Crick Lont, creator of Dozer Art, is a Seattle-based artist, muralist and curator.
Seattle Refined: How long have you been creating? What mediums do you work with?
Lont: I have been creating since I was a kid. I always liked to draw and color; middle school found graffiti and fell in love with spray paint. However, creating with the intention of selling art, it has been about 13 years. My main medium is spray paint and stencils, but I do get into some brush work with oils and acrylic paint. Open to most and will try anything.
Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?
It all starts with the idea. Working with stencils, I either have to find photos and splash them together to make original idea or take my own. Then a Photoshop or Procreate process is done to break it down into layers. Stenciling is a layering process like all painting, so I need to figure out how many. Usually 5-20 layers. I then have to print each layer and cut. Finally, the painting, layer by layer. Very similar to screen printing.
Tell us about where your inspiration for your art comes from.
I like to say inspiration is all around us, I get a lot from my community, what’s going on in the world, music, other people’s art, nature, it really comes from any and everywhere.
Do you have a specific “beat” you like best – nature, food, profiles, etc.?
If it’s art I’m creating for my personal enjoyment, I’ll paint political, storytelling, nature pieces. A lot of sports pieces ( I grew up playing sports and am an avid sports fan so I know I can connect with that audience) and I, unlike most artists, love the commission process. I enjoy taking what people see in their head and making it come to life on a canvas or a wall where it becomes my own creation.
Do you have one piece of art that means more to you or is extremely special to you?
Yes, I have a piece called Status Quo (currently hanging in Maven’s Gallery in Belltown). The piece depicts a character in a hoodie engaging with three people in business suits, the business people appear to be yelling at the hooded person, there is a contract that has been X’ed out on the table and a suitcase full of money, the whiteboard in the background has the words “TOPIC : Status Quo” written on it. and is crossed out as well. The person in the hoodie is lighting a blunt and giving the finger that is blurred out, indicating that they won’t keep the status quo.
What experiences in your life have affected your art the most?
I would have to say people’s preconceived notions. Also, how people and society are always telling us you have to do things a certain way.
If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?
My website www.dozerart.com, Instagram: @dozer_art has all my work and is most up to date for viewing. TikTok: @dozer_art. Facebook: Dozer art (da seattle) and Twitter @dozer_art. Also currently have four pieces up at Mavens Gallery, Belltown’s newest fine art gallery.
What is next for you? Anything you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
I’m about to start a project with BHBA (Beacon Hill Business Alliance). I have a few new sports paintings in the works, and I just finished a mural for The Station Coffee Shop’s new Columbia City location. Also, currently showing at Maven’s Gallery in Belltown!
Lastly, how do you take your coffee? (We ask everyone!)
Black unless I’m at the Station coffee shop on Beacon Hill. Then it’s a Mocha Mexicano.
About ‘Artist of the Week’: This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you’re wondering just what constitutes art, that’s the beauty of it; it’s up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.
