In 2005 when legendary Roots MC, Black Thought dubbed him the Signtologist, nobody knew exactly how far Denver-based Dan Ericson, best known as Dunn The Street Sign Artist, would take the new name. Since beginning this seemingly fateful journey, Dunn has become the creator of a soulfully crafted cycle the likes of which the art, hip hop or urban street scenes have never seen. This entirely green artist has turned his art form into a science, recycling hundreds of street signs into unique homages to the musicians, actors, public figures and athletes that inspire him. We at FILTH MAGAZINE got a chance to catch up with the Signtologist.
FM: How old were you when you first started painting and what was your motivation?
DUNN: I have always done art since I was child; my mother is an artist and got me started on this path at a very early age. I started in this medium almost 8 years ago, but my trained background is in graphic design and animation. I have studied art in many different forms throughout my life.
FM: When and why did you decide to use street signs as your canvas?
DUNN: It was an accident I ran outta canvas on a late night facial study project during art school. I had to get the project done and with time running out I found an old no parking sign in my back yard. I decided it would work for a canvas and tried painting on it.
FM: What current projects are you working on?
DUNN: Mixtape artwork for Bill Ray And Maseo of De La Soul, in talks with King Tech about a collabo project with my work but can’t say much more on that unfortunately. Your Keys To The City I have created 2 custom pianos for this outdoor project on 16th street mall in Denver. Guitar Town 2010 at Copper Mountain created a custom guitar for charity.
FM: What about past projects?
DUNN: Just getting established and learning my craft, by doing solo and group shows around Colorado and the rest of the country, giving my work to over 100 iconic music artists, getting press and donating work to charity. Visit my site for more about my past and future projects www.thesigntologist.com
FM: Tell about the trials and tribulations of being an artist in your medium?
DUNN: Basic Process - Everything starts with a picture, a sign and a sharpie outline, I then add paint and sometimes reflective scraps. Each painting is one of a kind and can be mimicked but never recreated to the exact original. Two thing I have found most difficult is finding my place in the fine art & street art communities, the other has been protecting my work.
FM: How does your work fits into society?
DUNN: I guess it’s a new way of convening 2 familiar images as one message in a form of social commentary. Taking a part of everyday life (street signs) and combining it with the feel of pop art and street art to create an iconic image. But this goes back to your earlier question some of my struggle has been finding where this new form of art fits not only in art communities but in the world.
FM: Who would you say is your target market?
DUNN: At first I thought it was just going to be just hip hop, but as I have progressed I have realized my target market is much bigger than I imagined.
FM: Do you do it for the love or for the fame, and how does fame fit in your future?
DUNN: Love, this is my creative outlet it keeps me grounded, If it comes great, it would just be another by product of my creativity.
FM: How would you describe your work?
DUNN: Street Sign Art or Backwards Graffiti
FM: What emotions do YOU think your work provokes?
DUNN: I hope to provoke a sense of balance through my work. But I have learned it’s different for each viewer, I love hearing feedback and what people take away from my work. Sometime they find things I didn’t even realize were in there and open my eyes to my own work.
FM: Tell me something that you want people to know about you and your work?
DUNN: I am the original Street Sign Artist; I represent for the Denver and T.B.B (The Bronx Boys) & L.O.F (Lordz Of Finesse). I created this medium and have used it to give back inspiration to people who have inspired me.
FM: Where do you hope to be in 5 years, 10 years?
DUNN: 5 years I hope to be traveling around the world showing my art and working full time in my medium. 10 years I would hope to be still learning and creating art in this medium and many others.
FM: Anything you want to add or ask me?
DUNN: Know any gallery in your city that would give me a show??
FM: Any Filthy Thoughts?
DUNN: Support your local artists and art scene!
