There’s nothing like coming across a great artist in the 305. Someone whose art can put you in a trance and make you lose concept of time and space. An artist like Jose Mertz, who I was lucky enough to be introduced to by Goobs. (aka Momma Antisteez.) Mertz’s use of  color and shapes will enthrall you and his out-of-this-world creativity will dazzle you. His art will draw you in and you won’t want to snap out of it.

I feel so lucky (And now you can, too!) to have borne witness to this man’s craft.

Miami-based Mertz has definitely made his mark on the 305 and dominated the art scene out of town, too. Studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art, living in the Big Apple (Where he studied the art of Zen and Buddhism and worked in NYC’s fashion industry!) and traveling around the world, he has drawn inspiration from his voyages that have influenced and shaped his art.

His work has not only been recognized here at Antisteez, but also by the New York Times, Wallpaper Magazine, The Village Voice, Plum TV, and even on Kanye West’s Blog! (Even if you’re not a fan of Kanye, being featured on his site is still fantabulous!)

I did a little searching on the Internets and found a video on Youtube in which he posted one of his entrancing creations, a Gosho Doll:

Not only is Mertz’s art displayed on walls, canvas and paper, but he’s also made it’s mark on clothing and fashion. His designs have been shown on Entourage (It’s not TV, it’s HBO! So freaking cool!), Vibe Magazine, New York Post, and in music videos for Busta Rhymes, T-Pain, and Beenie Man.

Back in April we wrote about his design company, Morfiq Studio doing a show called Crystal Monoliths at Cafeina Gallery. The show turned out to be a great success and gave the 305 a little taste of what to expect from this creative individual.

So what does an artist like Mertz do on his spare time? He cultivates his passion for art, meditates (As he learned from his teacher and friend, Stan Koehler @ Peace on the Street Meditation School in Harlem.) and spends time with his loved ones. And did I mention he loves to freestyle? (According to Goobs, he is THE best MC she has ever seen or heard spit. In fact, she claims that he leaves her speechless. Quite a feat!)  Mulit-talented, funny and capable of robbing people of their speech…Jose Mertz is legendary!

But enough of me talking about him. Its time to let the man paint a picture of himself with his words.

Ladies & Gents, I give you Jose Mertz:

• Stephanie: Who Are You?

Jose Mertz: Man, that’s like the ultimate question! My human, Earth name is Jose Mertz. I am an official, creative native living in Miami, Florida.

• Stephanie: Describe your art in one word or phrase.

Jose Mertz: Unfolding.

• Stephanie: What’s the inspiration for your work?

Jose Mertz: Change and possibility. I find that creating artwork is the most fun when things emerge from the work and it was not anticipated. It’s the inspiration as well that it gives to others. Also, my lady and my son Bodhi are probably the biggest influences and inspiration in my work right now.

• Stephanie: What do you do for fun?

Jose Mertz: I like video games, cracking on my friend’s mom, freestyling, going to movies and hanging out at home with my new son. I recently had a bounce house for my 30th birthday…that was pretty dang fun!

• Stephanie: What’s the coolest place that you’ve worked at?

Jose Mertz: I’d have to say working in the fashion industry in NYC. I met a lot of cool people and hip-hop artists. I also made great money and was able to get a lot of skills that probably would have taken me forever to learn if I didn’t have people pushing me to excel.

• Stephanie: What do you like most about Miami?

Jose Mertz: I love the plant life, the saturated colors and the great weather. I also enjoy the fact that my closest peeps are in close quarters.

• Stephanie: If you could be anywhere right now, where would that be?

Jose Mertz: I would like to be in London, Japan or maybe Paris. I would love to go on a week trip with the fam to chill and absorb the scenes.

• Stephanie: Who’s your favorite musician at the moment?

Jose Mertz: I have been listening to a lot of drum and bass lately. I never pick up on the artists names but the beats are slamming.

• Stephanie: It’s Saturday, where are you?

Jose Mertz: Kicking it in the studio making stuff.

• Stephanie: Do you have a favorite restaurant?

Jose Mertz: I used to have this sushi restaurant in lower Manhattan I used to love. In Miami, hmmmmm, not quite sure. Latin Cafe is pretty good!

• Stephanie: What artwork would you like to brag about? Why?

Jose Mertz: I don’t really like to brag about my work. Just ’cause I always see where I could have improved on it. But I must say the Crystal Monoliths Exhibit at Cafeina Gallery was pretty dope!  It was curated by Morfiq: Johnny Robles and myself.

• Stephanie: What artist would you love to have dinner with?

Jose Mertz: Dude that did Ren and Stimpy.

• Stephanie: What’s something you absolutely can’t live without?

Jose Mertz: My family and gut-twisting humor.

• Stephanie: If your artwork had a rating, would it be G, PG, PG-13, R, or Un-rated?

Jose Mertz: Ahhhhh…when I was younger I would say my work was rated R. Now, it’s probably PG-13. But I think with my new work I’m going back to R.

• Stephanie: Why did you do the Crystal Monoliths show?

Jose Mertz: We did it for multiple reasons. To promote our new creative studio Morfiq and clothing brand “Creative Native.” To Bring a well-curated show and exhibit some great artwork to the Miami scene without the stampede of Art Basel. And for fun.

• Stephanie: What’s the difference between this piece for this show and your other work?

Jose Mertz: The work I made for this show was more explosive. The mural “Samahdi” was functional to a degree. I wanted to make people feel somewhat grand…happy and alive. The works on paper are more intimate but have the same honesty and searching quality. Some of my older work was still in development stages. These I think have a clearer voice.

• Stephanie: What do you think about the thriving art culture in the 305?

Jose Mertz: I think it’s great! I grew up in Miami and the art scene was nonexistent outside of the school environment. It’s amazing to see how much people are dedicating their lives to traditional painting, drawing and other creating images. I am excited to be part of this growing process and got more projects in store to keep this movement going. Thank you, AntiSteez! Stay peace! Good looks, Goobs. You my ninja. -Mertz+

(Hey Goobs! Did you like the shout out?)

If you want to tap in to the pulse that makes the 305 art scene thrive, then you need to get familiar with Jose Mertz. Fan him on Facebook, stalk his webpage and lose yourself in his creativity. You will thank us for it.

We will leave you with some images he shared with Antisteez. Go ahead, get hypnotized…

[flickr-gallery mode="photoset" photoset="72157623887672665"]