Mighty Jaxx Features: Clog Two on inspirations, our collaboration and the outlook of his own creations.

ClogTwo’s studio, also known as ‘INK & CLOG’, is tucked away on a quiet side street off the Peranakan neighbourhood—one of the conservation areas in the eastern part of Singapore where unique pre-war architecture of colourful two-storey shophouses and terrace houses with ornate facades and intricate motifs line the streets with vibrancy. ClogTwo’s studio is a modest space cluttered with canvases and memorabilia he accumulated throughout the years. On the shelves, a colour-coded assortment of spray cans stand tall like ammos for his graffiti projects alongside a finely curated selection of books.

We recently got the chance to sit down with this Singapore-based ‘Visual Anarchist’ to find out more about his inspiration and his outlook on his own creations as well as the collaborations he has done with us. 

 

When were you first interested in art? Do you remember the first thing you saw that attracted you to it?
My first memory of falling deeply into the arts or illustrations was when I was about 7 years old. I started drawing inspirations and influences from animations like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghost Busters in the '90s. I would sit down with my parents and draw the characters I remember seeing on the big screen. My parents would then teach me how to colour them neatly within the lines. I felt more connected to the arts ever since, because of the family value attached to it. 

Last weekend, we debuted the War Mouse (Pitch Black Edition). Can you share a bit more about the concept or inspiration behind the figure?
Arguments, disputes, warfare. These have always been a part of our lives, from past generations to the current one. Either you've experienced it first-hand or else you would've read about it somewhere on the Internet or in textbooks. But war depicts only the winning side of the story. There's more to the underlying truth. The War Mouse therefore was designed to metaphorically showcase the tragedy—the mouse (representing the ugly truth) and the two grenades (representing two sides of the story). 

Who or what are you most inspired by?
Nature and the ever-changing infrastructure of our world provides me with all the creative supplements I need.

INK & CLOG has just celebrated its 5th anniversary this year,. Where does the duo go now in 2017 and beyond?
It's been such a great journey for the past 5 years. We started off with just a small studio, constantly working till dawn. Collaborating with Mighty Jaxx was one of our first and finest milestones. It opened so many windows of opportunity in terms of gaining industry knowledge and acquiring new skills. The Ink & Clog is excited to strive for 2017 and beyond. We have a few plans and blueprints laid out...mostly collaborating with partners, working on new masterpieces and imparting our knowledge to the next generation of creatives who are eager to learn.

Now that you have a fair share of success, what is one piece of advice you would give to the young, aspiring creatives out there?
"Not today, not tomorrow. You should have started it yesterday".

 

Limited edition of only 150 pieces worldwide, War Mouse by ClogTwo Pitch Black edition is available here.