Congratulations to Monty for being voted by you as Commune’s Featured Local of the Month.

Ashley and I first came across Monty’s art when we stopped by, what used to be MESH in North Park. Monty was Commune’s featured artist back in March ’09 and if you have ever seen one of his pieces, you understand why we were so excited when he agreed to be a part of Commune. Monty’s art is colorful, bright, expressive and unquestionably Monty Montgomery. I met up with Monty to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1. What inspires your art? Where do you draw inspiration?

From the moment I wake up in the morning to the moment I hit the hay every night, everything I take in from people inspires my art! I could be standing in line at the market or sitting under a tree in the park and no matter what mood surrounds me, I am creating my next painting or design with that which I am handed or hear. I am strongly inspired with messages from peoples conversations, or words that might hit me in the moment on a Billboard, a newsstand, someone having an awesome day or that really bad moment we all hate to go through. I am inspired by raw emotion and all of the paths that it might carry a person down. I am open and looking for that everyday and when I feel a dose of it in a situation I take it, I use it, I create from it!

2. Has your inspiration changed at all from moving from VA to CA?

My Inspiration hasn’t really changed since I made the move to San Diego, but the order in which I take these moments in has! It’s pretty cool in the way that at home in VA the weather changes everyday and that controls where I might be and what I might be hearing, seeing, feeling. If it were cold and rainy I would be picking up different vibes at a coffee shop versus being in sunny San Diego, hiking around peeps outside all pumped and happy because of being here enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Since moving, I have noticed in my work patterns that many more moments are focused in on understanding my thoughts and trying to put them on canvas in a way to drive people in a positive direction while still being honest about the original emotion, no matter what that might be.
3. Where can people find your art?  Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?

A few places people can roll in and check things out.  My websites are http://www.montymontgomeryart.com and http://www.cillidesigns.com. The Cilli Original Designs site is where it all started about 11 years ago when I launched the logo and ideas for my Art.  Since being here in San Diego, I launched the new Monty Montgomery Art website which is very simple and to the point with my career as a painter/poet.  I have a show set for Tuesday, April 6th 2010 at Basic in the East Village and peeps can check out 4 paintings hanging in Sportie L.A.(sneaker boutique) on  5th ave. in the Gaslamp. I’m pumped as well about an upcoming exhibit in Philly PA. at “G” Gallery that my boy “G Love & Special Sauce “ has put together for me, the info on that Exhibit will come to life soon and hit the websites!

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

Commune is “SOLID”. I was super stoked to be in contact with Jenny almost a year ago now.  I had just moved to the San Diego area and from the beginning of our first conversation I was totally into everything that COMMUNE and the individuals involved within the group were all about. Being able to believe in a goal to bring individuals to a better, healthier way of living and also bring so many cool people together with all different types of ART and energy is awesome.  COMMUNE stands out in so many ways as a very talented, cool group of Artists and individuals that look towards positive ways to bring everyone to a stronger way of living.

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

It’s important to make a stand against these corporations because if we don’t through groups like COMMUNE, no one will! Every single person against this movement of massive corporations helps to bring individuals away from harming their body with Tobacco! Art Exhibits, Concerts, Etc. Getting people involved is what it’s all about. COMMUNE is making it Happen!!!

For More on Monty check out the links below:

Monty Montgomery Art
Website: http://www.montymontgomeryart.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/montymontgomeryart
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/montymontgomery
Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/montyart

Cilli Original Designs
Website: http://www.cillidesigns.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cillidesigns
E-mail: monty@cillidesigns.com

Congrats again to Monty and thanks to everyone who voted!

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