CERN Interview
When you think of world famous artists – you think of wining and dining, fabulous gallery openings, etc. So when a mild mannered man wearing a T-Shirt and shorts walked in through the door, I was a little surprised. Friendly and engaging, he bounded up the stairs at Ferona, introducing himself as he went.
ME: “How did you get hooked up with Ferona?”
CERN: “So In 2012, I did a mural for the Wall Therapy Project here in Rochester. Raffa (The owner of Ferona) was supporting the project and so I got to meet him there. I got to visit the old Rio location and saw his commitment to art and he made a big impression on me, getting to see what his vision for artwork was. So when this mural project came up I was just like, yes, of course. I was really excited to get back here.”
ME: “Where are you from?”
CERN: “I’m from Queens. General NYC area.”
ME: “What’s your background?”
CERN: “Growing up in the late 80’s, early 90’s, graffiti was a big thing. So I did the lettering based kind of thing and as I got older I realized that graffiti had created a whole new style for me and that gradually changed itself into painting - any kind of painting-, sculpture, I play instruments and write lyrics… But the graffiti led me to be comfortable with creating large scale outdoor stuff.”
ME: “Have you had any formal Art Education.”
CERN: “No, not really. I was a late bloomer. I didn’t start to draw graffiti until I was about 18. So that my parents wouldn’t worry about where my life was headed, I did go get a Studio Art degree but I wouldnt credit that with influencing my art in any way.
To say that his art is impressive is a gross understatement. His styles are varied and each as enamoring as the next. He seems to take in a place. I mean REALLY take it in. The sights and sounds, the smells, the people and somehow memorialize it all on canvas, paper, wood and walls. It’s not a snapshot in time, it’s a movement. A flow that continues long after the artist is gone and continues from the art into how the art work is displayed, how it’s lit, etc.
So, if you haven’t stopped by Ferona, come see us and check out this massive work of art!
Ferona
2510 Rochester Rd
Suite 600
Canandaigua, New York 14424
In the same plaza as Tom Wahl’s, across from Mayflower’s.
Here is the massive mural with painting in progress. To see the end result come into Ferona, enjoy one of our signature cocktails and a view of our wall of art.