The Subject of Universal Conversation

Michael Jackson's soul on canvas

2009-06-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

Hey, regardless if the accusations brought upon MJ are true or not I still believe in celebrating a man for what he has done right. I find him to be more than majestic and a true inspiration. This painting is being auctioned away for practically nothing on ebay. Please check it out at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Megan Foxy is painted on a boxy

2009-06-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

Need I paint more? I mean c'mon, look at her... Even her name is sexy. I think I deserve a kiss on the cheek from her for painting this. See more of her here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Playboy once had a dream. Here she is...

2009-06-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Here is Marilyn Monroe peeled and curled for our virgin eyes. This painting is sick. I almost don't want to sell her. I know you little demons want to see her boobies up close so here is the link... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Cancer Sticks... to your lungs.

2009-06-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a pack of smokes you can hang on your wall... and they won't kill you. See it up close here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

MLK the Leader.

2009-06-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

I love this painting. I wrote part of his speech on his face because I want people to be reminded of what the man was made of. Read more here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Diabolik Italian Comic

2009-06-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

I picked this graphic novel up at a shop here in Italy... I cant read it but I liked the pictures. ;) So I painted my own version of him. See more here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

James Dean has an addiction

2009-06-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so James Dean must have been hanging out with Elvis and Marilyn. They all got tattoos on their faces and for some reason they picked up the habit of smoking. Go see why here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Elvis Presley with a Tattoo on his face?

2009-06-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

I love the way this painting turned out. Elvis got a tattoo on his face and lit up a cigarette. He doesnt care about anything. See more of him here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Marilyn Monroe with a Cigarette?

2009-06-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

Check out Marilyn Monroe with a smoke. What's with the line down the face? Find out more here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Enzo Ferrari by DILLON

2009-06-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here is the man behind the little red car. The little red car that goes from 0 to Mach 1 in .0921 of a second. More photos at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Mickey Mouse with money on his mind.

2009-06-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here is Mickey Mouse with something in his eyes. More photos at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx

Art Show in Pordenone, Italy

2009-06-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hello kids, yet another show on the warm streets of Pordenone, Ialty. This one will be very unique. I will be painting live to classical themed music with an array of food and wine to charm our spirits. All ages and no cover charge. Don't miss it.

Interview with DILLON by Bobby Humes

2009-06-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Bobby: I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Dillon last fall while working with an associate promoting an art contest. I saw this American dude talking to one of the artists and I walked over so that I could hear the conversation. I could tell this guy knew his art. "What up? I'm Bobby, I represent the artist and their work. Interested in art?", I asked ignorantly...

Months later, I was in Dillon's home studio. The guy is raw--everything he does is done exceptionally well with fluid-like effortlessness. Right off the bat we had a lot in common - both married to servicewomen, both expectant fathers, both passionate about our craft. Dillon is a mogul on the rise; his work speaks for itself, the demand and influence of his pop-iconic renderings are world renown. From Italy to his hometown of Las Vegas, Navada his international flavor is unlike anything you've ever seen. Down to earth - goal focused - Dillon is making waves in the art scene, and in between works he gave us time for an interview. Shout out to my boy Dillon: "The Subject of Universal Conversation."

Bobby: Finish this statement: "Art is.....

DILLON: Art is many things. Read on if you dare… Art is a shitty gate that leads to a frozen lake. Art is the light reflecting off a bald man’s head near a lemonade stand. Art is comparing chest hair after breakfast. Art is placing one of your rather large terds into the cat box and telling your girlfriend “Babe, I think the cat is sick”. (I’ve done this one)

On a serious note... Art is truly about the individual’s perception on experiences in life. It's basically the process of squeezing your brain like a sponge, letting the juices land all over the canvas for someone else to soak up… with their brain.

Bobby: What is "pop" art?

DILLON: Ok, everything I said about art earlier - place it all in a bucket and let it sit and ferment like wine. Now scrape the thick gunk off the top with a sharp object. You now have Pop Art. Pop Art is the crème of the crop, the sweet and sometimes sour stuff. It is put on a wall in front of your face and it demands recognition. It can be loud, persuasive, and sometimes repugnant but it is always entertaining. If Pop Art was one word I think it would be banana. Don’t ask me why.

Bobby: When you sit down to start a new work--what goes through your head?

DILLON: Before it ever gets to my head it cultivates from my heart. I promise I am not trying to be a sap. This goes with what I claim art to be (for me at least). The heart chooses the subject, the head then interprets the language and the hands deliver the message.

As far as an exact thought running through my mind just before a new work… I am usually thinking about how it will look when it is finished. How people will react to it. Sometimes I just daydream about how many ways to execute style or even what color would look best. And if I drank a Red Bull or a Cappuccino before hand… you better just stay out of the studio.

