Jimmy Bell says that his "world is constantly expanding" through his art-making, one layer at a time. See what he's created live at Angeleno Hotel on Friday, March 12th! 

How did you first get started as an artist?
My first experiences were from my mother who used to draw a lot, and my father who is covered in tattoos. When I got a little older, my mom stopped drawing for me and told me to do it myself. It wasn’t as harsh as it sounds.

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
Inspiration comes from other people who are also trying to make a living and a career out of their work. It let’s me know I’m not alone.  

How would you describe your work?
Subconscious mixed media.

What do you love most about what you do?
The thing that gets me the most is that everything I do is MINE. I’m not referencing from any images, or thinking about anything I’ve seen before. It all comes out one layer at a time. My “world” is constantly expanding. 

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art?
I definitely need music to work. I can’t sit in a quiet room and try to paint or draw. I’m into lots of types of music, but lately it’s been hip-hop. I get a new cd, play it for a month or two then I need to get something new to keep that creativity going.

From start to finish, explain your process; what does a typical art-making day look like for you? 
My pieces begin as either splattered color, or scribbled color. Once that layer is down, I begin to search for images. Once I see something I bring it out using a variety of techniques. The original layer is either completely covered, fully rendering each image, or partially covered, leaving behind some of the original markings. My day usually begins about 9 a.m. and ends at around 4 p.m. when my wife and son come home. After the boys down, it’s back to work until bedtime.

What sort of techniques do you most like working with?
Most of my work consists of layering. The paint is acrylic but used almost like watercolor. That way you can slowly build up your colors and also have them translucent to see the color underneath. 

Medium of choice?
Acrylic, pen, ink, markers.

Anything you hope your viewers will take away with them after seeing your work? 
I would definitely like for them to appreciate each piece, but more than that, know how each piece came about. I feel that the way I work is something that anyone can do and should try to do. It’s a great starting point to figure out what they can or would like to do in regards to technique and process. It’s really a personal experience, and personal images have the opportunity to come out. Even if you don’t understand them yourself, maybe in time you will.

Are there any specific reoccurring themes or subjects that you deal with most in your work? 
I see a lot of figures, creatures, animals, in my work. Sometimes a theme emerges from a certain piece that permeates throughout. There are a lot of “giant-like” figures around smaller ones, which makes me think of hierarchy and different class systems. Maybe that’s something I’m trying to deal with personally that is coming out in my work.

Any previous exhibitions/collaborations that you are most proud of? 
I don’t know about most proud of, but I am definitely proud to be able to show in L.A. I’ve been showing the last two years in Santa Barbara and am glad to be able to show my work in another city. 

Favorite thing to do outside of making art?
Just being with family and friends. I know it sounds cheesy but it’s true. 

Why showcase at RAW?
This seems like a really cool way to network and meet other people who are trying to do exactly what I’m trying to. It’s obviously possible for people to do it alone, but it definitely helps to be surrounded by those like-minded people. 

Any current rising stars within the genre that you would recommend we look out for?
My buddy David Cooley is one. He only has a myspace right now but in due time, you will definitely see his work. You can check some out at myspace.com/dwcooley. Also, Edward Frausto. He’s just starting out and blows my mind. His site is edwardfrausto.com

View his RAW artist profile here.