Brian is no stranger to Commune and has been to almost every Commune Wednesday event. You would probably recognize his contagious smile or maybe even his Commune tees scattered among beautiful people in the neighborhood, but if you haven’t, Brian is definitely a talent to be seen.   I met up with Brian to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1.Where are you from? What made you move to San Diego?

I am from a small town in Virginia called Abingdon.  I was going to school in Virginia and needed a change of pace.  Skateboarding is a big part of my life and I knew California was the place to be for skateboarding.  All of the artists I was following at the time were artists and designers in California so it just made sense to be here.  I love California.

2. How would you describe your art and what inspires you?

I guess the term for my art would be mixed media.  Using different mediums like spray paint, acrylic, oil sticks, collage, pen and ink.  Most of the themes are about commercialism.  How we look at things in culture.  The images I create have multiple layers so from afar it might look like just one image, but when you get up close you see more of what is going on.  What inspires me is just the people around me the most.

3. Any upcoming art shows or places that people can check out your stuff?

Right now working more on the graphic design side of things.  Doing some work for Pacific Drive Skateshop, Vans Apparel and Paul Burlingame Photography.  I would say in early 2010 I should be setting up a show to present my new paintings.  My myspace page and website are the best places to stay updated on what I am working on.

4. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

They advertise to be cool, but in the long run coughing up your lung is not that fun.

For more on Brian and more examples of his work check out his website at http://www.brianclinebell.com or his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/theclinebellexpress.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact me at jointhecommune@gmail.com,