Art / May 31, 2014

Interview: Todd Bot Live Paint Artist Texas

I watched a video you had set to music and you’ve created while at live music events, does the music play any role in what you put on a canvas?

In a lot of ways music has had a profound and direct effect on the pieces I paint both live and in the studio. Whenever I paint live I act as sort of a conduit by which the energy of the music and the people can be channeled. Translated into the canvas. I’ve painted at rock shows, hip hop shows, electronic events and music shows and each piece has differed significantly.

Todd Bot: Live Painting Time Lapse

Currently you are working a mural at the Park Plaza shopping center in Arlington, TX. Where do you have other murals that you’re working on? Is there a location/project you’d love to have to work on?

I have a 10x40ft mural inside a smoke shop in Arlington. A couple residential ones also in Arlington. And I regularly have temporary murals up in Austin at castle hill.

There is an industrial elemental to the human figures, with an organic feel to a part of their head, such as a head dress or object being held. What inspires that robotic, industrial element?

Well, I think of humans as machines. We essentially are robots with biological bodies. So the robotic theme is something that I really enjoy doing both for its aesthetics as well as its connection to who and what we are. I have a fascinating with ancient as well as modern cultures. I love their designs and their mythologies. Plus there is something that one can take from just about every culture or belief system to help them gain peace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in aspects of their life. So I really enjoy being able to explore my love for science and culture through my paintings.

How has your style evolved?

As far as evolution goes I guess I’ve started just new approaches and new mediums. Here lately I’ve been using a lot of spray paint to prep my background and that’s opened more creative doors to explore. I’m also noticing that I’m spending more time doing detail and refining little nuances of my style. Every painting offers something to learn. And when I take that knowledge and apply it to my next piece then that’s when you can see the evolution taking shape. This is something that I hope will continue for the rest of my days.

What do you think has been the best moment of your creative career so far? What upcoming events do you have coming up?

I think the best thing that’s happened in my at career so far has to be being selected as a contestant for the recent Deep Ellum TunnelVisions mural competition and then going on to win the People’s Choice award. I was floored by the amount of community support I received. I love you guys! Coming up I have a trip to Austin for a weekend of murals at Castle Hill. While I’m there I’m live painting at a magazine release party. In a couple weeks I’m going to be painting at Bhaskara’s Wheel. Then immediate after that I’m doing live art for the Texas leg of the Vans Warped Tour. Then same thing for a block party in Fort Worth the weekend after that.

So yeah. Busy.

Post by Todd World.

I would like to take a moment to thank someone who has had my back since the beginning and had been one if the biggest inspirations to me ever. Miss Venus Rain.