Lefty Out There, a dynamic force in the contemporary art scene, has captivated audiences worldwide with his vibrant and thought-provoking creations. From his roots in Chicago's bustling street art scene to his international exhibitions, Lefty's journey is a testament to the transformative power of artistic expression.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Lefty Out There's artistic evolution, exploring the influences of his upbringing in Chicago and the challenges that have shaped his approach to art and life. From his dedication to environmental conservation to his innovative collaborations with top musicians and corporations, Lefty shares insights into his creative process and the significance behind his iconic reef-themed installation at Burning Man 2024.

Read our interview with Lefty below as we unravel the story behind his journey, his unique approach to art, and what lies ahead for the visionary artist.

Your journey into the world of art is quite fascinating, hailing from Chicago's street art scene to now exhibiting internationally. How do you think your upbringing in Chicago has influenced your artistic style and identity?

Growing up in Chicago has deeply influenced my artistic journey and identity. Coming from a first-generation American family, I learned the value of hard work and dedication early on. This upbringing instilled in me the belief that success comes from putting in the time and effort to hone your craft. Chicago's vibrant creative scene, combined with its "Hustle Harder" mentality, has played a significant role in shaping my work ethic and artistic style. The city's rich culture of street art and graffiti, particularly during the 2010-2018 period, provided a fertile ground for experimentation and collaboration. Being part of this scene pushed me to create larger and more intricate pieces, while also fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow artists. Additionally, having access to marketing and advertising agencies in Chicago has allowed me to showcase my work on a global scale, leading to exciting brand collaborations and opportunities to expand my audience. Overall, Chicago's diverse creative community has been instrumental in shaping who I am as an artist today.

Along the way, what have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced, and how have they shaped your approach to art and life?

Throughout my journey, I've encountered several significant challenges that have profoundly influenced my approach to art and life. Sacrificing time with friends and family has been one of the toughest aspects, as the demanding nature of being an artist often requires long days and late nights in the studio. However, these solitary moments have also been some of the most transformative, allowing me to immerse myself fully in my creative process and push the boundaries of my work. Embracing the entrepreneurial path comes with its own set of challenges, requiring constant dedication and a willingness to continually push forward. My mantra of "chasing perfection" drives me to constantly seek improvement and evolution in my art, pushing me to one-up myself with each new project.

Your dedication to environmental conservation is commendable. How do you incorporate sustainability into your artwork, and what message do you hope to convey through your reef-themed installation at Burning Man 2024?

My commitment to environmental conservation is deeply ingrained in my artistic practice, and I strive to incorporate sustainability into my artwork whenever possible. Drawing inspiration from the "Leave No Trace" principle of Burning Man, my reef-themed installation utilizes upcycled materials sourced from my everyday studio practice, transforming scraps and unrecyclable materials into an environmentally conscious artwork. Through this installation, I aim to spark conversations on responsible environmental practices and highlight the dire consequences of heedless destruction in waterways. Rooted in my deep concern for the ocean, this piece serves as a poignant call to action, urging viewers to commit to living in harmonious coexistence with nature and take proactive steps towards reef sustainability. This project marks a shift towards purpose-driven art, allowing me to engage with the community and highlight a global issue that is dear to my heart. 

Your recent exhibition, "Tempus," explores the concept of time through intricate shapes and colors. How do you navigate the complexities of time and dimensionality in your artwork?

In my recent exhibition, "Tempus," I wanted to explore the intricate relationship between time and dimensionality within my artwork. I view dimension as a product of time, where growth represents the passage of time and aging. One of my signature series, Texere, explores the concept of impossible dimensions, where layers of the painting are interwoven to create a visually captivating and complex reality. Often referred to as wall sculptures, my artworks incorporate 3D elements that blur the lines between physical dimensionality and visual perception, inviting viewers to explore the depths of time and space within each piece.

You have collaborated with everyone from top musicians such as Megan Thee Stallion & Bad Bunny to large corporations such as the Chicago Bulls & Porsche. Which collaboration or project is your favorite to date? 

It's challenging to pick just one, but collaborating with the Chicago Bulls holds a special place in my heart, especially growing up during the Michael Jordan era. Many Chicago artists, including myself, drew inspiration from the iconic 90s Bulls. Another recent favorite is my collaboration with fellow Chicagoan John Summit. Although I'm not a VJ, creating content for his live performances has been awesome to be a part of. Seeing my artwork come to life in motion, synchronized with music, allows my patterns to evolve in ways I couldn't achieve on a canvas. It's a thrilling experience to have my work showcased to audiences worldwide, reaching tens of thousands of new people each week. Additionally, collaborations with venues like Chotto Matte in Toronto, Miami, London, and Doha have provided exciting opportunities to showcase my art on an international stage.

It's fascinating to see the array of artists whose work adorns your body, as well as your own work. How do these tattoos represent different aspects of your artistic journey and influences?

My collection of tattoos serves as a unique "scrapbook" of my artistic journey, evolving from physical art to tattoo art. Each tattoo represents a memento with personal significance, reflecting different aspects of my influences and experiences. Some pay homage to my favorite artists, like Felipe Pantone and Roy Lichtenstein, while others commemorate iconic symbols like the Chicago Bulls, albeit with a humorous twist. Baron von Fancy's "OOPS" script is a playful addition, reflecting a common phrase in my creative process. Additionally, tattoos featuring beloved characters like Hey! Arnold, SpongeBob, Scrooge McDuck from Ducktales, and Garfield the Cat add a nostalgic touch, capturing elements of my childhood and pop culture influences.

Can you share with us the significance behind reserving your right arm as a canvas for your own work?

Reserving my right arm as a canvas for my own work was a deliberate decision tied to a personal career milestone that I aimed to achieve. It took me a decade to reach this goal, so when I finally did, it was a deeply fulfilling moment. However, my arm isn't finished yet, leaving room for future evolution and adaptation as my journey continues.

 How does it feel to have other artists & creatives tattoo your polymorphs on themselves? 

It's humbling and incredibly gratifying to know that my art has made such a lasting impact on others. Being tattooed on someone's body is the ultimate form of appreciation and connection, and I feel deeply honored to be a permanent part of people's lives in this way.

What’s next for Lefty Out There?

I'm fully focused on the Burn, pouring my creative energy into making a splash at the event. Beyond that, I'm eager to elevate my mural work to new heights, staying true to my mission of "covering everything." And of course, whenever time allows, a much-needed vacation and quality time with my cat.