Everyone should 'Krave' Art

Professional Biography
Daniel Aaron Fila, 27, holds a B.F.A from Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio and a Masters in Street Art from the School of Hard Knocks. He has lived and worked in the Miami area for more than ten years. A graffiti and street artist with a particular interest in murals, Fila has also worked on projects for corporate entities including MTV, The Discovery Channel, Sprite, and Greyhound. In 2003, Fila gained notoriety for his provocative 2003 "Erin" mural, a 13-foot, posterior-view nude (an homage to the South Florida chica) that graced the east wall of Oppenheim Architecture and Design in the heart of Miami.

When I first met Krave he was in Chicago painting live with Funk Master Flex for an And 1 event with Grey Hound at the United Center. His style was classic. He was painting a scene of men playing the blues. The subject matter was very appropriate for a guest to the Windy City. He had no eisel and was crouched down close to the ground. I thought he was very uncomfortable, but the piece was smooth. I could tell he was a serious artist by the way he blended the colours and strayed from the typical exagerations and shortcuts many of his contemporary artists would have sufficed for. He did not appear to be content with the finished product although people gathered occaisionally to 'ooh and ahh'. The most cultured people were drawn to his work. Judging from the style he was producing I would have no idea he was a graph inspired artist. His range is wider than most would think. He holds technical skill as a classically trained artist. Funk Master Flex and company continued to give him props and direct more people to the art, but it seemed almost out of place in that environment. Almost...As he toiled under the sun. He was very humble and was open to comment, critique and questions from everyone. His brow would furrow after every comment. He seemed too absorbed in the painting to enjoy the weather or even notice the events around him. He was still painting when I went to watch the game.

We met briefly and exchanged names, remarking on how we both chose the same 'tag' and decided to link later on in Wicker Park where he began to explore Chicago looking for a wall to get on. Krave has a strong opinion of street art, music and culture. He is passionate about his craft and he works very hard. I tried to show Krave some of the highlights of Chicago. He took it all in like a pro. He got up right away without flinching. When I got to Miami he and his girlfriend introduced Estacio and I to a world of exclusive Miami artists that create the party life you see in videos. But at his studio (the Tree House) he is a work horse. He credits his girlfriend for managing his busy schedule. She was extremley organized and logistical. Her professional nature was all business in the studio. She didn't seem to let her hair down until she was off the clock and ready to party. This kind of relationship allowed him to focus on art and be 100% creative he later divulged. He showed Estacio Villa and I his latest work for Art Basel and then we collaborated on some projects outside. He even took us to a pennant. I began to notice Krave's work all over Miami. Besides street art he is immersed withcorporate projects that keep his bills paid. I soon realized this guy was a "monster". Krave's monkey is turning Miami into an urbane jungle. The monkey is his logo for a new line of clothing and generally precedes him everywhere he goes. He was recently featured on a pod for Current TV. So I had to ask him a couple questions before he gets too famous.


QJ- How much has your father influenced your style?

Krave: He hasn't really influenced my style, but needless to say, I wouldn't be an Artist if it wasn't because of him. And thats not just because he had me, or passed along good genes. It's because he believed in me, and in turn I believed in myself. He is the main reason I am an Artist today.

QJ-Is street art in Miami more dominant than other cities?

Krave: It is a less conservative city than say Boston or Chicago, but the movement is alive and well in all big cities that I know of. The word "dominance" to describe an Art scene turns me off really. I don't like thinking about any scene being better than the next. Some scenes are way more developed, and energetic. Miami Graffiti is thriving again like it hasn't since the mid 90's. We've got a good thing going. Since the advent of the internet, most writers get their influence via dope crews from other cities, but we def have something original down here. It's wild flavor, color and diversity down here. I personally try to embody that as an Artist. A majority of the residents here are Latin, so you can see the influence it has on the Graff and street Art. For example, latin folks are a very rhythmic bunch. If you look at pieces, you see that rhythm amidst the flow of letters.


QJ- What does Art Basel mean to you?

Krave: The Art business is alive and well. I still don't understand the gallery business, but Art Basel is putting us on the map. Most of the sales go to the non-local galleries that attend. It is def giving Miami a rep for the Arts. We need it. But most of the galleries and Artist's down here still live the hard knock life. I for one, invested a ton of money and time trying to cash in last year for Basel, and it didn't pan out. The show was a success, although I didn't see the money. Most of my peers share the same feelings about it. There is just too many other big acts that are exclusive to Basel. My paper still comes from private and commercial commissions. I'm not seeing that gallery money yet. My gallery success will likely happen out of Miami first. Miamian's don't have to look hard to find me. But if I showed in NYC for instance, it would be too brand new and rare for people not to appreciate the unequivocal quality.

QJ-When do you paint the most?

Krave: When I get knocked down. When life knocks me on my ass, and I have to fight for my due respect. I could say when I'm inspired, but what is more inspirational than that fire burning in your gut when you get backed into a wall?

QJ-Why a monkey?

Krave: Because they do less harm than people do to the planet.. ha' no.. The "Fresh Monkey" you speak of took a life of his own early on. It wasn't a conscious decision. It started as a joke, and just caught on.