Meet Cinzah Merkins
Artist, illustrator, mural painter, creator and professional mess-maker Cinzah Merkins is one of the winning artists selected to paint at Red Bull Stereopticon.
I AM… Fairly ok at drawing pretty pictures, some might call me an artist, or an illustrator, a scribbler, a mess maker, an art-fag, or a dirty vandal?
I GREW UP… Living in the Cook Islands, on a tiny little island called Rarotonga. Getting up to mischief in the tropics, painting, drawing, swimming, spear fishing, and driving 50cc scooters way too fast.
MY ART IS… A take on modern illustration, that pays homage to traditional artists, children’s book illustrations and folklore. A huge part of my practice is working large-scale, painting murals, so naturally my work cross-pollinates with a slight street art aesthetic.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE… HB pencils, 0.005 pigment liner pens, brushes, acrylics, aerosols, rollers, squeegee brushes, car window washing wipers, my computer and tablet.
I’M INSPIRED BY… My friends and family, fellow artist friends, and any body else that’s productive with what they love. My girlfriends cooking, nature, travel, and what ever else is happening in my life.
IT MAKES ME HAPPY… When I’m drinking a strong cup of coffee and have time to work on my own projects.
THE BEST PLACE I… Ever traveled too and probably drank a little too much, but had the time of my life, was Vang Vieng in Laos. Floating down a river in a rubber tube drinking ridiculously cheap Chang Beer, surrounded by the most incredible lush jungle terrain and mountain ranges. Good fun!
EVERYDAY I… Create, scribble, draw, and hang out with my lovely lady.
WORKING AS AN ARTIST IN NEW ZEALAND… Can be good fun but also allot of hard work, especially if your main focus is aerosol art. People tend to jump to judgmental opinions at first glance. But there is a really strong tight knit art community, which can be very inviting and inspiring. Just stick to your guns, work hard, and have fun.
I THINK THE BEST ART… Delivers a strong message and challenges the viewer. It can be viewed and appreciated by anybody and doesn’t have to hide behind the stereotypical gallery facade or live up to any hierarchical status. It should be open for discussion, hold its own stylistically, be fun, humorous, and not take itself too seriously.
WHEN TECHNOLOGY MEETS ART…. You get one big bad mother of an event like Stereopticon!
LIVE PAINTING IS… Sometimes a little intimidating but also ridiculously fun! Nothing a few brews can’t sort out.
IF I COULD TRANSFORM…. I’d be Optimus Prime.
THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS… To keep your head in the clouds but your feet firmly on the ground.
RED BULL STEREOPTICON IS…. Going to be a hell of a lot of fun!
Check out Cinzah in action at Red Bull Stereopticon | Wellington.
Where: Wellington – The St Johns Ambulance Bar
When: Saturday 17th July, 8pm
Thoughts on the matter?