We recently connected with Efren Rebugio, Jr. and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Efren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I’ve always drawn as a kid. In college, feeling the pressures from family and society to “get a real job”, I decided to pursue life outside of the arts. I received my Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine. During my short-lived career working for a chiropractor rehabbing patients, I felt my soul slipping away. I decided to return to what I loved doing. I went to study graphic design for a few years, where I started to paint more, and the journey had begun. I moved to Austin at the end of 2012, and discovered the Hope Outdoor Gallery. It was there I learned how to spray paint, hanging out with other artists, picking up tricks and advice on can-control and other techniques. Having a place like the graffiti park allowed me to really dig into the craft of using spray paint. I would spend weeks and weeks at a time, everyday out there, even in the summer heat.
Efren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Originally from Florida, I have been living in Austin for 10 years. I create custom canvas work, paint live at events and music festivals, and paint murals for private homes and businesses. When it comes to mural work for a business, I find joy in the process of collaborating my style with the vision of a client. In my work, I attempt to tell a story that exemplifies the power we have as individuals. This story usually told through vibrant colors, spirit animals and fantastical elements.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
NFT’s are such a wild, new and interesting space. I can see both sides of the fence. One side, where it seems kind of like a mockery of what art is. On the other side, a wonderful medium that can allow artists to tell stories in a very interactive and utilized manner. For instance, there’s a group called ILLUSTSPACE that has built a platform for artists to geotag their murals, give POAP’s and sets the stage for a whole new level of sharing and creating art. Recently, I have worked with a group called ATX DAO. The ATX DAO is a group of crypto enthusiasts. We created a program that works as an art fund. The DAO paid me to paint a mural downtown, located at Native Cafe & Bar. We then turned the mural into an NFT. I get portions of the sales from the NFT’s, and the other portion goes into the art fund which will pay the next artist to paint another mural in Austin. The NFT space is still new. I think, when in the right hands, they can really benefit the artist and the community.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There are many benefits for being an artist: making my own schedule, having the freedom to express myself however I want, and being a member of such a supportive community, especially here in Austin. However, if I were to choose the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, it’s the power of observation. Through observing the world, people, situations, in which inspiration shows itself time and time again, I feel I have gained so much knowledge, empathy and wisdom. Through observing I have learned how I can best be a good contribution to the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.everydayresearch.com
- Instagram: @everydayresearch
- Facebook: @everydayresearch
- Twitter: @evrydyresearch
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXP0rdQvvU_oTO6mdDVGaRQ
Image Credits
Devised Color