By Monica Morones
Graffiti artist, body painter, and muralist David Medina also known as LIFE, has been making a name for himself all over the valley with his steady work flow and hustle mentality. The 26 year old artist was born in Brawley, California but raised here in the Coachella Valley. Booked for months with commissions and drawing constantly on the daily, Medina shows true dedication to his craft and is a good example that hard work pays off!
MM: What would you describe as your style?
DM: If I had to describe my style, I would say it’s somewhat wild style at times. I try to be clean as possible and have structure and balance in my style. I always like to be different and twist things around, flip words and make them read both ways. Like my good friend MESRO said, “Always have tricks up your sleeve.” I always keep that in mind when I paint.
MM: You go by the name LIFE- how and why did you come up with that name?
DM: I go by LIFE which is Living In Freedom Everyday. I remember having a session in my room hitting up a book and thinking of a new name for myself, one that I would keep and write for a long time. Graffiti is my life. I love art and I knew this was going to be part of me forever. It was simple. That’s when I knew I had to go by LIFE.
MM: How did it all begin?
DM: Well I remember years back when I started, my cousin got me into drawing letters. I remember seeing him drawing and tagging gangster letters and seeing his art on his binder. I immediately got hooked and wanted to learn. I started drawing letters from magazines not knowing graffiti was graffiti. I was just a kid drawing letters. That’s when I got more into doing my own and adding designs next to my letters, making them curve and ending the corners in smooth turns, adding shades and using color. I want to say I started around 8th grade and never looked back.
MM: Out of everything you do: Graffiti, Murals, body painting, airbrush, which do you like the best?
DM: I would say my favorite would have to be graffiti; doing letters on any kind of surface. Mostly walls because I love working with aerosol and the spray paint smell. Being able to see your work on a bigger scale is amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I love painting on models/girls and how sexy the graffiti art looks on the female body, but doing graffiti is my first choice.
MM: Where have you shown your work?
DM: My work has been in a few art galleries. I’ve been at events here locally showcasing my canvases and doing live body art, also in Moreno Valley, Banning, Los Angeles, and the DUB show in Anaheim doing body art.
MM: What do you think of the art scene in the Coachella Valley?
DM: I think the art in the valley should be exposed more. The valley has talented artists that deserve to be known and have the freedom of painting more walls. The Coachella Valley needs more art, more murals and colors. Why have blank walls when you can make someone smile with beautiful art? The art scene can be bigger, with more opportunities to paint. I do feel there is support but then again it also feels as if there is no support from others who only want to see you fail. That’s where I show them wrong.
MM: Do you find that being a graffiti artist in an area where it is looked down upon limits your creativity?
DM: I don’t feel it limits my creativity being looked down upon. If you let it happen then it will limit your creativity. As an artist it is important to express yourself and have an open mind to expand your creativity. Being a graffiti artist is amazing and I enjoy it every day. People will always judge no matter what. I let my art speak for itself.
MM: What artists have influenced you and your work?
DM: There are many artists who have influenced me and still influence me today to become a better artist. Most are friends of mine who are artists I’ve collaborated with and artist who I have met throughout the years such as Mesro, Qwest, Dekm, Chris V., Magoo, and my cousin Sancho Tattoos. These artists have helped me to keep pushing, go bigger, never stop the art movement, and to always keep hustling.
MM: You started a clothing brand back in 2009 called KGR which then turned into something greater. What is KGR?
DM: KGR- Keeping Graffiti Real. KGR, the movement. My Team. A group of artist who love to paint and stay humble, and support each other through art and life. A movement to push. I want to bring more events and contests from KGR, for other artists to get involved and keep making art.
MM: What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
DM: My ultimate goal is to be well established as a graffiti artist. To have my own business and provide the KGR clothing brand. I also want to keep teaching young kids the art of graffiti. I can say some of my future goals are becoming a reality to me and that is to travel and paint and be self-employed as an artist.
MM: Where can we see more of your work?
DM: You can see my work and be part of the kgrcontests on Instagram, LIFEKGR and follow my life as I paint! I am currently working on my website where I will be selling custom art, clothing, and bookings for events. Stay Tuned!
