South Florida's Dekal

For you art lovers out there, have you ever ran across someone’s work that literally jumps out at you? South Florida’s Dekal’s work did just that. I was amazed by the intricate details, the realism, and the color schemes of his work; they seem to have the urge to walk off of the page. I’ve recently had a chance to interview Dekal- take a look. Leave your comments and let me know what you think.

1. Dekal, thank you for granting me this interview. How are you? How’s the art world treating you?

Today I'm ok. Things can always be better or worse. I’m not too big a fan of the art world so I try to stay out of it. It's filled with too many people who have a very different view of what art is than I do.

2. You’re from Florida, right? Tell me about where you grew up. How does the Florida art scene differ from other cities you visited? Does the art scene differ from city to city within Florida?

I grew up in South Florida and have been in between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale my whole life. Around here is pretty hectic, always something happening and so many different types of people, especially in Miami. I’ve never really been outside of South Florida so I don’t know about other cities. Within Florida though, I think Miami is the most art savvy area I've been around.

3. I stumbled upon your work while I was searching “artists” on Myspace. Your work is stunning. How did you get your start as an artist? Was it a hobby that evolved?

Yea, I just always enjoyed drawing since I was pretty young and just never stopped doing it.

4. How would you describe your work?

Oh I don’t know. I think that’s for other people to do. People say my stuff is “dark”. I guess I agree, but that’s not what I say to myself as I draw. I guess that’s just the look I’m attracted to.


5. From what I’ve seen on your site and Myspace page, it seems that you use a variety of mediums. What mediums do you work in? Do you prefer a particular medium(s)?

I’ve used a lot of media but my favorites are pencil and digital. I use the wacom tablet to draw and paint right into the computer. I love it. The media is the most versatile I’ve ever witnessed.

6. Coming from a non-artistic person, you’re work would be classified as fine art, right? What other types of creative forms interests you? Graffiti, sculptures, photography…?

Fine art? Sure. I love anything with the skill and expression that catches my attention. Yes, graffiti which I do, and photography are both things I admire. The illustrated figure is really my favorite thing to see in art.

7. Many artists seem to have an in-depth interest in music, if not, a musical background, which influences their work. What influences or inspires your creativity?

Just life in general. Nature to be specific. Sometimes man-made things but the beauty of nature is what I enjoy recreating and re envisioning. Music also though. Rap is my favorite and pretty much all I listen to. The expression in it is so raw. Eminem is pretty much my favorite emcee and I find myself trying to show the same expression with my work that I hear come from him. He puts everything he has into his art.

8. I’ve come across a few of your commercial pieces. What other musicians or magazines have your created works for?

WeMerge magazine, which I did the cover for their 3rd issue. A local artist spotlight magazine. I’ve done album work for C-Rayz Walz, Intifada, The Deadbeats Writers Lab and a few more.

9. I have many favorites from your collection, but here are a few, “Vampyric Tendencies,” “Our Beautiful Society,” “Amaterasu,” “Bliss in Chaos,” and “Flawed Beauty.” I could go on; that’s just the illustrations, not to mention my favorites from your sketches and portraitures. Name 3 of your personal favorites and tell me why. Also, I’m just wondering if the subjects are real people or are they figments of your imagination?


I don’t really have favorites of my work. I like my sketches a lot lately. And I like my Medusa and Red Sonja paintings. My subjects sometimes start with a reference but are finished with my imagination.

10. What are some of your creative achievements?

Just my own personal progress that I have made these past few years. And I guess graduating from college.

Check out more of Dekal's work at jeffdekal.com or his Myspace page.