I am 31 years old and I have been based in Los Angeles for the past two years. Before that I lived and worked in London.
When did you get into Art and what made you start?
I've always been into art from an early age but only really got into abstraction and street art around my late teens after I’d seen what was possible from the likes of Futura 2000.
How would you describe your style?
It’s pretty difficult to describe really but I would go for abstract, sketchy, fluid, and messy. Always messy.
Tell us about Primer and Zuro Stilo.
Primer was an old collective formed with some artist friends of mine around the East London scene. We set up our own exhibitions, events, and participated as a crew in other people’s events. It was an exciting time for us as there was a real community spirit in the east end with lots of collectives trying to include as many other people as possible. Primer eventually disbanded when one of the members moved to Japan and shortly afterwards I moved stateside for 6 months.
Zure Stilo was a two man collective between myself and Teo Skaffa the infamous Dutch artist. We've been friends for many years and decided to collab on some things. It never really got very far but was fun whilst it lasted.
Describe a normal day in the life of Nils Jawa.
My normal day is pretty busy. I am a partner in the graphic design agency Binary & The Brain (www.binaryandthebrain.com) so that’s my 9-5. I built the company with fellow partner Simon Dovar back in 2002 and have been slogging it out in the creative field ever since. Once I’ve done my days designing I’ll get onto my art. Trying out new techniques, painting for a show, or making new stickers. Outside of that I do a fair bit of drinking, some smoking, a bit of reading, some working on my car, and a lot of hanging out with my dog. Pretty busy day all in all.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I actually try to avoid artistic inspiration. Looking at other peoples works effects my own and I’d prefer it to develop without that outside influence. I get inspiration from daydreams, architecture, TV shows, books, shapes, animals... pretty much everything in day to day life.
Name three things you love and three you hate.
I love my closest friends, my dog, and my car. I hate self entitled people, getting lethargy, and Joe Pollard.
You get to pick any two celebrities for a cage style KO fight. Which two?
This isn’t something I’d given much thought to until now. Of the top of my head I’d go for Steven Segal against Hulk Hogan. Just to see.
Cheers for your time Nils Jawa, is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to plug my website www.uncommunicative.com
Nils’ limited edition artworks available to buy at PimpArtworks – Limited Edition Prints
