Five Questions with Timothy Watters
by ANDREW

It has been a great couple weeks working closely with the Teruo Artistry crew on its debut here at Karmaloop’s Kazbahmarketplace. This is definitely an art collective and brand altogether to keep an eye out for, and you know we’ll have some epic shit for you courtesy of TA down the road.

We linked up with Chief Creative Officer Timothy Watters earlier this week to talk art, the business and what the future holds for Teruo Artistry – read on below:

1. When and where did you start out individually as artists, and how long have you been working together as a collective?

I was born doing art… my grandfather pointed me in the right direction for as long as I can remember. I officially began painting on canvas in 1995. My brother, Deep Watters (a.k.a. Deep H2OZ), began making hip-hop music back in college and has since produced for artists like Mac Dre, Clyde Carson, Six Reasons and Too $hort. Prophet is a graffiti artist from San Francisco and is now an emcee with (recently signed band) Terra Incognita. Our extended family includes screenwriters, dancers, et cetera. We joined forces and have been working together as a collective since 2006. We’re just a big family with one common goal – to create.

2. What is your favorite medium to work with?

Oil on canvas is my favorite medium to work with. My grandfather introduced me to the world of art and oil on canvas. I love the medium because it’s colorful and forgiving. Plus, I have an affinity for the past, my grandfather and all who came before him. I love the historical aspect of oil on canvas and take pride in carrying on the tradition.

3. What made your decision to bring apparel design into the mix?

Apparel is a much better medium to deliver to the masses, while at the same time, not undermining the integrity of the art we are creating. It’s easily accessible and allows us to be even more creative.

4. You all have been featured in a lot of collaborations so far – what has been your favorite, and what do you guys have lined up in the future?

Purp & Yellow (The Game & Snoop Dogg music video) is my favorite collab so far because it was organic. DJ Skee hit us up about the video and thought our shirts would be a great fit. We arrived and Snoop and Game had the choice to pick whatever they wanted to wear – all kinds of brands and pieces were there. They passed on every single one until they came to ours and they both chose our Most Wanted tee to wear in the video. That was definitely a good feeling! Snoop and Skee then hit me to do their new mixtape cover, so that was an amazing experience. We have some big collabs coming down the pipeline as well… nothing I can speak of though!

5. Tell us about your experience with Karmaloop and the Kazbah marketplace thus far!

Working with Karmaloop and Kazbah has been amazing. The exposure has done wonders for my art and Teruo Artistry. We are looking forward to continuing to develop and grow our brand along side them!