Carmine Magazine: What drives you to create? Also, what inspires you and your work?
Luke Feldman aka SKAFFS: My mind is always full of ideas. It’s almost an addiction – I carry a sketchbook around with me so that I can put down any thoughts, ideas or new characters. I am motivated to see a simple concept sketch come to life as a finished piece of art. I am inspired by my surroundings, the Asian culture, traveling the world, and meeting new people.

CM: Were you formally trained in art or self taught? Do you think it has helped you or hindered you?
SKAFFS: I was formally trained. Following high school I undertook a multimedia course and a visual arts course in Australia. I definitely think it helped teach me the technical fundamentals and also to learn how to think outside the box. During high school, I was definitely developing my style. But, undertaking courses such as these, allowed me to adapt my style to different multimedia formats i.e. animations, digital illustrations and interactives.

CM: What mediums do you work in the most? Do you have a particular brand that you love working with? Why do you use them?
SKAFFS: I currently do a lot of digital and ink work. Illustrator, Flash, Photoshop and After Effects are the main software packages I use. I enjoy these mediums as the end products is multi-formatted i.e. can be used for print, online or broadcast. Ink and Copic markers are my fad at the moment. Black and white images are where I started as an artist as a child, so, I always have a soft spot for ink and marker.

CM: At what point did you realize that creating was going to be a large part of your life?
SKAFFS: When I was 8 years old I won a drawing competition at a local bank. It was then that I was surprised to realise that you could make money from drawing. Ever since I have kept a sketchbook by my side at all times, in case an idea comes to mind.

CM: If there was one style of art that you could take up, what would it be?
SKAFFS: I have always admired artists who work with wood. It is such an amazing natural resource that I wish I had the carving skills. I think my characters would look pretty damn awesome carved into wood.

CM: How do you deal with creator’s (or writer’s) block?
SKAFFS: Fortunately, I don’t get creator’s block all that often. I often work on multiple projects at one time, so, I just change things up a bit by going from one project to the next. I have my martial arts that also gets me away from the studio.

CM: How do you prepare for art shows where your work will be shown?
SKAFFS: Preparation is definitely not my forte. But, when preparing for a show, I ensure that I have a theme, and I work on pieces up until the deadline. Being spontaneous helps when I entertain the crowds with live paintings and giveaways. Coothwork did a great job in capturing a shows preparation on video:

CM: How do you define you style? Does it represent an inner you or something completely different?
SKAFFS: My style would be defined as vibrant, curvaceous, symmetrical with a sense of flow. I often like to represent contrasts whereby a naive character may be surrounded by harsh environments.

CM: What kind of environment do you need to create in?
SKAFFS: My studio has to be well lit with tall ceilings and open spaces. I also like to have my music blaring.

CM: What does your workspace look like? (Pictures or a description work for this one)
SKAFFS: My workspace consists of a large table, my MAC, scanner and printer by my side. The room has high ceilings, concrete floors and walls that allow me to stick up giant vinyl adhesives and artwork.

CM: What was your worst experience with art? And the best?
SKAFFS: I really don’t have a “worst” experience with art. The best experience has been watching my collection of work, under the name SKAFFS, grow.

CM: What movies, books, music, etc get your creative juices flowing the most?
SKAFFS: An Australian band, “Something for Kate”, anything from the early Café Del Mar series, and Röyksopp. I don’t really get time to read or watch movies.

CM: Do you think the internet, technology, media, etcetera are helping or destroying the art world?
SKAFFS: I actually believe that the internet, technology and the media helps to expand the art market. This can only be a great thing.

CM: Aside from art what do you do with your time? Is there anything else that drives you or that you’re passionate about?
SKAFFS: Tae kwon do has been a huge passion of mine since a child. I am hoping to go for my third Dan black belt next year.

CM: Do you have any upcoming shows, events, releases, etc. you would like our readers to know about?
SKAFFS: I have numerous upcoming art exhibitions and artist signings in 2009 including in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

I recently released my latest limited edition giclee print called “Ester” with I Vote For Art (http://www.ivoteforart.com/en/browse/artwork/ester/ ) and the “Ester” skatedeck with Pop Art Skate Boards (http://www.popartskateboards.com/Luke_Feldman.html).

My limited edition book called “Chaff n’ Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Moskivvy” is being released in early 2009 and is currently available for pre-order at www.skaffs.com and http://www.immedium.com/news/pr_skaffs.html.

Updates on upcoming shows can be found at www.skaffs.com.

For more information on Luke Feldman and the SKAFFS line of artwork, please check out these links:
www.skaffs.com
www.skaffs.com/blog
www.facebook.com/people/Luke-Feldman/739047921
http://www.myspace.com/skaffs