Meet Scrudo | Multimedia Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scrudo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scrudo, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
My spouse and I are parenting our first toddler. Honestly, I think the most important thing we’ve done as parents impacting our child is being present as much as possible; physically, mentally and emotionally. I think being present, event if it’s just to answer “hey, what’s is that” or “why” questions from your child is fundamental. As I approach 40 trips around the Sun; I can explicitly remember things my parents taught me in childhood. And I think it shows with ours, they’re developing too quickly; )

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d say my art is unique, in that it will force you to question with your eyes and your heart. I wouldn’t call it pretty, but I do call it art; I paint how I feel. We can all see the masterpiece that is the Mona Lisa, but can you really feel her? Can you really feel da Vinci in it? And I’d say that is the goal of my art to make you feel something, to share how I feel. I’m most proud of starting Art again a few years ago, after a decade long hiatus. For a long time I just felt like art was Stupid, like it was a waste of time, because I wasn’t being productive in society. So I guess I’m really most proud of breaking that mindset, the reset or shift in thinking; because in reality Art is all that matters. If it sells, if it’s ugly is not relevant; what’s relevant is a human created it, to share information or emotion or simply the image, just like the first humans created art on cave walls -45,000 years ago. Art is intrinsic to the human experience, not capital, not governments; but Art. So, to answer the question; No the mindset shift was not easy, but it was absolutely necessary in wanting to “go for it’ and launch the brand at Scrudo.com I’m most excited to start painting Murals across South Florida; my murals will pay homage to the multicultural melting-pot that is south Florida, celebrate diverse cultures and communities. The Scrudo brand is about building Community, and recognizing the themes shared human experience; Joy, Love, Grief, Pain, Anger, Sorrow, Fear.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s a tough one, too much to list. But let’s keep it super local, definitely grab some croquetas at Islas Canarias all the way in West Kendall. Definitely grab an IPA or cocktail at Lincoln’s Beard Brewery; one of my favorite places in the city, they have really cool Art all over the place; cool vibes. Unfortunately all the cool clubs are gone; RIP Purdy Lounge (where I first kissed my wife and later proposed 7 years later), RIP Grand Central, Vagabond, Electric Pickle. But Las Rosas just opened back up again, so definitely Las Rosas late night. If you can manage to get some cuban food, just skip Versailles and la Carretta, head over to Casavana West Kendall. Another must is some Haitian food; gotta go to little Haiti and get some griot at Chef Creole, but there’s another fire spot for griot just around the corner off US-1 and 83rd, I don’t know the name; I just wound up there on day and had the best griot of my life. And ofcourse you gotta get some Nicaraguan food too; the best is Fritanga Monimbo!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, many individuals throughout my life have had profound influences on my life and career. Firstly, to my wife, without her I would never know when to stop painting, and because of this I have tuned my eyes over the years, through her patience. Secondly my child, for really showing me what it means to love and to live. My parents, and siblings, I’m very blessed to have had all their support, all these years. And to the many friends who graciously supported my work even when it made no sense. And to my ancestors, the brave ones who came before and have since passed; but it is they who laid the groundwork, for our family to earn an education, and enjoy the freedoms we do. And it is for them that I paint, my way to honor them and honor true self.

Website: https://scrudo.com

Instagram: @scrudo_

Image Credits
Scrudo