D’STASSI ART PRESENTS: RUGMAN
AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE AN EXCLUSIVE EDITION RUN PLUS AN ORIGINAL AND SCULPTURES
Born and raised in Glasgow, Anthony McEwan (a.k.a. Rugman) moved to London in 1996 to study at Chelsea Art College and stayed, making London his home. A graphic artist by trade his early roots are in the commercial art world and fashion industry.
While working and travelling to make a living, he has been either locked away in his studio in Hackney Wick painting his pop-style canvases or papering and stencilling the streets of East London.
Rugman's art has been exhibited internationally with numerous solo shows including Saatchi Gallery’s “Sister, Mother” and ground-breaking group exhibitions like The Cans Festival 1 and 2, organised by Banksy and Pictures on Walls, alongside the world’s leading street artists.
His designs and art are championed by actor and producer Tom Hardy, worn and collected by comedian and writer Tim Minchin, actors Eva Green, Tom Davis, and Stephen Graham, and musicians Maverick Sabre, Mikill Pane, Ben Drew (a.k.a. Plan B), Joey Bada$$, Howlett of The Prodigy, Travis Barker of Blink 182, and Grant Nicholas of FEEDER.
In 2018, Anthony founded the ACE Club London artist’s collective https://www.aceclub.art, an exciting ongoing project including live events organised and produced by the artists themselves, bringing together an eclectic mix of still art, sculpture, fashion, live performance art, the spoken word, and live music from solo artists, groups and DJ’s.
Rugmans limited edition run and sculptures are available to purchase via https://www.dstassiart.com/artists/40-anthony-rugman-mcewan/overview
and via instagram https://www.instagram.com/dstassiart/ "
Full Q&A
At what point did you know that art was your path?
I started drawing from a really young age - at age 5 or 6, I was already creating lots! At around 9 or 10 years old I realised I might be able to make a career of it when my older brother introduced me to skateboarding - he took me to a skate shop in Glasgow above Virgin Mega Store on the top floor. I remember getting there and being blown away by the wall of skate decks in all their neon 80’s glory and thinking I want to do art like that.
How has your work evolved throughout your career?
I think it's always had a common thread of the black line being the most important part. This definitely comes from my love of tattoo art and punk 'zines of the 70’s and 80’s. The black line always holds everything together. The evolution of my work is still happening but the style is very clear and strong. I think now I’ve moved into a larger studio, I'll be working on larger pieces next year.
Could you tell us about your process, and why your work feels so unique?
My process has always remained the same where I will always start with the idea and then sketches. The ideas tend to be things I’ve scribbled in note pads through the years and keep for when the time is right. Always start with pencil and pens and then move onto the computer to colour and collage pieces. This process is mainly for my prints. When I am painting a canvas it will again start with sketches but will be blown up and transferred so I can hand-cut my stencils.
Who are your biggest influences, art-wise?
There are many artists who have influenced me through the years and I would say historically people like Michael-Craig Martin and Patrick Caulfield for their use of the black line. Also Peter Blake, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring when it comes to reproduction and popular culture. There are also many of my contemporary artists I admire a lot especially David Bray and Schoony whose work is outstanding and I am also proud and lucky to call them both pals too.
How has biker culture influenced you?
I would say it’s what comes with the culture and what ties it in with other cultures too such as skateboarding and surfing, for me it’s tattoo culture which encapsulates this and many many more sub-cultures. I love the symbolism that ties it all in. And in this case the biker helmet is such an awesome canvas to work on.
Are there any other cultural influences that have informed your process?
To name a few:
Tattoo Culture
Biker Culture
Skateboarding Culture
Surf Culture
Punk Culture
Hip Hop Culture
Pop Culture
Pop Art
Graffiti Art
Comics
Film - I watch at least one film a day!
What drew you to working with D'Stassi Art?
Good people willing to take a chance and look at different ways of showcasing a new artist and their work.
What helps you stay creative?
Looking back at my ideas book and at my massive massive collection of books and magazines. Constantly feeding my creative mind - especially my busy mind, as I reckon I have undiagnosed ADHD so I am constantly mentally wandering around, with thousands of ideas at once.
Good people willing to take a chance and look at different ways of showcasing a new artist and their work.
