URBAN MEDIUMS: Dayna Grosso
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK | DAYNA GROSSO
INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK
“People ask me “How do you do it?” and I really don’t have the answers. I’m blessed. To get the love and acknowledgEment from so many people in the Hip Hop community, people who I respect, and people who I consider to be Hip Hop legends, it’s crazy.” - Dayna Grosso
VALIDATED: Being from Brooklyn, New York, what’s your earliest memory of visual art?
DAYNA GROSSO: I don’t ever remember looking at art thinking let me try this out. For me, it wasn’t about seeing art and feeling inspired, it was more about the music, and the peace of mind drawing gave to me. I would vibe to my music and draw people and things that I enjoyed. I remember drawing Tupac all the time… Tupac and Nelly.
VALIDATED: You’re a self taught artist, at what point did you begin to realize your artistic talents?
DAYNA GROSSO: Once I started posting my work on social media, I started to realize. People were showing love and giving feedback and I thought, “Oh ok, they like my stuff!”
VALIDATED: Which visual artist influenced your style and what if anything did you borrow from them?
DAYNA GROSSO: I don’t have one specific visual artist that I feel influenced by. I’m amazed and influenced by all art from all types of mediums. I think I’m more influenced by artwork outside of my preferred medium because I’ll look at that shit like “Damn yo, how did they do that?!”
VALIDATED: What was it that pushed you to pursue art beyond just a casual hobby?
DAYNA GROSSO: To be honest, it’s still a casual hobby. I’m just enjoying the opportunities that I have been given because of it. Drawing relaxes me and it helps me focus.
VALIDATED: How have things changed for you as an artist since you started posting your work on social media?
DAYNA GROSSO: People reach out to me often for commission work. I have people who genuinely look out for me, if opportunities arise they hit me up. That’s some real shit.
VALIDATED: Who are some of the celebrities who’ve purchased your pieces and who had the most memorable reaction to your work?
DAYNA GROSSO: Kevin Hart is one who has purchased my work. Kevin loved my drawing of him, and immediately wanted to meet me. Afterwards he reached out asking me for a commission piece.
The most memorable reaction was DMX. DMX was amazed at my work. The first words out of his mouth were: “HOLY SHIT!” I’m over here like yeah holy shit is right, fuckin’ DMX! (Laughs)
VALIDATED: What does art and freedom of expression mean to you?
DAYNA GROSSO: Art to me is being able to express yourself however you want through your work. You can make it however you want. There’s no right or wrong. It’s just ART... you are the creator, and that’s the freedom.
VALIDATED: How has art and Hip Hop influenced your life?
DAYNA GROSSO: Art has always been my go to, my happy place. I have met so many genuine people in the Hip Hop world through my art.
Hip Hop is more than just music. There’s a deeper meaning for me. So to grow up listening to Hip Hop the way I have, and then have those same Hip Hop legends show me love for MY work, It’s just amazing.
VALIDATED: What is your creative process?
DAYNA GROSSO: Once I know who i want to draw, I find a picture I like best. I sit in my art studio, blast music, and just vibe. I don’t have a set process when I draw. That’s why I don’t make videos teaching art.
VALIDATED: What are a few of the highlights/rewards of where your artwork has taken you so far?
DAYNA GROSSO: After drawing Method Man, I was asked to have my drawing hung at the Meth Lab studio. To be asked to come to the studio to check it out with my drawing was an amazing experience. I also had the opportunity to create a backdrop for Method Man's “Wild Cats” video.
VALIDATED: What's your reaction to how the Hip Hop community has embraced your work?
DAYNA GROSSO: My mind is blown. People ask me “How do you do it?” and I really don’t have the answers. I’m blessed. To get the love and acknowledgment from so many people in the Hip Hop community, people who I respect, and people who I consider to be Hip Hop legends, it’s crazy.
VALIDATED: What’s next for Dayna Grosso?
DAYNA GROSSO: I’m just going to keep drawing and doing what I love, and what comes will come!
VALIDATED: Where can the readers find you on social media and the web?
DAYNA GROSSO: @DAYNAFCKINGROSSO is pretty much my name on all social media platforms!