In honor of the Lab Art one year anniversary, They’ve asked me to do a few spots on their blog about some of the artists on their roster. My first one is on a guy who’s been in the game for a while and with LAB ART since day one. Septerhed has been hitting the streets with his images for around three years now and is no stranger to the game. He gets up with a relaxed casual approach comparable to Bill Cosby walking on stage to do stand up. He has a great respect for the art and his fellow street artists. While pasting he even re-pasted an other artists work that was starting to peal off. Pretty cool of him considering it’s getting harder and harder to find space to get up in LA, it also is an example of the competitive support that, in my opinion, is a big reason why street art thrives so well in Los Angeles. Septerhed devotes his life to his art on and off the street. An artist in every sense of the word, he is constantly creating and finding inspiration everywhere.While we were out I got the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions and find out a little bit about him.

Q: What is Septerhed and why did you chose that as your street name?

A: A scepter is an ornamental context of power. My art is also an ornamental visual context of power.

Q: What, if anything,from the meaning of the name do you try to convey in your work?

A: Everything we see or say can be described in a different shape, color, expression or description. I try to convey the bittersweet struggle of existence in a form that screams truth and humor over the drone of normalcy.

Q: Are there any recurring messages in the majority of your work that are not obvious?

A: Love, hate, life, death.

Q: When did you begin doing street art?

A: 3 years ago.

Q: Who are your influences and/or what influences you?

A: I take pieces from everywhere. Lately though I have been trying to establish many different techniques as one. My biggest influence is life. There is enough emotion and experience in the average day of anyone’s life to create art for a lifetime.

Q: How did you get involved with Lab Art?

A: I was approached by Iskander to show in his gallery. At the time I was being represented by someone and I was actually considering not being in LAB ART due to some contractual disagreements. I sorted things out and have never looked back. I am honored to be included in such a wonderful gallery. I love LAB ART.

You can see Septerhed’s work along with pieces from the other original 17 LAB ART artists at their 1st Anniversary Show “The Usual Suspects” opening May 19th 2012 from 7pm to 10pm. RSVP at rsvp@labartgallery.com.