Artist in Focus - Urban Octopus
The genius behind Urban Octopus, Jere, is a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer and print-maker. This talented individual produces art inspired by travelling around the World and observing the little things in life; a love of vintage bicycles, a fascination with strange-looking animals and a passion for beautiful trees, all combine to keeping things simple and a little bit odd.
How do you feel when you work?
Overall, I feel good, I try my best to just let my ideas flow free, I may start with a simple idea or a rough thumbnail sketch but I don’t try and restrict myself in anyway, if I get stuck on a particular design I may just pause it for a day, week or month, come back to it later with fresh eyes…then I can usually see it through.
What helps you focus? For example, do you listen to music whilst working, and if so who?
Music is always playing on my record player when I’m creating art or just need to focus, I have a great vinyl collection of 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, Pink Floyd, Beatles, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Metallica…just a small variety of my favourite artists, but I’m open to all types of music and truly enjoy discovering new and old music…
Do you have a favoured colour to use at the moment?
Orange, I love the color orange…
Where can your art pieces be seen?
Currently through social media, my Instagram and Facebook galleries, also my private studio In San Diego, California. I do approximately 30-50 Art exhibits a year throughout California, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and New York.
Have you received any awards?
Yes, at Tempe Festival of the Arts, Tempe, AZ 2019 I won first place in the Printmaking category. Also, Makers Faire San Francisco, CA 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019, I was awarded first place in the Design category.
Do you have other outlets/hobbies outside of your artwork?
Yep! I’m very active outdoors, love hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, camping and spending time with my family.