Xavier Gayden is a KCMO illustrator making watercolor and digital artwork. Using bold shapes, patterns and color, Xavier’s work challenges the viewer to use their abstract mind. Gayden’s artwork is on display at the Antioch branch until August 21, 2022.
*
What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.
Most of the time it's the message. All of the pieces I will be presenting are from my graphic novel, from different character’s perspectives and days.
What stories do you like to tell with your pieces?
I like to tell whole life stories or whole day stories of someone's life or thought process.
What leads you to your color combinations/choices?
Honestly it comes down to how I feel and what I am trying to convey.
What is your dream project?
To finish my graphic novel. I've been working on it for 8 years now, and I think I am finally at a space where I can finish and display it.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
A slanted brush. I love them so much! And you can do so much with just one brush. I have done whole pieces with just the one brush.
What books, movies and/or music have inspired you recently?
I am mostly inspired by early 2000s pop music and cartoon shows like Hey Arnold!, Courage the Cowardly Dog and Class of 3000 just to name a few.
