Greg ‘CRAOLA’ Simkins was born in 1975 in Torrance California, just south of Los Angeles. He grew up with a menagerie of animals including a number of rabbits, which often emerge in his paintings. He began drawing at the early age of three and was inspired by various cartoons and books. Some standout books that still find their way into his art are Watership Down by Richard Adams, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster...
Website - gregsimkinsart.com
Instagram - @craola
I’ve been drawing and making art for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I became a graffiti artist and took on the nickname “CRAOLA” back in the early 90’s, that my imagination really took off. I was exposed to big bold colourful walls, new artistic ideas and friends who taught me the basics that have gotten me to where I am today.
My own studio work as a pop-surrealist, and the fantasy worlds that I create were highly influenced by the confidence I gained through painting large scale productions under pressure, out on the streets of Los Angeles. There came a point where I had to choose where I was going to focus the majority of my creative energy and time.
I chose whimsical worlds, and just like Narnia, Oz, Wonderland and others like them, I chose the opportunity to create worlds that I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid, where getting lost in a thought and tripping down rabbit holes into other lands has appealed to me so much in stories, I now had the opportunity to explore my own stories, by simply picking up a paint brush a paint brush. I call this world “The Outside” and I have been playing in this sandbox for nearly 2 decades.
2. When did you decide you wanted to be a painter/illustrator/artist?
I have been drawing forever but it wasn't until my freshman year in college (I entered college in hope of becoming a Veterinarian), that I saw being an artist as an opportunity to be grasped.
3. Is it a financially stable career?
Yes. There are many jobs for artists out there. Just take a drive down the street. Everything you see an artist has touched, from advertising to architecture, even the movies you watch, the video games you play and the clothes you wear, an artist has had their hands on in some professional way. My work serves as an escape for people and I believe that is what has drawn them to it for the past many years.
4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?
I've always loved and admired Norman Rockwell's style. Although mine is far different, there can be a lot learned from his technique. I also really love Dr. Seuss' abandonment of traditional perfection with his drawings for more of a whimsical journey.
5. Where do you get inspired from to create art?
I draw inspiration from the cartoons I grew up on, trips to museums and zoos I took with my parents, books and comic books I enjoyed as a kid, and skateboarding (the board graphics associated with it). I’m also inspired by the graffiti plastered on walls all over Los Angeles, the movies and fantasy art magazines I collected, as well as the many tattoo shops I spent so much time at.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?
Draw everyday, give yourself something new to learn with each painting and don't be afraid to get weird.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
My favourite novel is "Watership Down" by Richard Adams . My grandfather bought it for me for a road trip when I was 12 years old. It's the story of the underdog (“under-rabbits” in this case) who overcame their adverse situations, which has always stuck with me.
2. When did you decide you wanted to be a painter/illustrator/artist?
I have been drawing forever but it wasn't until my freshman year in college (I entered college in hope of becoming a Veterinarian), that I saw being an artist as an opportunity to be grasped.
3. Is it a financially stable career?
Yes. There are many jobs for artists out there. Just take a drive down the street. Everything you see an artist has touched, from advertising to architecture, even the movies you watch, the video games you play and the clothes you wear, an artist has had their hands on in some professional way. My work serves as an escape for people and I believe that is what has drawn them to it for the past many years.
4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?
I've always loved and admired Norman Rockwell's style. Although mine is far different, there can be a lot learned from his technique. I also really love Dr. Seuss' abandonment of traditional perfection with his drawings for more of a whimsical journey.
5. Where do you get inspired from to create art?
I draw inspiration from the cartoons I grew up on, trips to museums and zoos I took with my parents, books and comic books I enjoyed as a kid, and skateboarding (the board graphics associated with it). I’m also inspired by the graffiti plastered on walls all over Los Angeles, the movies and fantasy art magazines I collected, as well as the many tattoo shops I spent so much time at.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?
Draw everyday, give yourself something new to learn with each painting and don't be afraid to get weird.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
My favourite novel is "Watership Down" by Richard Adams . My grandfather bought it for me for a road trip when I was 12 years old. It's the story of the underdog (“under-rabbits” in this case) who overcame their adverse situations, which has always stuck with me.
My favourite series of novels has always been C.S. Lewis' the "Chronicles of Narnia" - the themes and characters were part of my childhood and I have always been inspired by these stories.
- Interviewed by - Sanjana Jain
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