Whatyoutalkinboutwillis by James Charles

El Pais, one of the top daily newspapers in Spain, ran a great interview with artist James Charles where he delves into how his process developed and what led him to exhibit at Shooting Gallery:

American artist James Charles is able to turn a $5 bill into $1,750. Miracle? No, imagination. The boy has been kind enough to give some clues about this enviable feat; here’s a little lesson in alchemy.

1. Could you please tell me about the origins of the project? How did you come up with the idea?

The project started as kind of a joke; just to amuse myself and some friends. It was very basic at first, drawing mustaches, monster faces, and Kiss make-up on a few bills for kicks. After awhile, I began to refine my techniques. I started to keep them in scrapbook form. I was introduced to Justin Giarla, of The Shooting Gallery, who asked to show them. As they say, the rest is history.

2. What materials and techniques do you use?

I use mostly pen and ink. Also acrylic paint, and from time to time, spray paint and tattoo ink. I also use an airbrush from time to time. Very small pens and brushes. As tiny as I can find. I use a couple different kinds of magnifiers, and also calipers to take proper measurements.

3. What type of characters do you depict in your dollar note bills? Why do you choose them and not others?

I choose different subjects and characters for different reasons. Sometimes, my intent is to pay homage to an individual or something that I hold in high esteem; sometimes it’s to make a statement about someone or something that in some way, I may fundamentally disagree with. Subjects range from all levels of society; they include: fast food mascots, rock stars, movies, cult heroes and villains. Whatever the subject matter, I always try to employ a sense of humor into the work.

4. Is there a message behind the project?

Many messages; they vary from piece to piece. I usually rearrange the lettering along the bottom of the bill, to serve as a title. Whatever the title ends up being, is the message for that piece. A bit of commentary from my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor.

5. Do you have any other projects? Could you tell me more about them?

I’m presently working on many different projects; some involving currency; some not. I work in many different styles. It’s funny, because I have many paintings that I’ve been working on that are quite large; and at the same time, I’m continuing to work on all these myopically small pieces. I try to stay artistically limber and keep evolving. I do think though, that my work with currency has creatively helped get me to a point where I’m able to fuse a lot of different styles and influences together and push them into a unique cohesive body of work. I’m also planning on some sculptural work later this year based on ideas and imagery that have evolved from these money pieces.

James Charles dispenses bills priced between $700 and $1,750. Do you now believe in alchemy?

View the full article here and check out works by the artist from his recent solo exhibit, “333 Conspiracy.”