Itw by Antonio Isaja
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND… WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR DRAWING COME FROM, HOW DID YOU START TO EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH IMAGES? HOW DID YOUR STYLE EVOLVE DURING THE YEARS?
Actually I don’t know how I started because I’ve always been doing this. Even as a child I used to design everywhere and everything, art has always been my passion in every form, from music to painting, and my studies moved in that direction not without reason. One of the great experiences for sure was taking part in an art and restoration workshop where for ten years I’ve been able to improve my knowledge about ancient painting techniques (thanks to which I’ve enhanced my style). Later on I lived in the United States and within that period I’ve been busy with several solo exhibitions both in California and Mexico, which helped me to establish my artistic identity. My modern development of painting nowadays is graphic, the most prevailing expressive form in my art.
ARE THERE ARTISTS YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
In the past I drew inspiration from American artists, mostly New Yorker handwriters, but now I prefer to follow my style without any influences.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO THE HERITAGE WORLD?
The passion for denim was born together with the one for art, I’ve always admired it. I’ve approached this reality thanks to Antonio Di Battista of Blue Blanket label, who gave me the opportunity to closely know the ‘authentic’ jeans world.
WHO ARE YOUR DENIM AND VINTAGE WORLD ICONS?
At Inspiration and Denimbruin I’ve had the pleasure to meet major characters form this industry such as Nick Clements, Cory Piehowicz, Roy, Jack Knife, Brit Eaton, Michael Harris, Mike Hodis and others I see as the worldwide heritage’s leading figures.
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR GRAPHICS, FROM WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
I do a lot of researches on vintage illustration, where nothing is corrupted by computer graphics.
DO YOUR HOBBIES AND PASSION EVER CLASH WITH YOUR EVERYDAY JOB?
Fortunately my job is my passion, and besides denim, motorbike is another great love of mine. In fact, I customize tanks, helmets and leather jackets, an activity that allows me to let art and work coexist.
ON A SUBJECT OF THE COLLABORATION WITH THE DENIM BOULEVARD: CAN YOU EXPLAIN SHORTLY ITS POSTER DESIGN?
All the posters designed for the DB are vintage inspired with a denim feel, the essence of this event. In addition I’ve always tried to create a particularly looking memory, suggestive and sentimental towards the location of the event.
DID YOU LET YOURSELF TO GET INFLUENCED BY SOMETHING IN PARTICULAR FOR THE CREATION OF THE FIRST TWO POSTERS?
The inspiration has always been tied to the event and the location, All my graphic details were born there.
THERE IS A NEW POSTER DEDICATED TO JUNE 2015 EDITION, WHERE DID THE THIMBLE IDEA COME FROM?
Manual skill and artisanal manufacturing are the foundation of the Denim Boulevard. Thimble have always been a symbol for the couture, its shape reminds a bell, so it also recall the location, and that’s the whole story.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT A PROJECT LIKE THE DENIM BOULEVARD?
I think it’s one of the most important denim events in Italy (and beyond), however, in our country it’s still not very well known and beloved this industry, reason that makes the event worthy in terms of recognition and charisma.
FINALLY, TALK US THROUGH YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS.
I’d like to keep on doing my work, as it is my passion, improving, expanding my knowledge and especially to never stop researching.