Interview with Don Rimx
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David “Don Rimx” Sepulveda was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Brooklyn as a young man to paint many of his architecturally inspired aerosol murals during the last decade. Inspired by the portraits of Rembrandt and paintings of Joaquin Sorolla as well as the work of Puerto Rican graphic artist Lorenzo Homar, Don Rimx is developing his own vocabulary of portraiture that often includes rough-hewn architectural elements like wooden supports, trussing, cables and limestone brick to form the contours and details of faces and features. Don Rimx’s unparalleled artistry has set him apart from the rest; a classically trained fine artist, graffiti purist, grand scale muralist and new school tattoo artist. No matter the medium, he’s guaranteed to continue doing what he loves for many years to come.
Hey Don Rimx, today you will talk with MoW about five of your artworks that were inspired by music. Can you start by telling MoW why you chose to create artworks inspired by music?
I’m from Puerto Rico, a country where music is everywhere. I have many friends who are musicians so have had the opportunity to be in their creative environment and that inspires me.
El Cuatro Puertorriqueño
Would you say there is a specific music that inspired your artworks?
El Cuatro Puertorriqueño - The Puerto Rican Cuatro is the national instrument of the country. It's a folkloric instrument that is used a lot in compositions of Christmas themes.
Estructura Musical – is inspired by Jazz music. To me, Jazz compositions require mastery in the skill of improvisation and of the instrument. Every time I experience a live Jazz ensemble, I am thoroughly impressed.
Larga Vida, Pirulo - This mural was created as a gift to my friend Pirulo, who I’ve been friends with for many years. He’s an inspiration to me. It fills me with such pride seeing the spirit, energy, dedication and love he has in making music for the people. Pirulo represents to the fullest!
El Tambor Mayor – A mural dedicated to Puerto Rican Bomba, a rhythm of Afro-Caribbean descent that has been preserved and passed from generation to generation. The Cepeda Family of Puerto Rico has managed much of Bombas preservation. In this mural I used the figure of Jesus Cepeda Brenes "El Tambor Mayor" a super talented and humble man, whom I had the opportunity to meet as a result of this piece. Just another confirmation that art has the power to unite energies and create inspiration.
La Rumba - Is inspired by a documentary I saw on Afro-Cuban music where they touched on Rumba in Cuba. Rumba was a manifestation that was marginalized and persecuted for being music produced by the slaves. They weren’t allowed to play drums in public. So they sought a way to make similar sounds, but with wooden drawers, such as bedside tables or fish crates. The documentary amongst other things inspired this piece that is located in Little Havana Miami.
Do you have a favorite piece between the ones presented today? If so, Why?
One of my favorite pieces is El Tambor Mayor because through it’s creation I had the opportunity to meet Don Jesus Cepeda Brenes, who for me is a very special person and an important cultural figure.
Do you have plans on creating new artworks inspired by music/musicians ?
Yes I have some ideas for creating a mural inspired by La Plena, which is another important rhythm of my country.
Can you tell Mow more about your techniques and how long does it takes you to make an artwork?
The technique I use is a mixture of acrylic paint and aerosol. The time it takes me to realize my creations varies by size of the mural. Normally it takes several 10-12 hour days.
Why is music important to you, in your life and in your art?
Music is very important to me, as it is the universal language that fills my spirit and stimulates my creativity.
Do you listen to music when you're working? What is the kind of music you would listen to?
Yes I definitely listen to music when I work. My music selection is vast and varies depending on my mood and what I’m creating.
What is the song you liked the most lately? What album ? What was the last gig you went to ?
“El Dificil Facil” by Ismael Rivera y Sus Cachimbos – De Colores Album “Que Nadie Me diga Na” by Pirulo y La Tribu – Calle Linda Album
Are you a musician ?
I’m not a musician, but do play a little percussion. Enough so that I think I can defend myself.
THANK YOU SO MUCH DON RIMX
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