ABOUT: CopyCat

A Silverburner cat on a panel—who would’ve guessed that? CopyCat places his cats on all kinds of art mediums. Not just that—he explores styles ranging from cartoon versions to realism. So, if you’ve seen his work and believe that All Cats Are Badass as well, here is the story of CopyCat.

Let's start off with a beer. What beer would you say is your favorite?
Duvel Duvel baby

Where did your journey in art began?
I wouldn't call it art.. but I started writing graffiti mid 90's. This always remained a big part of my life and influence on my view of public space. When it comes to "streetart" and painting cats, this started 2020

From cartoon-style to realistic cats, from stickers to murals, and many other art mediums. We were wondering, what’s the story behind illustrating cats?
Simple..

Cats Rule Everything Around Me

My right hand man Dr.Ugz is old, deaf and diabetic so he can't go outside anymore. Which made me decide to paint him there. So he still was king of the street. From that moment it got a bit out of hand 😹

How did you end up in the graffiti scene ?
They say there was something in the water where I grew up. It seemed like everybody wrote back then

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your artistic skills?
Not sure, It just always felt good when I painted something in public space 😹

Some stuff is muscle memory but a lot of times I have no idea what I'm doing and for each surface or medium i just do something. And try to learn from it

If you would have to describe your artistic style, what would you say?
Hard to pinpoint I guess. The cats started with stencils. But I got lost in various other styles of painting them. Now I just stick to the topic only. From there all sorts of style are allowed. As long as I can express myself

Can you share some of your favorite or most significant artistic projects or pieces you've created?
Oh, thats a Hard one!
I feel personally connected to so many cats I painted. The significance is more in meaning then in form and is felt between them and me. Since it's too hard to choose out of all cats I painted. I'm gonna go with my dear friend and only doggo I painted. Casper❤️ I had to give him some extra ears so nobody would notice. Casper was a badass! He could fly a plain.

What brands and tools do you use for your artwork and what do you recommend?EVERYTHING! 😹 Paper, scalp, markers, lino/woodcuts, stickers, pasteups, actually everything that can leave a mark. For example, I love to buy loads of shit cans by the hundred for a few cents the piece. A decent outline and I'm good to go. Free bucketpaint also does the job.

I wouldn't always recommend working in this way though. It's messy!

What do you like the most about what you do ?
Feeling free!! I do what I want.. Like cats, who don't care about human infrastructure. I try to do the same. Believe me, the world is a lot more exciting when you leave the sidewalk..

Are there any artist you look up to now or in your earlier stage as an artist?
I would not call it looking up to. But I have to give a shout out to Tiktoy. This guy lives and breathes streetart and creativity!

Everyone has their way of working. How do you approach the creative process, from conceptualization to completion?
It starts with an idea of course. But it depends completely on the medium how to approach it. And even then.. it differse. Stencils for example, can vary from 1-2 layered punkish style to many layered foto realisitic. In the end its both a lot of cutting. But with complete different results

Painting walls, the same. Cartooncats, "realistic" cats or just throwing paint against a wall. It all has a different approach. I just hope I manage to get to completion.

Life can sometimes take over the things you love. How do you stay motivated and overcome creative blocks or challenges in your work?
PLEASE TELL ME! so many furriends I still need to paint but haven't yet. So many projects undone 😹 I try to get over the blocks, but it can be difficult. In the mean I time I just try to enjoy painting cats.

Not every art, is for everyone. How do you handle critiques or feedback on your work, both positive and negative?
Honestly. I am not aware of negative feedback when it comes to the cats. So I'm ok 😹

The most thing I like to see in an artist is progress. What are your long-term artistic goals, and where do you see your art career heading in the future?
Sorry to disappoint you here then. I have no idea what I'm doing and have no real goals. Especially long term. I have many ideas though. A lot of them will probably never see the light of day or maybe even never happen at all. Only thing I know is that I will say Hi! To every cat on the streets, and expect to paint for as long as I'm able to, that's about it.
 
Some artists feel they have a deeper meaning regarding their artwork. Does your art have a deeper meaning to you?
Of course! Im not going to explain to you what cats are like.. but the next deeper meaning is between me and that specific cat.. We know 😼🙌🐾

Do you have anything else you would like to share with the world?
Big shout out to all my Furmigos!

Special shout out  to my fabulous darlings from #inthemeows @peppalunacheezeljemtabbybiskit

#adoptdontshop