October 24, 2016
Don't Call Him a Graffiti Artist
We recorded this episode with Samuel a few months ago, but he just released a new line of bags in partnership with the J2 Collection, so we figured we would give him a plug and run back one of our favorite interviews.
You can purchase one of his bags below...
http://thej2collection.com/t/brame
Today, Samuel E Vázquez wears many hats. He is an artist, a designer, and an educator, to name a few. In the early days, however, he was known by a different name - "Brame," his graffiti tag. Today, his art has evolved past the street and into some of the most recognizable spots in the Midwest. His work has lived in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and the NCAA Hall of Champions.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Samuel's path from Puerto Rico to New York City and, eventually, to Indianapolis.
- His view on "street art," and why he rebels against the word "graffiti."
- How a week-long suspension in high school set him on the path to becoming a widely-respected artist.
Mentioned in this Episode:
THE EARLY YEARS:
Puerto Rico
TROUBLING TIMES:
- New York City and the Birth of Hip Hop Culture (Focus on Style Writing; most commonly known as "Graffiti Art")
- His experience growing up in NYC of the late 70s and 80s. (A dynamic youth culture)
THE "PRINTED" YEARS:
- Visiting a well-known advertising agency as a youth.
- Move to Indianapolis
- His entry into graphic design studies and the field.
- Highlight Projects: Conseco Fieldhouse (now Bankers Life Fieldhouse), Museum of Science and Industry, USGP Formula 1 Indianapolis, IU Kelley School of Business, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA.
RETURN TO ART AND PAINTING:
- The death of his graffiti art mentor, help refocus his creative energies back to art.
- Five years away from design and public interaction (spent working on art and music)
- In An Expression of the Inexpressible (Curatorial project)
- Artist Talks & Lectures (Sharing his artistic path) Selected venues include: IMA, Clowes Memorial Hall, TriC Cleveland OH, and CityTech Brooklyn NY
- Being a studio artist (working on art)
- Gallery Exhibitions of personal art
While, he is no longer an active producer of design work, his obsession with design now comes from a different perspective.
Links to articles...
NUVO 2015.
JUNGKATZ.
HANDSELECTA (Samuel E Vázquez aka Brame UW).
12oz PROPHET / HANDSELECTA.
NUVO 2013.
HUMANIZE, Issue 20 (Pages 34-47).
Q&A AT CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL.
More info on his website.
You can download this episode and subscribe on iTunes.
