Tic Top 5: Interview with Luke Cheuh

Welcome to Tic Top 5 where we ask an artist or specialist the hard hitting questions (not really they're actual quite easy). Todays artist is LA based Luke Chueh: Illustrator, Designer, Sculpter, Painter and Exhibitionist.

Starting out as a Graphic Designer but producing his own zine (E.X.P) it wasn't until Chueh moved to LA that his focus shifted to painting due to low job prospects. It was Cannibal Flower an underground artshow that his talents were recognised as an artist of individualistic quality.

"Employing minimal color schemes, simple animal characters, and a seemingly endless list of ill-fated situations, Chueh stylistically balances cute with brute, walking the fine line between comedy and tragedy." - Luke Chueh

His talent for painting his signature White Bear brought the attention to create the now famous front cover for Fall Out Boys "Folie à Deux". Now Chueh has had his Paintings, Drawing and even Vinyl Toys featured around the world.

Chueh's work is more than just paint on a canvas or sculpted pieces, they emote strong feelings (positive or negative) without warrant which is a rear quality in modern art. We know Luke Chueh is busy but grateful for taking the time to answer the Tic Top 5:

1. How did you start in the industry of creating & customizing?
   I started making toys in 2006. I guess my paintings simply lend them to becoming toys. I discovered toy customizing when the qeedrophonic book came out. It featured custom qee's (by Toy2R) from everyone like Frank Kozik to Shepard Fairey. I wanted to be a bad ass like these guys, so I started creating my own customs.
2. What was the first toy or item you customized or created?
   The first toy I ever customized was a qee.
3. What influences you?
   My influences come from everywhere. But I'd say my art is most influences by my life experiences and the work of my colleagues.
4. What are your weapons of choice?
   My weapon/medium of choice is acrylic paint. And I'd need a pencil too.
5. If you could collaborate with anyone (living or dead) who would it be?
   I don't really play well with others, so I can't say there is an artist I yearn to collaborate with. Maybe Yoshitomo Nara.

If you'd like to know more about the awesome Luke Chueh's body of work here's his links:
Website: Luke Chueh
Blog: IGNEUS GERO
Facebook: Official Page
Twitter: @lukechueh
Google +: Official Page

Who's next in the Tic Top 5 hot seat?