Inspired by the vivid colors of the 90s/2000s; Acrylic painter Kendall Rucker, aka MeloYelo, uses a brush to tell his story and reckon with our ever changing society. He speaks on avoiding creative burnout and creating in the age of AI.
Jay: For many people, making art is a means of escape or manner of expressing your truest self. What does making art mean to you?
Ken: I'd say it's a way for me to get back to my creative and artistic roots. I went years without making art and in those years I noticed how unhappy I had gotten, so it means a lot to me when I'm in a high anxiety mindset. Making art is my peace.
Jay: Where does your artistic inspiration come from?
Ken: The major one is graffiti art! I love graffiti art and it should be treated as a more serious style of art! I'm also inspired by 90s and 2000s video games (Bust a Groove, Space Channel 5 and Jet Set Radio) along with the nightclub scene of the early 90s! Anything bold, colorful and graphic I gravitate to!
Jay: You have multiple pieces that ‘rage against the machine’ as it were. How do you see the role of art/artists in society? Additionally, are there any artists from the past that you feel are underappreciated for their role in shaping culture?
Ken: Art is unfortunately being attacked in such a strange way at this point in time with AI becoming more of a thing encroaching on everyday life, along with people's freedom of speech being targeted. It's important now more than ever to make art! Some of the most powerful pieces of art are political. I'd say Eartha Kitt is very underappreciated! Most people know her as Catwoman but when you look into her activism work and just her life in general, you will see how fascinating and underappreciated in pop culture she was!
Jay: You are also a DJ. What does DJing provide/fulfill that painting doesn’t, and vice versa?
Ken: The freedom to just dance and play music for other people that just wanna have a good time is a way to ‘let loose’ so to speak; while art is more of a calm, cozy or reflective relaxing time for me.
Jay: I believe your style of painting would translate very well to a mural. If you got the chance to paint a mural in any city in the world, where would you want to leave your mark?
Ken: I'd love to paint something in Shibuya in Tokyo! It's probably the only place that wouldn't find my art too colorful or cartoony lol!
Jay: Is there another medium you are interested in working in at some point or are you locked in with your current style?
Ken: I've been watching a lot of stop motion as of late. I'd love to try and do that. Maybe find a way to mix in my style and make something super unique and exciting!
Jay: When you were growing up, was there someone who played a significant role in helping you see and hone your talent?
Ken: My parents are and always have been my biggest fans. My first artist showcase was on the refrigerator when I was 3 so they saw the talent early!
Jay: Everyone who creates comes across moments of ‘writer’s block’. When that hits you, how do you get yourself out of it?
Ken: I'd love to say I power through it (which I do!) but even powering through has its speed bumps. When my art is in that ugly stage, sometimes pushing myself to keep working on it makes things worse but sometimes I have to just work on it little by little through the week so I don't end up hating it and going into burnout mode! Don't rush the process to get a pretty outcome.
Jay: Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created? If so, what does it mean to you?
Ken: My favorite at the moment is one called ANXIETY! I love the bright colors with the juxtaposition of fear and anxiety! Plus it's just a beautifully silly piece!
Jay: Do you have any specific goals you hope to achieve one day?
Ken: I’d love to travel the world and see what's beyond my area, there's so much inspiration out there!