I’ve know Kasim for a few years now, as a fellow artist, one can only respect the grind and commitment that this man puts into his craft.

Kasim Patton is a photographer that shoots all around the Los Angeles area; then takes his images and bonds them to recycled wood and other materials that he locates from all over LA. The sh*t he creates is pure-dope. You don’t have to believe me, he slangs his creations to the many of thousands of people from all over the globe, who visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Kasim is located in the “Arts District” of the board walk, near the American Apparel Store. We recently caught up with Kasim and spoke with him about his artistic lifestyle. Here’s what he had to say:

Please describe your position at your trade:

Craftsman of hand made art for 5 years now.

How long have you known you wanted to do what you are currently working on?

I worked a few dead end jobs and got tired of taking orders from other people. I began to make and sell art for myself. I got involved in art thanks to an old friend from high school that encouraged me to pursue photography. After I got experience in shooting events and performances for clients I decided to take photos that only interested me.

 

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I am passionate about what I do because I enjoy how I make a living. It’s not work if you love it. Im driven to produce quality art products for people that appreciate it.

How did you overcome your own doubts and the doubts of other people?

I overcame my doubts by believing in myself and not giving up. Im also encouraged by other people who support me and my work. Making money doesn’t hurt either.

 

What were some bumps you hit to get where you’re at now?

Figuring out what people wanted to buy from me was one of my first bumps. I worry less about pleasing the public now because I make things that make me happy. When you do that people eventually catch on.

What is one thing you did wrong in the past that you can share with people?

When I first started making sales I wasn’t really keeping tabs on all of my expenses,receipts and marketing. I realized being organized and consistent with marketing is very valuable.

 

What is a way you got your name out there?

I made my name by being consistent and constantly finding new places to show and sell my work. I have also been selling my art on Venice Beach for five years now and people over time, have seen how committed and serious I am.

Is there anything that almost stopped you from doing this?

Doubts from family members and other people I knew almost stopped me. Feedback from customers and other artists keeps me going. When people buy your work you feel like you are doing the right thing.

 

Is there anyone in your profession that you admire and/or model yourself after?

I model myself after a few artists friends that I have known for years.I like the fact that they are older have a lot of experience. They come from an era that’s different from now. Creativity was key and copying was looked down on.

How do you continue to perfect your craft?

I like to challenge myself by making new things and not being repetitive. Practice makes better.

What’s some advice you can share for anyone who wants to pursuit what you are doing?

Some important advice is to make sure you follow your dream and really commit to it no matter what. People may try to throw you off your path but you have to keep going and stay focused.

How do you envision the future of your product/services?

I see my art being sold in more galleries and boutiques. I also plan on participating in more events and art shows around town.

 

How much of your business is driven by online buyers/clients?

Right now I would say online sales make up about a third of my business. I am trying to get that number to at least half. The internet is powerful and there are a lot of opportunities out there.

How long have you been an artist in venice?

For about 5 years now.

 

What made you start coming to Venice?

I started coming out here off and on since I was a kid, parents used to bring me on the weekends. I got a little older, and use to come out here with my friends like once a month, we would  heck out the scene, get some culture. Cause where I use to stay at was like suburbia, there’s not much to do out there, so we use to come out here and check things out.

What’s unique about Venice, what things do you like that keeps bringing you back?

I like how there’s a focus on the arts out here, through-out the neighborhoods in the schools, and in the communities. People are real open to the arts, this is what a lot of the land around Venice was donated for, to support the artists. The weather, you can’t beat that. Also the mix of people you meet is crazy, there are people from all over the world that come out here, so you never know who you’ll meet.

I’ve seen you work with a bunch of mixed material art and recycled art pieces, what lead you into that how do you create your style?

I’ve been doing photography since I was small, my dad had a side business shooting photos. I use to help him on the side, we would shoot weddings; I would help him load his film, carry his camera around, it kinda stayed with me.

After high-school is when I started getting serious again. I took a few college courses about it, then I put it on the back-burner, because I was working a couple jobs here and there. It wasn’t really on my mind at that time. Then one of my friends from high school started a photography company and needed some help, so I was like boom; back in the game. That was the genesis of my art career, working with her, getting back into photography, and not working a straight-job.

 

You have a bunch of different topics that you shoot, graffiti, shots of LA; what inspires you to shoot what you shoot?

The graffiti stuff, I just like to document it, before it gets painted over, cause-you-know, stuff happens a lot in LA. You know, it’s part of hip hop too, it’s part of the culture; I was raised on hip hop, so I always liked graffiti and all the elements of it.

Speaking of hip hop, who are your top 5 favorite artists right now?

Man… that’s a hard question, but:

Anybody from the Wu-Tang

LP

Killer Mike

Bus Driver

Abstract Roots

Hieroglyphics of course!

MF Doom

East Coast and West Coast you know. I get influenced from all that, I try to show that in my work.

And, I’ve also photographed a lot of those cats too, so it’s like full circle from like listening to them to like actually working with them and shooting them and stuff.

 

Are there any future project your working on?

I’m focused on doing a bunch of events around the LA and surrounding areas, I be up in Venice too from time to time. Hit up my to stay up on my current events.

Any last words to our audience?

Right now is the time to get it. Creative people are out there doing there thing. I think, everyone change their thinking from working corporate jobs ain’t what it used to be. The economy itself isn’t what it used to be. People are being more creative and doing their own thing, I wanna be a part of that wave, you-know.

Where can people go to find out more about your awesome products/services?

You can find me on the Venice Boardwalk on weekends and I also have products online.

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/52749-art-by-kasim-patton

http://www.turningart.com/artists/artist-kasim-patton

Instagram- Kasim613

 

Thanks Kasim!

 

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