Street Artist Chris “Daze” Ellis on Baz Luhrmann and Brooklynites

Street Artist Chris “Daze” Ellis on Baz Luhrmann and Brooklynites

In the 70s, Brooklyn-born artist Chris Ellis – better known as “Daze” – considered subway carts his canvas. Today, his approach is a little more conventional.



Brooklynite
and artist, Chris “Daze Ellis”, has navigated an
interesting career trajectory. From tagging subway trains in the
70s to his first solo show held in Fashion Moda, an alternative art
space in the South Bronx, Daze recalls the early days of his career
with fondness and clarity.

“Some of my peers, such as Futura2000, Crash and Lee Quinones
had already presented their first shows. I was anxious to have one
as well because I thought of it as a next-level accomplishment. I
still think of it as such. Not only did many artists come but also
a lot of people from the neighbourhood. It was the start of an
ongoing dialogue.”

That dialogue has been interspersed with a host of international
voices, occupying a multitude of spaces, conventional and
otherwise. With a splintered focus, Daze has delved into everything
from TV work, consulting on Baz Luhrmann’s Netflix series The Get
Down, to developing mentorship projects in
Rio de Janeiro
and Baton Rouge. “Teaching workshops in these
underdeveloped areas opens a door and helps students understand
their creative potential.”

With inspirations ranging from Marvel comic books to Martin
Wong, Daze’s interests are encyclopaedic and his practice broad,
but his travel plans are surprisingly regimented.


Where are you from and how has that shaped or inspired
you?

I’m from Brooklyn
originally – Crown Heights to be exact. I continue to think of
Brooklyn as a borough that is made of many very distinct
neighbourhoods. Each one has their own very particular
characteristics, rules, etc.

Why did you choose “Daze” as your graffiti tag?

It was pretty simple; I chose the letters I could draw best.
That’s it.

Best graffiti viewing points in NYC…

Who knows. Maybe
Bushwick
?

Other US cities upping the stakes in
street art
?


Detroit
, Los
Angeles
and Miami.


What made you switch from subway cars to canvas?

The switch was more of a slow transition. I never just stopped
painting trains abruptly. I eventually stopped because I was just
getting older and felt I had done everything I could in that
context. I also felt I could reach a much broader audience with my
paintings.

You worked as an art consultant for Baz Luhrmann’s Netflix
series, The Get Down. Tell us about that experience.

It was great to work with Baz and the entire crew. Everyone who
worked on The Get Down was really committed to the end result.
Usually I’m working on projects solo but being a part of a team was
different. I liked watching how all these elements came together in
the end.

Favourite contemporary art galleries…

PPOW Gallery, David Zwirner, Jack Shainman, Michael Rosenfeld
and Skarstedt Gallery.

What artists have influenced your work?

There are so many…. Reginald Marsh, Robert Henri, John Sloan,
Robert Crumb, Mort Drucker, Diane Arbus, Miles Davis, Hendrix,
Marvel Comics, Manuel Ocampo, Martin Wong, Helen Levitt,
Picasso…


What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on an exhibition with Woodbury House in London.
It will be my first solo exhibition in London and I’m really
excited about it. The last time I was in the city was in the 90s,
so I’m looking forward to seeing how much it has changed. In
addition to the show, I’m hoping to paint a couple of murals and do
a book signing at the Rag & Bone store in Soho.

Tell us about some creative references you return to time and
time again.

I always seem to return to painting some aspect of New
York
. Painting portraits of women is something I’m still drawn
to.

You grew up in Brooklyn. What are some of your favourite places
in the area?

Coney Island is no doubt my favorite. I’ve painted and
photographed it for many years. It’s a world within itself. There
is no place like it anywhere.


The best way to travel in New York is…

Although I really hate it, I would have to say the subway. It’s
unreliable, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and you’re lucky to get to
your destination in a timely manner but it’s still the best way to
navigate the city.

Is the city a central theme in your work?

New York is my Gotham City.

What are some of your favourite places in the city and
why?

Coney Island and the Metropolitan Museum. If I ever moved from
New York I would really miss these places.

Best cities for graffiti include…


São Paulo
, Detroit, Miami, Rio de Janeiro and Paris.

What destinations inspire your creativity?

The last place I visited where I thought I could stay and create
a whole new body of work was
Havana
. Even though there is a lot of poverty still and it’s
difficult, there is culture everywhere.


Improvisation seems to be a key part of your work. Is your
travel as spontaneous or are you more of a planner?

My travel has to be really planned out. There is nothing
spontaneous about that. I love exploring new places, I just don’t
always enjoy how long it can take to get there. When I travel, I
make the most of all my time and appreciate my surroundings, but I
always love going home to my family.

What are you reading at the moment?

No Regrets, the Life of Edith Piaf by Carolyn Burke.

One piece of travel advice…

A toothbrush and clean underwear will get you far.

And finally, what’s in your SUITCASE?

The above as well as jeans, painting kicks, reading material,
clean shirts, music and deodorant.

Chris Daze Ellis’ exhibition with Woodbury House, The Journey, will be on exhibit at 15
Bateman Street, Soho from 10-11 May 2019.

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