BOBBY: Who are your inspirations?

DILLON: I have many. I can probably name one for every letter in the alphabet. I believe the more inspirational beings you acquire the more receptive you are to obtaining knowledge. To name some randomly… Henry Ford for the quote, “If you think you can or you can’t, either way you are right”. Walt Disney for that “two-buttoned” mouse. – Joseph Merrick (Elephant Man) for the humility, rejection and isolation he endured within his lifetime. – Kurt Cobain for teaching me to play the guitar (not literally). – Martin Luther King Jr. for his unbiased speeches during an absolute biased world. – Enzo Ferrari for producing that bad-ass, little red car. – Charles Darwin for standing up for what he believes in. – Galileo for challenging the Church and the mental state of the 15th Century that the world revolved around the Sun. – And Jim Henson for the Muppet Babies. The list goes on but I’ll stop there. These people, among many others, inspire me to create.

Bobby: You've been winning art contest since you where a young boy, how did you get started?

DILLON: It all started with the push of a pencil. Most kids were playing four square or reading some weird ass book. I was lost in my doodles and sketches of random subjects (mostly comics). Sometimes I would draw the teacher making out with a student. I actually got caught drawing a “little guy” hanging from a clothes line (between two buildings) going to the “bathroom” on someone below. - That one was sent back home to my Dad with a “bad behavior” remark. I don’t remember him doing anything about it so it must have not been too bad. As I got older I stayed immature but I stopped drawing naked dudes.

Bobby: What is your favorite piece?

DILLON: Did I mention most artists are narcissistic? My favorite personal piece isn’t here yet. It’s on the way. It is a vinyl toy figure of thyself. (I know, how disgustingly beautiful right?) Anyway, it will have a respirator mask similar to the one I use when I paint. There will be about 4-5 variations at a quantity of about 250 each. There will also be a DIY (do-it-yourself) version that collectors will be able to custom paint. You can view the prototype here… http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyworx/3529664384/

Bobby: You've taken northern Italy by storm, been featured in TIME Magazine, and are receiving request from Galleries in the states to showcase your work--what's your next goal?

DILLON: How about the world’s largest self portrait by one sole artist? My goal is to have it completed by the end of the summer. It should be about 6,000 square feet and consist of many faces (I’m not completely vain on this one).

Bobby: The current economic crises are causing city and state governments to cut funding for art programs-what's your take on the subject?

DILLON: I have absolutely no knowledge on the subject of funding for art programs. Maybe I should know more but I have always been reluctant to ask for assistance. Probably out of fear of rejection. I am not at all saying anything negative about these fruitful programs. I am all for it. I just have never encountered the experience of help from an outside organization. I do however love giving back. I will be listing 100 Celebrity Nude Paintings. (Don’t let the title throw you off) To raise money for breast cancer I will be selling paintings of boobs. Yes, you heard me right. Each painting will be of a stellar boob named after a famous actress. They should start going up this month so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Bobby: Many of our readers love music-who do you listen to as you work?

DILLON: I listen to ALL music… and I mean no offense to anyone but you would probably never catch me listening to Country or Gospel. A song that has caught my ear recently that is now on rotation in the studio is a song called Welcome Home by Coheed and Cambria.

Bobby: Final question--do you see yourself doing more commercial work, maybe designing clothes?

DILLON: I definitely see myself designing gear somewhere in the near future. Who knows maybe I’ll let my daughter take the reigns on that one. She’s only 3 months old so lets give her a couple years first.

A wink and a nod to Bobby Humes for the chance to express.

DILLON BOY Vinyl Figure Prototype

2009-05-13T15:53:00.001-07:00

DILLON BOY Vinyl Figure Prototype, originally uploaded by DILLON™.

Upcoming Release on limited edition DILLON BOY soft vinyl toy figure! Scheduled for distribution late Summer 2009

Image is of prototype.

DILLON BOY will be unleashed to to the world in about 4-5 variations.

SUIT BOY (100)
BOXER BOY (200)
CLEAN BOY (250)
JEAN BOY (250)
DYI BOY (190)
GOLDEN BOY (10)

For more information please email me. If you would like to get your hands on one early or would like to sell them in your shop please contact me.

Also watch for him here... http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Hollyworx-Ultramodern-Art

Thanks for the props!

Elvis Presley by DILLON

2009-05-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

Elvis Presley by DILLON, originally uploaded by DILLON™.

Check out this painting of Elvis smoking a cigarette. I wanted to do something a little different with the colors on this one. I am actually very pleased with the outcome. Thanks for looking!

2009-05-12T04:07:00.000-07:00

DILLON sticker slapped on the famous Ponte Vecchio within the heart of Florence, Italy!

