This week's feature is Eli (37th Universe) he is of course a creative in the valley, but If I can recall I remember seeing his work through Disease Freak or Edwin Voyager? No, I think Eli actually messaged me. Either way looking through his work had me curious. Last time I looked through the site there was one T-Shirt at the moment, but when he pulls up to a pop up man whips out the entire inventory. I currently do own one of the 1 of 1 pieces which are rather interesting. You can see what he's experimenting comparing to the final designs he goes with. What wouldn't we be with out our experimentation. I really look forward to what he thinks of next or how he implements his work. This week's feature is Eli, @37thuniverse
Eli tell us what he's been working on/enjoying as of recently as he says "A lot of fabris, patterns and scenery. Screen printing of course, I’ve really just been enjoying the process and learning of my craft. Everyday is a learning experience and i love it." I wonder what the process behind a designing a screen print is and how it's done? I'm very curious. I've always wanted to done one even if it's just participating in like a screen printing workshop. That's how it is! Everyday we are expanding our craft and learning! He continues by mentioning a couple of shout outs "Shout out to my mom for not pushing me into a box when i was younger, shout out to my girlfriend Marissa, she’s just a big motivation and my biggest critic i trust her opinion and
words she really helps me figure stuff out. Shout out to all the creative homies that also gave me and still give me the motivation to go harder than ever before." Amen.
I ask Eli what exactly is "37th Universe" as he explains "37th Universe is me, it’s what goes on in my head. Its all my ideas and thoughts pushed out into the physical world. It’s a reflection of my inner self for others to see." It's our expression, we have to release it one way or another! There's many outlets for it and it's interesting. Interesting in a sense of how this is Eli's work, but as artists we don't know what happens to our product once it gets purchased. Gets put on walls, shared with others, worn, a tattoo. So when Eli says "it's a reflection of my inner self for others to see" so what does that have to say when someone wears your "reflection?" It's just something I was thinking of right now.
Now that we know what "37th Universe" is what can Eli tell us about the brand itself as he says "My brand to me is free will, passion, and just a beacon for any person that feels they can’t do something awesome. It’s my child in every way, I’ve been working on it for so long and it really feels like a newborn learning how to walk it’s so early so fresh." From starting to having a pop ups under his belt. To his ideas coming to life it is certainly growing! What's the next step his "child" will take? What direction does he plan on going, but there's plenty of time as he says "it's so early, so fresh."
How exactly does he get ideas for his designs or does he have a certain process behind his work as she shares with us "A lot of the time my art is really a 'in the moment' thing. I’ll be randomly scrolling through Instagram or sitting outside and it’ll hit me, a random burst of creativity and ideas. Once i get into that zone I can be working on an idea or concept for hours just trying out different colorways or patterns and putting old designs with new designs just a constant flow of new connections in these moments." Yes! Never forget the old designs that's for sure! You never know how it can tweaked. Just like Theadora, @teayaax who sent me picture of piece they did, but they didn't like it so they redid it all and there certainly was differences. I don't think there's anything wrong with that! It's your work y'know and hell go back and change it if you want.
When it comes to his work I was curious in his inspirations/influences as he says "Without a doubt my biggest influence is Tyler, The Creator, he is the foundation.
Recently however, you’ll caught me leaning more to early 2000,s Pharrell, Nigo. Their
influence and inspiration runs deeper than just my brand. I wouldn’t say i have a
inspiration for my brand right now the designs I'm making recently are so new to even me! I don’t even really know the direction I'm doing with it right now." For sure having your influences is good! Being able to put a twist into or making something that you can call your own as well is a step taken by Eli with 37th Universe. Early Nigo and Pharrell do go hard I won't lie. Keeping it new, Keeping it "fresh" as mentioned earlier.
With his work and his recent pop ups what has been Eli's feedback? "I’ve been blessed to have nothing but positive and supportive feedback. Since the
beginning of my brand back to highschool i’ve always just gotten insane love and
understanding from everyone and i’m super grateful." I do agree feeback is good whether it's good or constructive it's very helpful!
From screen printing what does Eli wish to experiment with as he says "FABRICS, FABRICS, FABRICS, PATTERNS, PATTERNS, PATTERNS. I’m really trying to get into the actual making of shirts and just clothing in general. Sewing is something i definitely want to be doing in the near future." We have our beginnings as Eli has his steps taken since High School and he has his direction on what he wishes to do next. Sewing? Like embroidery? That'd be pretty cool! It's something to look forward to for sure.
With Eli's recent drop and pieces dropped what does it mean? What does it mean for him as he explains "'Light, Speed, Ultra' is a state of mind. It’s when everything is going good and life is only moving forward. 'Light, Speed, Ultra' means progress, reacting your potential and prospering in life. 'Life After Death'” is simply rebirth in every form. Whither its a physical, mental, spiritual, rebirth just becoming something new. Recreating yourself by bringing yourself back with a new way of life, choosing life after death." He really has it down. Would he say that these two go hand in hand? From life and death? One to the other. Just what I see and in my perspective even if it's not that's just something cool to notice. He continues by mentioning upcoming drops/releases we can expect "Coming with a lot of accessories and more artwork rather than just graphic art designs. Really dipping my toes into more fabric design and patterns. A bandana is coming very soon ill let that be known."
Eli shares his final thoughts along with his thoughts on the valley scene,
I’m super new to the local scene to be honest, my homie Edwin really helped me get more involved and so far it’s really been nothing but love out here. I’ve gained so much support its beautiful.
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