Hewg ◆ Irl

The artist who tags their works Hewg ◆ Irl is an American interested in many forms of expression with inspirations from nature, urban art, functional design and cartography. Hewg ◆ Irl has a mild-mannered alter-ego named Mike Ewing, but that's not really important. They describe the driving force of their art as abstracted representationalism… sometimes illustration… also absurd juxtaposition. Usually, the form is recognizable, often iconic. The surrounding chaos, color and pattern may (or may not) be held-together by the iconic shape. Sometimes tongue-in-cheek or even silly, Hewg ◆ Irl believes the finished product should provoke a smile, or a thought, maybe both; but, it shouldn’t take itself too seriously. With regular inclusions of the absurd, their work is funny in an unexpected and distracted way. Toasters, ‘nuff said. Robots are a favorite model for the artist.

Hewg ◆ Irl and their work are inspired by thousands of un-named writers and urban artists as well as those better known names in contemporary art and design. Basquiat, Barbara Kruger, Shepard Fairey and Mel Buchner are just a few of hundreds worth naming. Hewg ◆ Irl and their work vacillate between abstract all the way to functional design and illustration. Typically, but not always, the form drives the output; Hewg ◆ Irl takes inspiration from the shape and texture of whatever canvas will receive the work. During the process, an idea may be sparked from the canvas, and yet still undergo study and iteration to shape the end. Hewg ◆ Irl typically, although not exclusively, uses spray paint (modified alkyd) and acrylic paint on re-purposed or up-cycled canvases and hardboard. Adding color to the canvas is only part of the process. Hewg ◆ Irl enjoys the planning, drafting, stencil & plate making as those are the steps that lead to a satisfying composition.

“I believe everyone can create, and every home should include original art. The thing that gives art value is the feeling it creates inside you when you see it – that feeling can be priceless – every home should include that feeling.”

“Art is super individual. In all its forms art is unique, valuable and beautiful. What speaks to me, may not speak to you. That’s okay; in fact that is pretty amazing.”

“My work is fun, playful and accessible. When I’m working, I like to think of a finished piece hanging in a child’s nursery inspiring them to create themselves as they say, “I could do that...”

 

 

 

Rad Robot Records

Rad Robot Records is the production entity that exclusively produces Hewg ◆ Irl's frameable originals.  Rad Robot is committed to the highest quality original reproductions. Each piece created by Rad Robot Records is an original in it's own right. Even if there are multiple copies of the piece out in the world, each is unique. Using the highest quality materials and processes you can expect a frameable production original will be a piece of art you'll be proud to frame and hang in your home. 

 

 

Cranksy

With a healthy hat-tip to Banksy, Cranksy pieces by Hewg ◆ Irl are, well cranky. These pieces have a point of view, a bit of humor and perhaps a raised finger with the shout "...you kids get off my lawn."  Generally in the style of the fast-paced urban artwork that Banksy delivers around the world, Cranksy pieces are unique and original even as they are highly influenced.