Interview with CKaweekS
/Photo by Jeff Tse
Ckaweeks is one part of the ingredients that make up this melting pot called Hawaii. His art depicts playful and sometimes humorous images influenced by day-to-day life. It is a mash up of life experiences from the past, present and future. His range of artistic mediums are as extensive as his list of hobbies. When he’s not out being creative and making sprays, you can find Ckaweeks on the jiu jitsu mats, cycling or out in the ocean playing in the surf.
During its recent trip to Hawaii for PoW! WoW! 2017, Music On Walls had the chance to meet Kawika "CKaweekS" Samson while he was working on his mural.
Hi Kawika, how was the experience of participating to PoW! WoW! ?
It's always good vibes. The best part is the people out and about supporting what you're doing. I love meeting and connecting with people like you, all the students that came by, other artists and the random passer by. I pull inspiration from everyone I meet and it adds to the overall experience. I appreciate getting invited to paint Pow! Wow! Hawaii.
Jasper, Kamea, Jeff and the crew do such a great job and I can't thank them enough for letting me take part in this event the last few years.
This mural is a collaboration with Melon 1991. Was it the first time you collaborated together?
Not the first time collaborating with him. Maybe the first time on a mural of this size outside of painting graffiti.
How was the collaboration experience?
Couldn’t be more stoked to have his help on this wall.
Did you guys work on the mural prior to the festival?
We were both still working during the week so we actually started the mural on Thursday. Some days were tough but we both got to work and we're stoked on the final outcome.
Could you tell us the name of this mural?
"Don't Stop The Rock!"
Can you tell MoW why you chose to create artwork inspired by music?
Music is a universal language that transcends our limitations to communicate. Hip Hop was driven by music and we were driven by Hip Hop.
Why is music important to you, in your life and in your art?
Hip Hop and the four elements was a big part of my life growing up. I've met a lot of my friends I have today through sharing our love for one of the elements. I met Melon through graffiti and him helping himself to my our food when we had no idea who he was. Haha. The rest is history. One of the rare homies that can put up with me for 3 days straight working on something like this. I am grateful to call him family. Chee!
Would you say there is a specific music that inspired your mural?
Hip Hop. The golden eras.
Do you often create artworks inspired by music?
Music definitely drives me to create. I have a very eclectic taste in music.
Do you have plans on creating new artworks inspired by music/musicians?
Definitely. Visual and Audio.
What was the music you listened to during the making of your mural?
Man, we listened to all kinds of stuff. Haha. Run The Jewels, Iron Maiden, Ooklah The Moc, Over Kill, Kendrik Lamar, Mike Love...
What is the song you liked the most lately?
"Fly Me To The Moon" by Frank Sinatra. Haha. I found my grandma Hazel's old vinyl collection and there was a "Best of Sinatra" album in there. I love starting my day with that record and "Fly Me To The Moon" is my favorite song to sing. Plus it's pretty dope to think she used to sit and listen to that same album.
What was the last gig you went to?
The last big show I went to was Iron Maiden in Vegas. So f**king stoked I got to see them live. It's a mission trying to see them when you live in the middle of the Pacific ocean. Well worth traveling 2000+ miles.
Are you a musician ?
Yes. I played percussion and was also the front man/lead singer for a reggae band called All Natro. You can listen to some of our old stuff on Spotify and I think iTunes still sells our album "Onward." The band has since parted ways, but those of us left on the island still get together to kanikapila or jam!
Ckaweeks' print of "Don't Stop The Rock" was released during the 5th Annual 1xRUN x POW! WOW! Hawaii Print Suite featuring the 2017 roster for POW! WOW! Hawaii!
Building on this unique partnership with the world’s premier mural festival, 1xRUN has released your print during their annual pop up exhibition at Lana Lane, POW! WOW! Hawaii’s central hub located in Kaka’ako.
You can still get a chance to get yours here
THANK YOU SO MUCH CKAWEEKS
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