Studio Visit: Dewey Bryan Saunders

August 23, 2015

Dewey Bryan Saunders is a visual artist working in a variety of mediums: he's a graphic designer, collage artist, illustrator, creative director, and photographer. He's basically a crafter of quality images! I remember meeting Dewey here at Ps & Qs before I knew he was an artist of sorts. He was just a very cool guy who would come in, shop, and chat about the things going on in life. Dewey recently invited us to check out his studio, an awesome two floored home in South Philadelphia that describes exactly the person Dewey is. Below are images and an interview we captured during our visit:

P: What does a normal morning look like for you? What are some of your daily habits?

D: Meditation then breakfast. Definitely coffee. I usually get right to work by 9 am. If its really nice out I'll go for a bike ride and enjoy the day a little before I start working in the studio.

P: When did you begin creating art? Has it been a life long activity/journey for you?

D: I feel like I have always been making images of some sort. In high school I was more into taking photos but I always was interested in graphic design, before really knowing what it was. Going to Tyler was really the breakthrough, as far as drawing and really learning design sensibilities.

P: How long did it take to you to get here you are now?

D: I think it took about 5 years to really get out there. I am still seeking greater exposure and higher profile clientele; although the past year has been really crucial as far as assignments and getting connected to the scenes I want to be involved in.

P: You studied art at Temple’s Tyler School of Art, how beneficial would you say the experience was for you?

D: I wouldn't have it any other way, the teachers were amazing and I met some incredible people. School is not for everyone, but I definitely needed the skills and conceptual thinking.

P: How did you develop your style? Did you have a mentor or someone influential that inspired your style?

I work in quite a few styles, early on in my illustration heavy days at Tyler, David Noyes and Jon Krause were very influential and pushed me to develop my drawings. As I began to design more and use collage as a primary medium I began to be influenced by guys like John Baldessari, Wes Lang and Sister Corita Kent. I collect a lot of vintage publications, rare books and ephemera that I draw a lot of inspiration from. Faded colors, textures and beautifully designed items from the past are all chronicled in my blog Humble Wonder (humblewonder.tumblr.com)

P: Do you have a goal with your art? Where would you like to be with it?

D: I would like to have a storefront one day possibly. Kind of a gallery/boutique. I have lots of ideas and some are more long term but I also would love to launch a music blog/record label, a clothing line and a printed press/publishing company.

P: Do you express and show creativity through other mediums?

D: I also make the hip hops under Dewey Decibel. I have been rapping and freestyling forever and it is something that comes very naturally to me. I recently released two ep's and there is another on the way called Sub Cult produced by my guy Rick Friedrich of The Philadelphia Record Company.

P: What do you have planned for the rest of the year? Do you have any shows or collaborations in the works?

D: Definitely going to have a big release party and a listening party for my upcoming EP and I have a bunch of art shows coming up. I am showing some work in the Wave Cave show with Rosie Simmons and DJ Sylo, doing a reggae art party with my main man Fabian Akilles in October and a joint show with my girlfriend at Ritual Ritual in December. Meanwhile I have been releasing zines every month. Pro Rap Three comes out this week.