Infinite Realms
A print exhibition by Arik Moonhawk Roper
We caught up with Arik to talk about his artwork, the exclusive pieces made for the shop, and the ideas behind it all.
Q: Could you share a bit about the artwork used for the tees and bandana? - and how that came together?
“I wanted the bandana and shirts to look bold and to have some imagery that would capture attention.
The bandana depicts a a tiger’s face with a compass in each corner. This represents watchful vigilance in all directions.
The black T-shirt depicts a wildly drawn skull with chaotic elements. This is juxtaposed with a highly stylized cursive font treatment to create a feel of energetic
movement.
The white T-shirt show a falcon with with blinders perched upon an eyeball. This represents the dominance of intuitive seeing without the physical eyes."
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“Inspiration comes from various sources. Sometimes I have to summon the inspiration, it’s not always present. Mythology, religion, psychology, symbolism, occultism,
these all contribute to the ideas that run through me when I brainstorm.“
Q: When you’re not drawing, what are you doing?“When I’m not drawing I’m trying to keep up with regular life activities like being a parent, meditation, reading if I can make the time. But my creative process never really stops. My career depends on me coming up with creative ideas and executing them so I never really feel like I’m not doing that.“
Q: Has your relationship with your art changed over time?
“Over time I’ve come to think more about the effect my art has on people. What sort of imagery do I want to contribute to the world? How do I want to influence
people? If you’re making an impact on the world then there’s a responsibility that goes with that. I’ve also began to consider where the ideas originate and to think of
myself not so much as the creator but the messenger.”
Q: We love seeing your art in dialogue with the clothes and atmosphere — does that kind of mix (fashion + art) resonate with you?
“Art + Fashion sometimes resonates with me. I’m not so into the flashy looks because my personal taste is fairly simple and utilitarian. I’m more into high quality and
subtle details when it comes to artistic influence on clothing and gear. But bold art statements in fashion can be interesting too.
I’m a fan of screen graphic printing on shirts and fabric so I like all forms of that.”
Q: What keeps you excited about making art after all this time?
“There’s no limit to imagination and expression. Bringing scenery and forms into existence by drawing or painting them is endlessly exciting.”
About Arik Moonhawk Roper
His work encompasses a spectrum of design and distinct style, ranging from graphic black and white illustration, to meticulous lettering and logo design, to rich abstract psychedelic color and landscapes that often seem to exist in their own universe. The imagery springs from the depths of a fertile imagination, invoking psychedelic visions, ancient dreams, and idyllic natural environments. With an interest in mythology, consciousness, psychology, religion and other timeless subjects, Roper mixes the light and the dark within his art to reveal imagery which is at once strangely unique, distantly familiar and always soaked with an earnestly fantastic aesthetic.He has developed a devoted following creating seminal record covers and screenprint posters for a wide variety of bands including rock and metal legends such as Earth, Sunn O))), Sleep, Howlin' Rain, High on Fire, The Black Crowes, Kvelertak, Cathedral, Astra, Earthless, Queens of the Stone Age, and Windhand among many others.