Painter and driver-partner Randy tells us about the artists he looks up to, his start in music, and why he loves the LA landscape.

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally a LA native. I grew up in Minnesota, Mexico and several different LA cities.

When did you first get into art and creating?

I have always been into creating, art and even music. In high school I got into music production and making beats.

After high school I moved back to Los Angeles from and did photography but focused mainly on painting. I was around a lot of music, music producers.  

How did you end up focusing on painting?

I wanted to find something that I felt I had more of a connection with and more passionate about.  I always knew I loved creating something from nothing and felt most comfortable playing with brushes and mixing painting.

I slowly started drawing again. But it took time. I didn’t know how to mix the colors, work on canvas. I didn’t know what i was doing but I liked that I was doing something and it felt natural to me.

How did you eventually learn the skills you needed?

I never went to school or took any classes or anything.  All I had was other artists paintings to look at and practice everyday and even though it can get frustrating I always look back and realize wow I did that.  Im much further than I was in my abilities than when I started.

How would you describe your work?

I would say it’s abstract portraits.  I like to use colors to evoke emotions.  Based off of that, the painting will describe itself differently to each person.

I am inspired by artist like George Condo, Mark Rothko, Picasso I really like Barque and LA-based artist Retna.  Anything I feel not only catches my eye but that I feel a connection with color wise or trying to understand whats going on.

Why did you start driving with Uber?

When I realized I didn’t like a strict schedule.

The major thing is the flexibility. I can work in the morning, log off, and then have the whole afternoon to focus on art.

You also get to meet a lot of different people in different industries. You get people flying in out and you get to learn how they see the city compared to how I see the city myself. It’s different perspectives – musicians, lawyers, entertainment people, it’s a big world.

Better than sitting behind a desk and as an artist I need a lot of inspiration and freedom.

Why continue to create your art in LA?

It’s sunny you feel alive. I appreciate and love the palm trees. The cultures, colors, different cities. They all give you a different vibe. The local artist, It inspires me year round. Its home; it helps me create.  LA is so alive.

 

And see Randy’s work in the Uber X Society6 online collection.

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