Neighbor, Artist, musician, and more, Michael Stopher/2DES has been part of Coronado for a decade and has steadily been producing content. He has participated in Oak Street Alley Mural fest, the Hive’s Coronado neighborhood art show, and done other murals in the neighborhood, 3D augmented reality art, as well as live art and artwork.
He is always up for projects, so I hit him up with a few questions.
Was it art or music 1st for you? And how did u get into doing both?
Art came first; when I was 11 I remember my cousin’s boyfriend would airbrush amazing low rider art on fabrics. He was kind enough to give me an airbrush and teach me. As time went by I was introduced to many mediums, forms of art and cultures that have shaped my current style. In the early 2000’s there was an explosion of refreshing unique music producers and genres that compelled me to buy a sampler and drum machine .I would say I just play with music like a child. It’s good to have an outlet you don’t take too serious and have fun with for mental health.
You cool with any medium? Which do u prefer? Anything u avoid?
I use Acrylics, aerosol, airbrush, clay and digital but I prefer Oil paints because of the rich pigment and zen experience I get while using it.
Where do u draw influence from?
I love to look deep into nature for inspiration. Primarily tree trunks and driftwood patterns. I am inspired by fantasy films, Victorian designs and gothic aesthetic. Any art that leaves me awestruck and shifts my sate of being inspires me.
I feel like u have a unique style.. the folds, the symmetry, the movement… how do u describe it?
It’s a unique style that evolved from a love of graff letters, wood patterns and Biomechanical art. Flow is important to me and the style has a balance of receptive healing flow and protruding sharp protective shapes.
Is it gods or priests or saints that u paint?
Great question. They are meant to be universal healing spiritual characters that anyone from any spiritual practice can resonate with.
What is it about birds that draws u to paint them?
I feel they symbolize freedom and I view sparrow s as humble sacred creatures.
“I have survived a rough dark past and definitely want to help people out with mental health issues. I aim to work with Cites on getting beautiful powerful images out to spread awareness and help those who are suffering mentally.“
Michael Stopher
Some of your people are faceless, why is that?
To counteract the bombardment of shallow selfie culture. It is a suggestion to look beyond the face and into the heart and beauty of the mind.
Whats your take on augmented reality art and what can be done with it?
It’s a great outlet that allows artist to fully engulf the viewer in a world or dream like never before.
What do you value in our (The Coronado) neighborhood?
I value the people that take initiative to create community events that showcase creativity and include all cultures. Open minded neighbors that allow colorful murals on their fences. The acceptance of those with a will to be weird. I feel we have a great supportive community that really shows big love in many ways.
Any future goals or projects you are working on?
I have a goal to paint more local murals and eventually hit the states and world. I have survived a rough dark past and definitely want to help people out with mental health issues. I aim to work with Cites on getting beautiful powerful images out to spread awareness and help those who are suffering mentally. I also have a project in line to take photos of struggling food vendors and paint them like powerful queens and then give them a generous portion of print sales.
I am most active with art on Instagram as 2des and can be found on FB as Michael Stopher
