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“When graffiti started making an impact
here in Los Angeles, I was in Junior High. I was dealing with things
that most kids didn’t have to, like the death of a parent. Graffiti
was like a mother to me. It taught me to go outside the boundaries,
to go above and beyond the norm, and to say the hell with
structure.”
He turned to graffiti art as a safe haven and was respected among
many in the urban streets. He was mentored, by two fellow street
artist’s named Skez and Pheene. From there, he was able to explore
color, style and the respect in the hip hop world. “Skez” background
was both East and West coast inspired; therefore he was able to
explore presence and emotion beyond the standard of most graffiti
followers. This offered Sturmas a well rounded and unique approach
to the graffiti world.
“Most people tell me my Devilish logo looks Goth or something
cultural like Arabic- yet it has flare to it and it hits all groups.
It doesn’t isolate just one group, it is accepting and free. It is
not prejudiced or judgmental; it has no limits. It reflects me, my
art, my passion, my heart.”
By 17 he had created art on walls in LA, Gardena, LBC which were
well respected by his peers. In high school he was asked to paint
friends’ clothing, vans, boom boxes, bags, lunch boxes, hats, murals
and back drops for music videos. It was a time when graffiti culture
took a turn and was adopted by mainstream society. People were
amazed by this new art and soon enough Hollywood got a hold of it.
Movies like "Breakin and Enterin", and "Beat Street". Sturmas was
proud to see his work worn by fellow students and friends. It was a
sense of empowerment that proved his art was adored and his talent
was powerful. Upon completion of high school, Sturmas was offered a
scholarship to an Art school in Pasadena. Thus the fire ignited and
began the emancipation of a street art- inspired clothing line
called “Devilish Gear”.
Devilish Gear began as a side project for Sturmas; he worked several
jobs simultaneously in order to provide for himself and family. He
rode public transportation 7 days a week and caught up with his
Devilish ideas while commuting on the bus route to and from jobs. He
learned different mediums and forms of graphic design and applied
them to his side business. He produced a film called “The Red
Storm”, just recently, and received an array of artistic
credibility. From this he began adding more cutting edge detail to
Devilish, which was growing steadily.
Today Devilish has grown immensely and is managed by a full staff of
designers, animation editors, models, promoters and directors.
Devilish Sales have soared internationally and currently several
major retailers are discussing the economics and forecast of
Devilish Gear in 13 franchise stores nation wide. Sturmas is careful
when selecting his team; his models are beautiful and intelligent
women who have ambition, confidence and professionalism. His staff
is a team of cutting edge and forward thinking collaborators. With
the inclusion of their many fans and friends, they have become the
Devilish family. They support one another and strive for the value
of true conceptualism, uniqueness and quality. Away from the
corporate world, something he cannot stand.
“Art is a unity, it brings people together. Our fans and friends
have helped take Devilish to a new level. We are introducing new
mediums to our designs and it is once again a sense of thinking
forward and before the trend. Just like when I began graffiti, it
was seen as a crime, but then society embraced it. Once again we are
thinking ahead with Devilish, and we are creating designs and
clothing that is 2 steps ahead of the norm. The clothing and art
will allow the story to tell itself. This is an approach no one has
used or seen. Devilish is literally taking a life of its own
becoming alive through animation.”
- Sturmas
-In 2006, look for Devilish Gear online regarding any new events or
posts.
-Two films have been produced by A. Sturmas, “The Redstorm” and
“Devil’z Angelz”. One more is in progress called “Skillz”. Check it
out at www.asturmas.xbuild.com
-Sturmas also mentors children art programs in Santa Monica, and
teaches film production and PhotoShop in Los Angeles.
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