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Nice Kicks: Many painters with an interest in footwear have gone the custom route. Is that something you?ve pursued?
Mony Zakhour: I?ve never before, but definitely plan to do so in the future. Customizing skateboard decks is also something I want to get into.
Nice Kicks: What sneaker holds the most artistic value to you?
Mony Zakhour: I love what Spike has done with the Spizikes, both creatively and artistically. It?s a great sneaker.
Nice Kicks: What do you love most about painting?
Mony Zakhour: There?s not much I don?t love about it. It?s a great escape for me to be able to listen to music and just paint for hours. I love that. Painting has given me something to be proud of. Something I always find joy in doing. But, what I love most is the feeling I get when I put the finishing touches on a painting I?ve been working on for so long.
Nice Kicks: Much of your work is portraits and landscapes. What elements are important to capture in both?
Mony Zakhour: I’m really passionate about landscapes, but unfortunately, I don’t get to do them as often as I’d like. They?re the pieces I try and have the most fun with. Not capturing the realness, but the raw and sort of colorful side and giving them a vibrant twist.
With portraits, it?s important for me to really capture the emotion of the subject I?m painting. I?m a bit of a perfectionist. I?ll work and work on it until I feel it comes out right. It?s finished when you can really feel the character in the finished piece.
Nice Kicks: What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?
Mony Zakhour: Do what you love. People will catch the appeal of your work if you stay true to it. Network, network and network. I?ve met so many great people after moving to Toronto last year who?ve helped me get my work out. Also, exposure. You have to get your work out there for more people to see. Use whatever tools you have to get your work noticed.
Check out more of Mony’s work on his portfolio site and keep up with his art on Facebook.
