Congratulations to Andre Power for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I messaged Andre to congratulate him on winning and to see what rad stuff he had going on.

1. How would you describe your art?

Majority of my art is a reflection of the person viewing it as well as the things in our surroundings that release energy. I consider every piece created a visual translation of LOVE. Every piece I create, whatever medium it may be, is intended to give the viewer a bright light of joy within, so that vibe comes out of my subconscious with every stroke of the brush. My art possesses vidid colors, recognizable items and people from American pop culture as well as my interpretation of the female form.

2. What inspires you?

LIFE is my main inspiration. Each day of life that I live adds more fuel to my artistic engine. Interaction with the people i encounter each day gives me what I need to create. As far back as I can remember my main goal  has always been to help others around me in any way that I can and I feel that I am a vessel for creation and inspiration so I tend to focus most of my energy in pushing others to fulfill their creative desires and ispiring them to create. Inspiring others inspires me.

3. Where can people find your art? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?

I try to be as active in the San Diego and Los Angeles art communities as I possibly can - there are always events added to my calendar daily. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter seem to be the best way to build a personal relationship with everyone I meet so that is the best place to find out about where my art is around Southern California and the best way to stay on top of the events I curate and am featured in. At the moment I have 2 monthly events, both at Bluefoot Bar & Lounge in North Park. The one I’m most proud of, and a favorite to many of the locals is “Art in the Park“ , which is held at Bluefoot every 1st Thursday. This event is special to me in so many ways but is also unique because we focus on Live Art and the process of creating so every event you will see at least 10 live artists painting during the event, as well as creative vendors, amazing music and sometimes ever catered vegetarian soul food. The second event is “Steez” - a trunk show, which is held every 3rd Tuesday. Steez is a showcase of vintage fashion, street apparel and hand-made jewelry. Both Art In The Park and Steez are free and are always great for meeting and networking with local artists and amazing people in general.

Last but not least in early 2012, I will be launching Punctilio Project with Eden Hagos where we will provide people with recycles, reused and renewed men’s & women’s clothing that we’ve hand-picked from thrift and vintage stores all over the country. This project will provide more than just the product for a customer, but a full fashion/art experience as well as awareness about shopping thrift.

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?
Since I’ve been involved in the art/music community, I’ve noticed the large percentage of people who smoke cigarettes. I’ve also noticed the Tobacco corporations are beginning to target the art community by showing up at these events, doing surveys, giving away free cigarettes in exchange for your personal information so they can label us and take advantage of us wherever they can. They are using the art and music culture to target us as well as brainwash us to believe we want, and need their products. I love what Commune is doing because they are using the same weapons only in a more positive, creative and important way. Commune is actually in the community providing the people with products & art about awareness and giving musicians and artist like myself to spotlight to do what we love to join the battle against smoking and tobacco corporations.

5. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?
Tobacco corporations are taking advantage of the American people and are slowly killing all of us, smokers and non-smokers. Being an artist and watching these corporations come into our community and use what we love against us is the main reason I feel the need to stand up against them. In the past I’ve seen a particular cigarette brand target the neighborhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn,NY by making a “special edition” Williamsburg artistic Ad campaign which is a prime example of the corporations using our own creative community against us.

CONGRATS again to ANDRE POWER for winning Commune featured local. For more on Andre check out the links below:
andrepower.com
facebook.com/mrandrepowertwitter.com/andrepower

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