.

Russell:  I’m a freelance graphic designer by trade with just enough work to keep this project going. At 40, I’m still playing some basketball a few times a week and do bust out the old skateboard from time to time. Like to chill at home with the dog and travel to new places when we can.

Sean:  Please tell us about your connections to the Seven Market or why you’ve decided to show your work there.

Russell:  Kevin Hyde, a fellow artist and partner lives I the neighborhood. Together, we built the Overlooked Art Tour and Street Print City with hopes of sharing what I’ve learned and created over the years.

Sean:  How can we follow your artistic journey: website, social media, email, or other contact info?

Russell:  www.StormPrint.City                                             

Instagram and Facebook: @StormPrintCity

www.OverlookedArtTour.com