Custom-Feature: N.L.S.O Nike SB 01 (custom Mr Power) by N.L.S.O Project / Interview with Brent Nolasco

Artist Brent Nolasco has been known for his visceral envisions in both his paintings and his custom-toys [tagged]. With this custom Mr Power dubbed; "Nike SB 01" (for the "Power Arts for Power Ups - Mr.Power Custom Show" at ToyQube May 21st), Brent begins a new branding for his toy-customization and other assorted work under a new label; "N.L.S.O Project" [www], while retaining his namesake for a specific focus on his fine art. I had an online chat with Brent about the details in this "transition" ~ which you can read (along with more images of this custom) by CLICKING THRU.

TOYSREVIL: Why N.L.S.O.? Why the new branding?

BRENT NOLASCO: The whole idea under this branding of N.L.S.O is to do some thing totally different from my fine art. And not have them run it to each other. I definitely what to keep them separate. This art will be more polished and have more of a manufactured look than my fine art. Products will range from mix media art, prints, clothing, skate decks, resin, gallery shows and so on. I'm very excited about this project.

The first N.L.S.O piece is for the Mr Powers Show at ToyQube. I'm going to bounce back and forth this year with both N.L.S.O Piece to Brent Nolasco Customs. And by the end of the year I will no longer be doing vinyl customs under Brent Nolasco name. And will switch over to the N.L.S.O Branding. My Brent Nolasco Branding will strictly be fine art.


TOYSREVIL: So essentially Brent Nolasco customizing vinyl toys would be under the "N.L.S.O" Branding? Why the change?

BRENT NOLASCO: Yes.

I am defining the two brands because for years, they could not put my art into one specific style. Now with the separation, they can (almost) know what to expect. With customizing, I don't have to just stick with vinyl.


TOYSREVIL: Evolution of Craft, or Diversification of Output?

BRENT NOLASCO: I would say both. I have always been diverse, and this is just taking it to another level. With this I am able to put out fine art pieces and continue in that direction, and then with "N.L.S.O." I can go in some of the different and experimental styles that I have been wanting to tackle.


TOYSREVIL: Was there ever a catalyst to the change?

BRENT NOLASCO: The catalyst has always been for me to make art and to be able to be free to do what I want. This will enable me to be more diverse. I never like to hold on to one style, even if it's successful. Pushing boundaries is exciting. Staying the same and always doing what people expect me to do can get boring.


TOYSREVIL: How do you think your fans would react to this "change"? Is and was that ever a concern for you?

BRENT NOLASCO: My fans seem to understand that I am constantly evolving. I aim to always put out high quality work and that can be appreciated. Also, I am not dropping what I have become known for. This is just another way for me to express myself and be able to show some of my other ideas. This is expanding onto more good things - I am not closing any doors - just expanding my horizons. They will not conflict with each other.


TOYSREVIL: What's next for Brent Nolasco?

BRENT NOLASCO: That will pretty much stay the same - gallery shows, resin production, that is something that I love to do. It will continue what I am doing now. I will not do vinyl customs under my name. I will focus on 3-D work and production pieces (resin) that I have touched. I have a lot of things lined up for this year and next.

TOYSREVIL: And what's next for N.L.S.O.?

BRENT NOLASCO: I will focus more on releasing new products. If I do do some customs under "N.L.S.O." I intend to push the limits into unexpected territory. More info to come!

TOYSREVIL: Cheers for your time, Brent. And we can only wish you the best of luck in everything you do. In closing, please share with us ~ What does the "N.L.S.O" in N.L.S.O Project stand for?

BRENT NOLASCO: Time will reveal the brand.


CUSTOM-INFO:
Name of Piece: N.L.S.O Nike SB 01
Platforms: Nike SB / Mr. Powers Custom
Mix media Piece: Nike SB Shoe, Mr. Powers Figure, Found Objects,
Sharpie Pen, Thread, Spray Paint, Acyclic Paint, Paper, Screws.