The Change - A Conversation With Ricardo Cavolo
What are you hoping to leave as a legacy with your art?
I’m not sure yet. It’s too soon. One of my goals is to talk about social movements and I want to do it in my own way, with my own language.
White tees and denim overalls seem to be your go-to look - are you more of a laid-back guy when it comes to your style? Who inspires you in the fashion industry?
I love pieces that are good for work and for everyday life as well; overalls are the best for that. Working clothes age so well. I love Raf Simons work, it’s pure art.
Can you point out a moment or project that felt particularly surreal?
The first big project I did was for Cirque du Soleil, when my level of work was really low. That was a huge first step for me. I still don’t think that I made it yet. I’ve been working as an artist for the last 10 years, but this is just the beginning... I have big aspirations!
Why do you think your art resonates with GenX and millennials so much, do you feel a generational disparity when you meet some of your supporters?
Since the very beginning, my work has connected very well with young people. It makes me really really happy. Having that connection with young people means having a relationship with the people who will change the world; that’s one of the most precious things.
What’s the first step in your creative process whenever you undertake a new project? Does the canvas affect how you view the task at hand?
Before I start with a pencil or brush, I need to have at least 80% of the artwork in mind. But, during the process I let myself improvise.That’s all. Being able to preview the final artwork is the important part of the process for me.
This is your second collaboration with Atelier New Regime, how did the first contact come about? What was interesting to you from the outside looking in?
I go to Montreal often, and from the very first time I heard about New Regime, I fell in love with their spirit and work. They put in a lot of time in building connections with young people and the streets, something that’s really important to me. It was truly an honor to work with them on the first collaboration, and now, with this second one, it’s like a dream come true, they are like family to me.
You’ve had the opportunity to travel the world thanks to your art… is there a particular city that has inspired you in a surprising way?
Eastern Europe has always been so inspiring. Mexico is like a like a volcano full of ideas. Lately, the Middle East is one of my main sources of inspiration.
You’ve often said that you hate being bored - do you have any creative outlets other than painting, that keeps your mind busy and creative?
Watching movies and reading books are a huge inspiration, but most importantly travelling.
We’ve had the chance to admire your mural on Saint-Laurent Blvd. for the past few months now, can you talk us through the story behind this specific piece?
I know Montreal and its weather, so I wanted to create a sort of goddess bringing the sun with her bare hands closer to the ground for the people in Montreal. I love this city, its people and the lovely family of friends I have made here.I wanted to give everyone a present with this mural.
Do you keep a journal?
No, I’m too lazy for something like that.
What does this collaboration, which revolves around the idea of change, mean to you?
The Change is a way of doing everyday things, that little by little are gonna change our society, as a social movement to improve how we live and get a fairer society for everybody. It’s about letting the most natural version of ourselves come out, the animal inside of us if you will. That’s why this collaboration is based on animals.
Does change scare you or excite you?
It fucking excites me! We need The Change!
The Change is a way of doing everyday things, that little by little are gonna change our society
What does this collaboration, which revolves around the idea of change, mean to you?
The Change is a way of doing everyday things, that little by little are gonna change our society, as a social movement to improve how we live and get a fairer society for everybody. It’s about letting the most natural version of ourselves come out, the animal inside of us if you will. That’s why this collaboration is based on animals.
Congratulations on your new baby! That’s super exciting, but also a huge change, how do you anticipate this to change you as an artist?
I try not to change my life. He is the newest one in the family, so he will have to go with flow and enjoy it! lol
How do you deal with criticism or rejection? As an artist I’m guessing you have quite the thick skin when it comes to dealing with the public’s reaction...
I must say that 99% of the feedback is positive. When I do receive negative feedback, I try to learn something from it. I truly believe in my work, so I try to turn those negative comments into something positive.
WE NEED THE CHANGE!
