Nicholas Danger works as an illustrator, muralist and graphic designer in SoCal. Danger finds it pleasurable to share his warmly psychedelic and whimsical characters and colorful tales with the audiences through interior, festival and street creations. The twisted utopian imaginations and the cheeky popular culture aesthetic of the west coast inspire Danger.
His visionary nostalgia style graces walls in many places of California, notably the façade of a rental business building in Idyllwild. The building sells original works of art and merchandise of local creatives. It is notable since the building is part of a confusing controversy where a small yet vocal set of natives have spoken up against those widely beloved artworks. A petition to preserve the murals in California continues to gain momentum as art supporters mobilize to save and celebrate those products. Read on for the excerpts of an interview that LA Weekly did with the artist.
Danger On When He First Realized That He Was An Artist
Danger received a sketchbook as his birthday present when he turned seven. He drew Ninja turtles, monsters and aliens in the sketchbook. He doodled in class all the time and had a high-school teacher who opened his eyes to pursuing a career in arts.
Danger On How He Briefly Describes His Work To People
As for Danger, his art is cute with a creepy edge.
Danger On What He Would Do If He Was Not An Artist
In that case, Danger stated that he would like to do something creative, like the work of a chef or photographer, or be some sort of scientist. Why? Because Danger finds photography and chef work as creative jobs. As a scientist, Danger feels that he would do research or explore.
Danger On Why He Attended Art School
Danger attended the school to study graphic design, largely because he regarded it as the best option for a job following education. School life gave Danger time to look into new mediums and techniques as well as access studios. Danger does not feel that it is possible to teach creativity, since it takes not just talent but also hours of practice and performing much bad stuff to start doing good work. He feels that the location of one’s school is important as well as that good things would come if they make a great effort and find their artistic voice.
Danger On When His First Show Was
The first show of Danger was back in 2005; since then, he has done many more shows.
Danger On The Time Of His Latest/Next Project Or Show
Danger has been working at a store in Idyllwild as well as has done some murals for it. However, Danger and his Idyllwild store strive to keep the murals in place. Danger has learned much about working with not just public art but also the community to help them.
Danger has been having a great time working with that small business location in Idyllwild and helping a vibrant American community. They have gotten amazing support, which Danger finds humbling and attributes to his work.
Danger On Which Artist He Would Like To Work With The Most
Keith Haring’s work has been an influence on what Danger does for a living in California. Danger described the American artist’s work as simple and bold ideas from a graffiti background.
Danger On Whether He Listens To Music When At Work
Danger stated that he listens to music at the time. It is usually soul and funk classics but changes according to what Danger works on and his mood at a given time.