Interview with DILLON by Andrew Boni

2009-05-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Live Painting in Pordenone

2009-04-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Come check out the live painting show taking place in Pordenone, Italy on Friday, April 10. Same location as last time. For those just tuning in... directions are as follows. See you there!

Pop Art in Pordenone, Italy

2009-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
Coming up around the corner is an art show, live music and plenty of house wine! (or a cappucino if you prefer)... Come out and enjoy the music of the popular Italian band, "Cupido Motel" and gaze upon some new works. I will be showcasing about 8 new artworks. If you are recieving this back in the States, or any other location besides Italy, I can only grant you a "wish you were here" and keep you updated with lots of pictures. If you have any questions don't hesitate to hit me back.
See you there! http://www.hollyworx.com

Wicked video with Art by Shepard Fairey

2009-01-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

N.A.S.A. "Money" feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, & Z-Trip from Paul Griswold on Vimeo.

TIME Magazine with DILLON

2008-12-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

Hello all, Check out the TIME Magazine, "Person of the Year" December 29, 2008, issue.
I am proud to say my art has graced some of the pages within. Along side Shepard Fairey (a true inspiration) as well as other very talented artists.

A portrait painted with acrylic, spray paint, oil markers and plenty more. Titled "The Blue Knight" by DILLON

Check out the actual painting here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyworx/2948895869/in/set-72157610812898656/

I want to thank Noel Calingasan for providing the scanned image above. Also, thank you all for the kind remarks! If you get bored, go check out some paintings for sale... stores.ebay.com/Hollyworx-Ultramodern-Art

Old Article

2008-12-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

I found an old article about my wife and I living in Illinois. Hardly legible. It is actually floating around somewhere out there in cyberspace. I had some great shows in and around there.

Ultramodern Art by DILLON

2008-12-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

Artwork by DILLON - The Ultramodern Artist. Check out new work at http://www.hollyworx.com/

Artwork for sale at http://stores.ebay.com/Hollyworx-Ultramodern-Art

2008-11-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

Get ready for a great show! All new artwork! I will be having a book signing there too. Don't miss it!

Also, check out the sale on the last remaining batch of artwork. All original artwork at great prices. Only a couple days left. Check them out here http://stores.ebay.com/Hollyworx-Ultramodern-Art

2008-11-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

An additional art show coming up in Aviano, Italy. See you there! Here are directions...

New Artwork on Postcard

2008-11-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here is just a sneak peek at whats in store for the show.

Pop Art Show In Pordenone, Italy

2008-11-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

This show should be a lot of fun. Some interesting cats will be there. I always enjoy the poetry readings and "live mike" entertainment. If your in or around Italy - I will see you there!

Latest Interview with DILLON

2008-11-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

Latest Interview with DILLON (translated to English)
By French Art Director Jeff Roland

James Dillon Wright is one of those who thinks that destiny is ours to lead, and his painting expresses that precise feeling with great strength. In a flamboyant and striking style, he reinvents the art of portrait making. Dillon’s work is the best of what has been produced during the last 30 years. Through pop art, abstract, graphic design, this ultra gifted painter invents every time a little further. He spent most of his life in Las Vegas, but recently moved to Italy, where the influence of the Great masters has shown in his latest paintings. I am sure James Dillon Wright will surprise you through his inventiveness. Do not miss this great artist, you'd be sorry.

When and how did you start to draw or paint?
I believe my artistic talents derived from my ability to write cursive before I was even able to attend school. I have my stepmother to thank for that. I asked her to show me how to write due to seeing my brother go to school. Then I started drawing comics. When I was about 12 I sent a letter to Marvel Comics inquiring on how I could be a comic artist. They actually wrote back which gave me a little courage to keep on doodling. Of course, there were a lot of other direct influences as well, like my Mom being a graphic designer and my Dad having my elementary school art teacher give me private art lessons.

What or who motivated you enough to make it your main activity?
A mixture of people; my idols first and for most; people like Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Picasso, Temara de Lempicka. The list goes on and on. Great artists weren’t the only ones to motivate my hand to the canvas. I also greatly admired many actors and musicians as well. To name just a few: James Dean, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, Kurt Cobain. They essentially gave me the passion to be great at whatever I do. Secondly, my immediate peers (the ones who believed in me). The ones who would give me that ever so appreciated pat-on-the-back. And honestly, a little of believing in myself. Which of course is the default motivation when there is no one that believes in you, right?

As shortly as possible, how would you describe what you are trying to do?
Leave something behind

What is the position of an artist in today's society according to you? For example, do you reckon to have any influence on the world?
We are only as good as the risks we take. We as artists definitely have an impact on this Earth. We are the signs of our times and the interpreters of the world we live in. Some of us even get a chance to shape it. Those are the ones we need to watch out for. That is the artist I strive to be.

