Artist Bio
Reigning from Sydney Australia, DMOTE is a world renowned street artist. His work has been seen in the streets, subways, and galleries of the world, and documented in countless publications and videos including Refill, The Face, i-D, Dazed and Confused, Warp, Rolling Stone to name a few. His street art has given him more real life experiences than many would welcome but he says they were well worth it.
After a heavy influence on the global underground art scene, DMOTE has now transcended the gap from his street roots to the commercial arts world. He runs his own design company Upstairs Collective, working alongside major brands like MTV, Sony and Reebok. In his most recent move, DMOTE relocated from Sydney to Los Angeles, working as Art Director for arts based apparel company RVCA. DMOTE continues to stay true to his fundamentals and remains active as a street writer and artist.
Interview
How did you first get into it?
I started painting street art in 1985. After ten years or so of just strictly painting worldwide, I decided to start a career in art, I had a lot of friends in the industry and it was just an easy transition to start working commercially.
How has your style changed over the years?
I'm always changing, that is a necessity of a commercial artist so I am always looking at new things and developing new interests. The major change is from traditional street art on the streets to wanting to display my painting and drawing in galleries.
What are your major influences?
Well competition makes me want to do more or better, I like all types of art, fashion and movies, etc, so its hard to site one or even a handful as influences, the most influencial person on my life, art, career and self has been a close friend.
Do you have a favourite piece of work / project you've created?
I am really happy with my new paintings on antique book covers, people are into them and I enjoy painting them, at the moment I cant make enough of them.
What did you want to do with your 696 design?
I wanted to do something that represented what people know me best for and that is my street style, so it's a combination of street art elements and character design.
More Work
