In a city that epitomizes the façade, Los Angeles gleams with palm trees and movie stars. But turn the corner and tinsel town becomes skid row. That’s what makes this city magical- it’s the juxtaposition of glam and grit, the mainstream and the underground. This charismatic city, littered in concrete gray freeways is a blank canvas for many artists. Los Angeles native, Tommy Face; an artist who’s already left a mark transforming the streets with his awe-inspiring work is simultaneously the founder of the Ignorant Art Collective, a congregation of artists from all walks of life who come together for one reason: to express without limitations or expectations.

Art collectives collided when founder of L’art Pour L’art, Baha Danesh, sat down with this Ignorant Artist for a one-on-one interview to discuss the creative process of the dangerously funny Tommy Face.

Baha- When did you first start your creative journey?

Tommy Face- I've drawn my whole life. I always drew in the margins of my notebooks in school and never could really stop doodling. When I was in my teens, I first picked up a can of paint and from there experimented with doing graffiti characters with tagging crews. I could never really get lettering, so characters were always really my thing. When I was in the military I started refining my skills by doing murals on my dorm room walls every weekend.

Baha- When did you decide to become a working artist?

Tommy Face- I didn't really decide to do it, I kind of just got whisked away by it. I started by putting together my own art shows, Ignorant Art, just because I had the opportunity to try. I then found out about other shows like L’art Pour L’art and got invited to do more and more things. I've since fallen in love with the community of artists who keep independent art alive and I can't really imagine myself stopping.

Baha- Where do you collect the materials for your art? How did you become interested in your subject matter?

Tommy Face- Materials are not that important to me, at least not where and how I procure them. I have a "by any means possible" approach to making stuff, and I work with what I have. My subject matter revolves around faces and characters. I once read in school that people saw faces in places they weren't, whether it be the face on Mars or Jesus on toast because their minds look for them. Something to do with how a face is just comfortable to our psyche. Been a bit obsessed with that ever since.

Baha- What do you like best about the creative process?

Tommy Face- I think I learn a lot about and from myself while making a piece. Most of the time I have no idea what I am making until I start and once it starts coming together, I can get very pleased with myself, like, "Damn subconscious, I didn't know we were going there, but I dig it."

Baha- What do you like least?

Tommy Face- How expensive paint is.

Baha- What motivates you to keep creating?

Tommy Face- I have to, there is no keep creating, only keep existing. Without making art I would be a pent up asshole.

Baha- If anything is possible, what would you want your creative dreams to be?

Tommy Face- I just want to be able to live comfortably on my art. That's all. I don't need to be in the biggest gallery, or the most esteemed magazine or journal. If I can pay my bills and buy more than Ramen to eat, I'm happy.

On March 22nd Tommy Face will be showcasing his work at the TRANSIT event. Join us for a eclectic art industry mixer featuring over 30 independent artists exploring the state of movement and transportation.

TRANSIT will take place at the trendy Holding Co. Studios located at 104 Robinson St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. Starting at 7pm. A FREE open bar sponsored by VITAMINWATER will be available to all attending guests, which will include free WINE, BEER, and SNACKS.

Make sure to snag those pre-sale tickets before they sell out, as capacity is limited. Pre-sale tickets are available at www.ArtforArtMixer.com

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