Garden State Skate: doug Z

Garden State Skate is NJ's ONLY skate magazine.

Who are you and what do you do? Age?
Doug Z. I make art with spraypaint and stencils.
I’m 32.
Why do you do what you do?
I love and live art. It’s an absolute blessing to be able to have the support and following that I’ve developed which has allowed me to continue creating.
How do you work?
I love working alone in my studio with my headphones on, forgetting about things like clocks and phones, yet I’m also flattered when people ask if they can watch me work. That amazes me. I really don’t understand why anyone would want to watch me slash up a bunch of stencils and spray them onto a surface. Seems like it would be boring to sit through, but I get asked to paint live quite often. I don’t get it.

What’s your background?
I was born & raised in Belmar, NJ and discovered art as a kid. In grammar school, I used to take drawing classes in the summer. Being that most of my family is from Brooklyn, I got exposed to graffiti at a very young age. In high school, I really didn’t fit in completely with any particular “groups,” not even the “artsy” kids. I just wanted to acknowledge what everyone else was doing, yet take my own ideas as far as I possibly could. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with some very talented people along similar wavelengths over the years, which has kept me inspired and creating.
How did you come to design for Element skateboards and clothing?
Basically, I got sick and tired of getting rejected from galleries. I’ve had enough press kits sent back to me over the years to wake me up and realize that I should begin presenting my work to companies and businesses that I actually support and would really want to get down with. In the spring of 2009, I spent well over $150 on brand new press kits and sent them to my top twenty companies that I’d love to work with. I heard back from Element within two weeks and we were off and running almost immediately.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
It depends on the artist. For me it’s passion.
What role does the artist have in society?
I think of it like the quote from “Fight Club”-
“Choose your own involvement... .”
Which artists or creators do you return to for a quick boost of inspiration?
Honestly, the people who inspire me the most aren’t artists. I’m genuinely inspired by anyone who doesn’t take life too seriously. It’s just too damn short.

What artists would you put on your wall if there were no limits in acquiring it?
I’d throw anything up on my wall that’s worth looking at. Friends tag up and draw on my walls constantly. But I’d find room for a Warhol, Haring, or Dali piece anytime!
Do you skate? If so, for how long, often and where?
My skating career began on a Christmas day many years ago, and ended just a few weeks later when I sprained my ankle pretty bad. It’s a shame, because I love the skating, but I don’t complain because it led me to my true calling. Now I “skate” through life.
Favorite or most inspirational place (in Jersey)?
Currently, my studio at S.I.C.A. in Long Branch. It’s like walking into a Temple for me. I feel out of sorts when I’m not there.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Be yourself no matter what people say or think and NEVER, EVER GIVE UP on your dreams, even when they lead you through dark places.”
What’s your hope for the year?
My hope for the year is to make the best, inspirational, and thought-provoking art that I can possibly put forth. I want to make people stop and think, while simultaneously entertaining them.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
I have a few. I’m currently working on some projects that will hopefully launch my clothing line & multi-media group. In the summer, I hope to be in London blowing minds with a new series of paintings.
What’s your tip for a great day out (in Jersey)?
Get out and explore! New Jersey is like no other place I’ve been. It’s like a country unto itself, and it’s a shame that NJ gets a bad rap from people, but if this state is sooooo bad, then why are there over 9 million people living here?
What wouldn’t you do without?
The Universal creative forces that keep me inspired.
Any thanks?
My Parents, Brother & Sister, Aunt Barb & the rest of my fam., Dave Hnatiuk, RE*357, Skoti, and my fellow artists at S.I.C.A. in Long Branch. I also want to acknowledge Liz at Artifacts (11th & Main in Belmar), Bob & Liz McKay (McKay Imaging in Red Bank), Doug Ferrari, and the list goes on and on. I love you all, and I appreciate your unending support.

Contact: Doug Z,
PO BOX 82, Belmar, NJ, 07719
www.dougzart.com