Bobby Hill (b. 1973), is the New York based visual artist whose career started as an illustrator. He began painting on canvas in 2008 after returning to the US from his first trip overseas,. His recent canvases combine ripped NYC billboard posters with elements of abstract expressionism, pop imagery and graffiti... to create what he calls “The Bhillboards Collection.”

Hi Bobby, today MoW selected 5 of your artworks inspired by music. Can you tell MoW why you chose those music artists ? What was the music behind the artworks ? What inspired you to create them ?

These artists are a combination of commissions, suggestions, artists I like and artists whom I felt would fit in with my work. With regards to the Tupac and Bob Marley pieces I would say that their entire discography inspired me. With the Ramones, the piece was inspired by the venue CBGB because I was a creating a collage centered around it.

Why is music important to you and your art?

Music serves different purposes at different times. From inspiration to passing the time easier in the studio.

If you had to choose between the artworks presented today, which of your artwork would be your favorite ? And why ?

The Bob Marley image is my favorite because it's the oldest of all the pieces I submitted. This screen was originally a Tshirt design, and I liked it so much I kept it.

Can you tell MoW more about the techniques you used. How old is your technique? How did it start? How long does it take you to make an artwork?

I call my technique handpainted screen printing. I combine both painting and screen printing to create the appearance of my prints. The first time I used this style was 2001/2002 and only made a few samples. I didn't start really using this particular style for art purposes until 2008 when I began to manufacture prints on a steady basis. The process is so multi-faceted, it takes months to get one 8x11 print to look ready to sell.

Do you have plans on creating new artworks inspired by music ?

I don't have any plans to or not to, I have to wait to be inspired.

Do you listen to music when you’re working ? If so, what kind of music ?

It depends, I use music for different things or I will have no music on at all. At different stages of my process or different media will call for different things. I play everything in here. from Hardstyle, Metal, Trance to Hip Hop to R&B/ Soul, the radio, podcasts, documentaries. It really doesn't matter.

What is the song you liked the most lately? The album ? What was the last gig you went to ?

I really think Hip Hop made a comeback this year, my favorite song most recently is "Cut Her Off" by K Camp ft. 2 Chainz and "Who Do You Love" by YG.