Graffiti and Body Painting are arts that have been steadily gaining a strong footing in the forum
of fashion since the mid to late eighties. Los Angeles native Shane Horrell has been indulging
in these avant-garde arts since his youth. Traveling the globe, exploring the intricate, edgy,
provocative, platform that utilizes the landscapes of the human body, as well as the architecture
of a generation in transition, Shane has explored so much of what makes this art poignant.
Viewing these funky, fabulous art forms without the filtration of the usual fashion industry is
refreshing.
Art transcends time and place; it can be a feeling, a look, and a color that brings us back to a
moment. Capturing that moment is both the pain and joy of art. Shane uses his art to paint the
picture of the streets of Los Angeles where he calls home. In his youth graffiti was his escape,
his outlet, as he has evolved so has his art. Today Shane has worked in many faucets of this
industry, as an on-set make-up artist, a graffiti artist, body painting artist and graphic clothing
designer. All of this lends to his ability to move from one art form to the next. Today he is one of
the industry’s best-kept secrets – well the secret is out. Freedom of speech enables us all to
tell and hear stories in different ways. Whether it is painted on someone’s body or on the side
of a wall, the message is unmistakable. The more ways in which we can reach each other, the
more we can relate and understand each other’s vision.
of fashion since the mid to late eighties. Los Angeles native Shane Horrell has been indulging
in these avant-garde arts since his youth. Traveling the globe, exploring the intricate, edgy,
provocative, platform that utilizes the landscapes of the human body, as well as the architecture
of a generation in transition, Shane has explored so much of what makes this art poignant.
Viewing these funky, fabulous art forms without the filtration of the usual fashion industry is
refreshing.
Art transcends time and place; it can be a feeling, a look, and a color that brings us back to a
moment. Capturing that moment is both the pain and joy of art. Shane uses his art to paint the
picture of the streets of Los Angeles where he calls home. In his youth graffiti was his escape,
his outlet, as he has evolved so has his art. Today Shane has worked in many faucets of this
industry, as an on-set make-up artist, a graffiti artist, body painting artist and graphic clothing
designer. All of this lends to his ability to move from one art form to the next. Today he is one of
the industry’s best-kept secrets – well the secret is out. Freedom of speech enables us all to
tell and hear stories in different ways. Whether it is painted on someone’s body or on the side
of a wall, the message is unmistakable. The more ways in which we can reach each other, the
more we can relate and understand each other’s vision.
| Graffiti and body painting artist Shane Horrell working in Los Angeles studio |
| By: Kristine Hartman, Creative Director |
FQA: Body painting seems to really be making waves globally, as an artist in this field, why
are we now taking notice and embracing this art so much?
Shane- I think it is in large part due to the sexual revolution.
FQA: You have worked in so many different artistic capacities, as an on-set makeup artist, in
editorial work, special fx makeup, graffiti artist, textile print design, body makeup, and
drawing. How does freedom of speech enable your art?
Shane- It allows me to send a message, or illustrate whatever I please.
are we now taking notice and embracing this art so much?
Shane- I think it is in large part due to the sexual revolution.
FQA: You have worked in so many different artistic capacities, as an on-set makeup artist, in
editorial work, special fx makeup, graffiti artist, textile print design, body makeup, and
drawing. How does freedom of speech enable your art?
Shane- It allows me to send a message, or illustrate whatever I please.
FQA: A lot of amazing emerging designers and artists are coming from third world countries,
countries without democracy, without the embrace of freedom of speech. How do you feel
that freedom has affected your struggle in this country? In this industry?
Shane- If anything, it has enabled my art.
FQA: When someone questions you, are you ready for Freedom? What color palette do you
imagine for such a poignant slogan?
Shane- I picture lime green, sky blue and terracotta.
FQA: What music do you listen to, to inspire and test that freedom of speech? What album/s
would you choose?
Shane- Any album by Immortal Technique and RZA, the birth of prince.
FQA: What artist to you embodies the characteristics of a risk taker, someone with edge,
and someone who inspires and tests the limits of freedom?
Shane- A graffiti artist here in Los Angeles named “Jaek”.
countries without democracy, without the embrace of freedom of speech. How do you feel
that freedom has affected your struggle in this country? In this industry?
Shane- If anything, it has enabled my art.
FQA: When someone questions you, are you ready for Freedom? What color palette do you
imagine for such a poignant slogan?
Shane- I picture lime green, sky blue and terracotta.
FQA: What music do you listen to, to inspire and test that freedom of speech? What album/s
would you choose?
Shane- Any album by Immortal Technique and RZA, the birth of prince.
FQA: What artist to you embodies the characteristics of a risk taker, someone with edge,
and someone who inspires and tests the limits of freedom?
Shane- A graffiti artist here in Los Angeles named “Jaek”.
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Horrell sometimes seeks inspiration from fellow Los Angeles based graffiti artist
named “Jaek,” who is known as a risk taker and art experimenter.
named “Jaek,” who is known as a risk taker and art experimenter.
FQA: When you are traveling and experiencing different cultures and forms of expression, do
you notice a difference between the way the US and other countries celebrate and test that
freedom? Or do you feel there aren't many differences?
Shane- Yes, there is definitely differences.
FQA: It is an interesting time to take art to another level of expression. Election year, global
energy crisis, drought. How does the global crisis affect your art, and your life, the way you
convey your feelings about the world?
Shane- It inspires me to learn more about art therapy, and motivates me to come out and give. I
just finished a mural at the mental health facility, In the women’s jail, I mean wow! What an
amazing experience.
FQA: What do you think will test our freedom this July?
Shane- gas prices.
FQA: How will you celebrate 4th of July this year?
Shane- The beach, Malibu California.
FQA: Can you tell us where we should look to see your work this summer?
Shane- The streets of Los Angeles, of course, and my new website www.mrhoodbrush.com and
there is talk of a west coast tour in August. I will keep you all posted, www.myspace.com/jayecks.
you notice a difference between the way the US and other countries celebrate and test that
freedom? Or do you feel there aren't many differences?
Shane- Yes, there is definitely differences.
FQA: It is an interesting time to take art to another level of expression. Election year, global
energy crisis, drought. How does the global crisis affect your art, and your life, the way you
convey your feelings about the world?
Shane- It inspires me to learn more about art therapy, and motivates me to come out and give. I
just finished a mural at the mental health facility, In the women’s jail, I mean wow! What an
amazing experience.
FQA: What do you think will test our freedom this July?
Shane- gas prices.
FQA: How will you celebrate 4th of July this year?
Shane- The beach, Malibu California.
FQA: Can you tell us where we should look to see your work this summer?
Shane- The streets of Los Angeles, of course, and my new website www.mrhoodbrush.com and
there is talk of a west coast tour in August. I will keep you all posted, www.myspace.com/jayecks.
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