Many artists don't obtain solo exhibits until they're well into their careers, but you had one before you were 18. What led up to this event, and what kind of an effect did it have on you as a painter? As a teenager?

When I was studying on my foundation course which is pre- degree, I was spotted by one of the tutors who just really liked my work. He hooked the show up; I had 6 weeks to create over 20 paintings. I just worked like a maniac and pulled it off. It was all new to me, to be honest--the opening night, the turnout, interviews and the press. It was an amazing experience having people respond to my work in such a positive way. Even the head of the Tate in Liverpool came to see the show. The show opened a week before I started my degree in Fine Art painting. I just went into 6th gear after that.

Your popularity and critical acclaim began with oil paintings of animals, and now you're known as god of sneakers and the pop art revival. How did you go from point A to B?

God is a little strong! 'Artist and collector' fits the bill more. I had a really great time painting the Animals and the response to them was fantastic. I showed them for 6 years in one of London's top galleries. The final Animal works were exhibited in the prestigious Sotheby's alongside Picasso, Hirst, and Hockney. It was a great honour.

It was at this time my scratch deejaying got noticed and I joined Surreal Madrid and went on tour for 3 years and the painting took the back burner. We all split up and did our own thing. I went back to painting, which I was missing, and I was desperate to create visually again.

I started toying around for a new subject matter as I had put the animals to bed. As a collector, it was just such an obvious thing for me to paint. I created the red and grey Air Max 95 first and that was it, I was on a mission. I was making them just for me in the beginning and nobody saw them.

Pop art is a good comparison; I try to present modern day objects, such as sneakers, as objects of beauty in their own right, which they are to me. I guess that all of my subject matters are based on popular imagery, but for me I just like the challenge of presenting them in my own style.

During a painting hiatus you performed alongside some big names like Basement Jaxx and Fat Boy Slim as DJ Lucky Strike. How much do your involvement with breakbeat band Surreal Madrid and your love for music affect your artwork? Does one passion surpass the other, or do they work together? Do you still perform?

Surreal Madrid ended as some of the band members started families. We had a great time and I never ever expected to perform at some of the biggest festivals worldwide. It was an honour to play with some of the best names in the business. As I was starting the Sneaker paintings I had 2 regular spots I played at in the UK for over 3 years. But now I have been too busy and the spinning at clubs has stopped for a bit. I still practice in my studio and my love for Hip Hop grows bigger all the time. I'm hoping to get back to the decks with some of my events later in the year.

Unknown to many of us, there's an enormous underground culture surrounding sneakers. When and how did you become a part of the sneaker world, and how has the community inspired your art?

I suppose I really started collecting seriously in 1995 when the Air Max 95 in grey and green dropped. I have always been fascinated by the designs of sneakers. Even at the age of 13, I would save up to get the freshest Adidas, so the sneaker culture has always been a big part of my life.

Over the past 3 years I have traveled the globe and met heads from all over. The scene is a really nice place, and, to be honest, very very small. People are so dedicated to sneakers, and the excitement and vibrancy of the culture is astounding. Like all so-called subcultures it's all linked. Hip Hop, Graffiti, Skating, Toys and Sneakers; if you're into one you're probably into them all. So when you hook up with people you just end up making great friends globally.

Among many of your achievements are the live paintings you did for Sneaker Pimps events. What is Sneaker Pimps, and what was your experience participating in their tour?

Sneaker Pimps is a traveling exhibition and extravaganza that encompasses the whole Sneaker scene. It has toured the world hitting about 40 cities. Not only does the show exhibit over 600 pairs of sneakers including the latest forthcoming releases from Nike and Adidas that are amazing to view, but the show also includes all sneaker-related art including the whole Sneaker custom scene. The show started over 2 years ago and has developed and evolved into the massive phenomenon it is today. The show is run and organised by one of the nicest guys I have ever met, Pete Fahey. His organisation and commitment are astounding. I have just returned from Beijing and Shanghai. The turnout was astounding: 3000 people at each opening. I produced 2 live paintings: one at each event. This gives people the opportunity to see how I visualise my work from start to finish. It's a very explosive and dynamic process. I only produce the live works at particular shows, and people never know until I start if I am going to create an image, so it's special. Sneaker Pimps China was a fantastic experience. As a Nike-sponsored event we did a road trip across China and being out there with Futura, Stash and Methamphibian made it all the more special.

What are your next big projects and/or collaborations?

I have some very exciting projects coming out this year, and I am about to drop a new subject matter, not sneaker related, which I feel is my best work yet. Only a select few have seen them and they totally flipped. The only clue is it's something very dear to all our hearts. It has been a great challenge and I am only warming up. You have the exclusive image release!

Your sneaker paintings have drawn attention from both the art world and the realm of the sneaker headz. Essentially, they're your claim to fame. Do you ever get tired of painting sneakers? If the audience begs, could you do it forever?

I never get tired or bored of painting Sneakers. I will always explore the subject. My latest collections are about to drop on my brand new site later this month. Compared to the early works they really have evolved. Explosive and expressionistic as always as that's my style, however they are much more refined, specific and detailed. They seem to capture the essence of each shoe more. It's a very fine balance--like a taut wire--to get this and I am pushing them each time. There are specific shoes, such as the Nike Air Jordan V that personally I find to be the pinnacle of design, and have attempted to capture on numerous occasions. I have recreated the classics and some modern icons such as the Dunkle for my latest collection. As for painting sneakers forever, to be honest, just like being into the shoes, I'm hooked! As long as they keep making them I'll keep painting them! As with any artist there will always be new subject matter and my work will always evolve, but the sneakers are definitely here to stay.

Thanks very much.

Dave White
[Website]