ANIMAL showcases a different street artist regularly in our feature, Scratching the Surface. This week, we profile Edapt, a generator of toothy pop culture portraits and other odd, sometimes ghoulish characters.
Name/Alias:
Edapt
Decade you were born in:
The 1980s
City you currently live:
Brooklyn
Drugs or natural highs?
Both
How did you get your name?
When I used to write more traditional graffiti, I started out with another name but it had no flow. After awhile I began searching for something that looked good as a tag and wasn’t already claimed (though now I know of another Edapt down in Australia). I like the implications of evolution and technology in Edapt. Also, the letter “e” has always been a favorite of mine to draw, and it has its own cultural associations as well.
Why do what you do?
I’ve always drawn portraits and caricatures ever since I was a kid. My current work is just an extension of that compulsion. The face, for whatever reason, is a good jumping off point for my creative process.
How does your mother feel about your art?
I get my creativity from my mom. She’s always been supportive, though she doesn’t know about the illegal side of things. She’s only seen what wouldn’t offend her conservative sensibilities.
Are you making a living off your art? How’s that working out so far?
It’s definitely not a profitable venture for me. I don’t do it for the money, although I happily sell my work when people are interested.
Fuck the art world or embrace the art world?
Even though I don’t really participate in it, I say embrace it. Every time I visit a good museum I am inspired to go home and create. It’s easy to ignore the bullshit and politics if you want to.
Do you bring your smart phone into the bathroom with you? Why?
Absolutely. That is prime Instagram time.
Do you ever feel like giving up?
Never.
Suggest an artist to follow.
My buddy K-Nor has a sick style and an incredible attention for details. Follow him on Instagram @knorcrap