Is it reasonable to be an artist?
If I were to say no than I would be denying myself as an artist. I believe whatever situation we are in, whoever we are; it is merely just a virtue of circumstance. If life hands you an orange paint cherries. Always do the best with what you got and if there is an opportunity - do better.

Which other living artists do you like? Which artists of the past do you admire most?
Right now a little of Shepard Fairey and Banksy. They seem to be conveying some powerful messages. An artist of the past… I would definitely have to say Temara de Lempicka. Although my style of art does not relate to hers at all, she has been a major influence on me. Since I was a kid I would catch a glimpse of one of her paintings in a text book or in a store somewhere and immediately stop to stare. I liked her art before I even knew what art was. Maybe it was the cubism that attracted me, or the classic look of early 1900’s meets modernism, I am not sure but I do remember wanting to paint because I seen her portrait somewhere.

How would you like people to see your art? What reaction has most struck you? Does it influence your painting?
I don’t expect everyone to admire my work and I know my style isn’t for everybody. That being said, I simply enjoy providing desirable art to a loyal following and my dedicated fans. They are the ones who inspire me and they are the main reason I exist as an artist. I love to receive feedback from them whether it is negative or positive. Their reactions on my work do play a part in future projects.

What sort of environment do you like to work in?
While here in Italy I enjoy getting up early and heading down to the inner city. I get a hot cappuccino and walk through the streets of Pordenone, Italy while absorbing the culture. I listen to the locals chatting endlessly. I watch people ride their bikes through the streets. I admire the old buildings, walls, stone roads, and rolling scenery. I take in every thing I can and when I have built up more than enough inspiration I open the windows in my studio and begin to create. I would say the best environment for me is change.

Is it necessary to have followed an academic training? Which qualities do you need to be a real artist?
I believe the main source of any kind of training is born out of passion. Obviously the more training or school one has had, ultimately effects how one sees the world. The more one is able to use tools they haven’t used before. The sharper one’s mind is when making decisions. The broader the palette of colors one can mend. But the only true quality an artist needs… is an open mind.

Do you have a message to give to people who have never been to any exhibition or museum?
Yeah, try to leave your cave more often.

If you were to address the readers of this blog, what would your message be?
By expressing my freedom through art I am afforded the responsibility of delivering truth. The truth of my personal opinion. The truth of my own perspective. It is my obligation to create this truth. Not for the sake of creating art or expressing one’s self. But for the sake of being free to make that choice. This is a freedom worth spreading. That is where the beauty of art lies. That is where the beauty of art will always remain. Art is the truest form of freedom yet known to man. -DILLON

Wait a minute... Who am I?

2008-11-13T06:23:00.000-08:00

My artwork is everything I want and the sum of what I give. It is everything I am and everything I am not. It is my backbone and my instability, my insecurity and my ego, my uncertainty and my optimism. It reveals my fears, obsessions, and beliefs. It contains my yesterday, my reflection, and my life. It is my passion, my history, my hunger, and my indulgence. My art is where I’ve been, where I’m headed, where I need to be, and where I shouldn’t go. It embodies a balance of what I’ve seen, heard, touched, smelled, and dreamed of. It has a heart-beat. It’s a work in progress, an evolution, a movement, and remains free of limitations. It’s the beginning and the end of a transition, and so much more than a perspective. It’s my artwork, and expressing it, is expressing me.

Nude Marilyn Monroe by DILLON

2008-11-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

I love this painting! Interesting story... I sold it long ago so I really don't have an updated picture of it. The collector who bought this portrait of Marilyn Monroe had asked humbly if I would add a shirt to it because a family member did not approve. Well, I do paint for my fans more than for myself so I felt somewhat obliged and I really didn't mind. But atleast we all know this is what the painting truly looked like. I do not have a picture of her with a shirt on. I will have to try and retrieve one.

Title: Maximum Exposure

Superwoman by DILLON

2008-11-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

I just found this photo of one of my earlier paintings... Superwoman.

Finished Painting of Obama

2008-11-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Check it out folks. "The Blue Knight" Portrait of Barack Obama.

Dillon Painting Barack Obama

2008-11-13T04:58:00.000-08:00

Here I am painting our new President before he was elected. I created portraits of both candidates and placed them on eBay for sale. I might add Barack Obama sold for considerably higher than John McCain.

I'm Blue dabba d bop'm dye

2008-11-13T04:36:00.000-08:00

I'm blue... if I was green I would die.

Friends in Italy

2008-11-13T04:33:00.001-08:00

I had to show off this photo of friends (including myself) hanging out with just a camera - as well as some other things laying around the house.

Hollyworx Website Updated

2008-11-13T03:53:00.000-08:00

Check out the new artworks added at http://www.hollyworx.com/