Denim States of America Painting

The artist / writer who tags their works Hewg ◆ Irl is an American interested in many forms of expression with inspirations from nature, urban art, functional design and cartography. Hewg ◆ Irl describes the driving force of their art as abstracted representationalism… sometimes illustration… also juxtaposition. Usually, the form is recognizable, often iconic. The surrounding chaos, color and pattern may (or may not) be held-together by the iconic shape. Sometimes tongue-in-cheek or even silly, Hewg ◆ Irl believes the finished product should provoke a smile, or a thought, maybe both; but, it shouldn’t take itself too seriously. With regular inclusions of the absurd, their work is funny in an unexpected and distracted way. Toasters, ‘nuff said. Robots are a favorite model for the artist. Hewg ◆ Irl and their work are inspired by thousands of un-named writers and urban artists as well as those better known names in contemporary art and design. Basquiat, Barbara Kruger, Shepard Fairey and Mel Buchner are just a few of hundreds worth naming. Hewg ◆ Irl and their work vacillate between abstract all the way to functional design and illustration. Typically, but not always, the form drives the output; Hewg ◆ Irl takes inspiration from the shape and texture of whatever canvas will receive the work. During the process, an idea may be sparked from the canvas, and yet still undergo study and iteration to shape the end. Hewg ◆ Irl typically, although not exclusively, uses spray paint (modified alkyd) and acrylic paint on re-purposed or up-cycled canvases and hardboard. Adding color to the canvas is only part of the process. Hewg ◆ Irl enjoys the planning, drafting, stencil & plate making as those are the steps that lead to a satisfying composition.