#FEMONEOTC

[wait-what-no-way]

Interview with FEM ONE

FEM ONE is a sticker and graffiti artist born in San Francisco. She began her art career in 1986, putting in 31 years of work and counting. 

Where did the name FEM ONE come from?

I was given the name (like ol' school rules, how you supposed to get your name). Not like new schoolers that just pick a name, don't do their homework, and somebody else have that name for hella years #notcoolyoulooklikeatoy. Or when some fool claims "King" or "Queen" but hasn't earned it. My buddies Erase and Flyte gave me that name and I've been using it ever since. 

 What inspired you to perfect the female form?

I learned figure drawing from my fashion illustration teacher at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). He actually wrote the book we used for class he was super talented, but he was a fucking drunk. After role he would go to the office and sneak a drink and I would yell profanities and heckle passerby's on Powell street, (good times). 

What artists have inspired your work in the beginning of your career?

Vaughn Bode was inspirational to me. I used to read Cheech Wizard as a child and always admired his style. I am now the proud carrier of a collaboration character tattoo that his son Mark did on my arm. I am also doing art shows with Mark in San Francisco. 

You've done a lot of famous characters re-created in your own feminine form. What was your favorite one?

My favorite character changes all the time. My main character is the "Pussycat", but really all my characters are her. Right now my favorite is the anime Full Metal Alchemist Elric brothers as sisters. 

How often do you paint your characters? Or do you prefer working with stickers and canvases?

I don't paint as much as I want or should 1-5 times a month. But stickers and or canvases I work on every single day. 

What artists and writers have you had the opportunity to meet? I know the west coast breeds a lot of insane talent.

I have met so many artists and writers from all over the world I wouldn't be able to name them all.

What's your favorite medium to use?

My favorite medium is a blank half sheet shipping label (like from Office Depot). I have to sketch out my drawing first and a must have is a kneaded eraser. 

When was the first time you ever got in trouble with the law for graffiti?

I never got busted for graffiti, but one time in Jr High I was suspended for blowing up the toilet in the boys room with a M80. I was suspended for three days! If some kid did that shit today, they’d go to juvi. 

What's your motivation to keep drawing?

I keep drawing because I have to. It keeps me busy. I'm forever trying to catch up with trades and draw new stickers that I will like well enough to print for trade packs. 

How often do you do collaborations with other artists/ writers?

I collaborate with other artists quite frequently. I actually really enjoy doing them. But no more than three. If you send me a shitload of collaborations - WTF I have a life too ain't got forever to do hella free drawings. I'll spend 2 hours plus per and you want to send me 15 !? Like I got 30 extra friggen hours!? Rant, rant, rant ... 

I saw on your Instagram you started to make the sculptures. What made you decide to start making those?

If it's artsy I’ll probably like it, maybe try it. I also explore other artistic mediums as well. I can sew, sculpt, do woodwork etc...

What crews are you down with and how did you meet them?

I write with OTC and 86ed crew. I got into those crews from just being around for so long in the graffiti and sticker game. Look up my old sticker in the book  "Graffito”. 

Thank you for this opportunity FEM!