Brian Tazroc Garcia
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap]rtist Brian Tazroc Garcia is one of the most sought after graffiti artists on the West Coast. After years of hard work, trial and error, and determination, Garcia is now in the upper echelon of self -taught graffiti artists. His clientele list includes the likes of Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Jay Z and Usher, just to name a few. It all started when he was a child. Everyone in his family was artistically gifted in one way or another. Overtime, he began taking on bigger and more esteemed projects. His style and characters evolved into powerful portraits, which were strongly influenced by early “Chicano drawings” he would exchange with his uncle while incarcerated.
His airbrush and spray paint work have a fierce and dynamic fullness to them, evoking feelings of compellingly wicked, East L.A. inspired dream sequences. These characters exist in the realm of painted portraits—air brushed or spray painted renderings of striking faces, skin tones, hair, and beautiful women along with detailed renditions of strong animals.
Garcia lives life to the fullest, but keeps his life outside of art rather private. He reveals in this interview, his passion for travel, adventure, taking on new challenges and all that keeps him motivated and driven. CULTURE was lucky enough to catch him in between jobs and inquire about a few burning questions on all our minds.
Where did you grow up, and where are your cultural roots?
I was born in Eugene Oregon; I grew up there and then moved to Portland when I was 22. I’ve lived in California since 2000. My background is Chicano of Mexican decent. My grandparents are from Mexico, my parents are from Texas, so I’m second-generation.
How did your surroundings growing up influence the art you create today? When did you start making art and when did you realize you were an artist?
Most of my family had some kind of talent. My dad and uncles were into building classic cars and low riding, Chicano culture stuff. I also traveled a lot which influenced my creativity. I started doing art when I was about six. My uncle was in prison and used to send drawings (Chicano art) and I would send him drawings back. My mom explained to me back then, how it’s important to send letters and drawings to my uncle while in prison which kept me drawing. I guess then I realized I can do art and I had fun doing it. It wasn’t until I was about 16 that I started experimenting with spray cans.
How do you feel about cannabis?
I believe in natural healing methods rather than Western medicine. I believe that medical marijuana has more benefits than any drug prescribed by typical doctors.
What are some of your favorite mural pieces or jobs and why?
I can’t decide what paintings are my favorite. I guess any job that challenges me, whether it be for myself or for a client. It’s in my nature to evolve I guess.
What or Who influences you?
So many people and art influence me, it’s hard to find just one.
What drives you?
I’m hungry to try new things. New ways to paint, trying new styles and inspiring people with my art motivates me.
Can you tell me a little bit about your life outside of art?
I love to live life. I love traveling, meeting great people, seeing new places and learning new things- always having new experiences and making the most of it.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I can be a bit esoteric. I don’t expose a whole lot of my personal life but when I was 14 I started BMX freestyle (bicycle) trick riding. I used to compete and perform for about eight years. I also use to breakdance (b-boy). I love working with kids and have been for years. Also I play a little classical guitar . . . just a few things.
What projects can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
You can probably expect to see me doing more gallery art and pushing my work abroad—Europe, Asia, the Middle East.
