Back in 1978, Osvaldo Cruz began tagging his initials onto any available surface in his Bronx neighborhood, a short distance from Yankee Stadium. Years of honing his skills as a graffiti writer followed. These days, with occasional stints painting legal walls over at Tuff City in the Bronx, Cruz focuses primarily on fashioning abstract, surreal — graffiti-inspired — images on canvases and is represented by Fountain House Gallery. An interview with the artist follows:
What is your earliest art memory?
Discovering how much I loved to paint. I never liked drawing with crayons. But when I was in kindergarten, I was introduced to poster paints, and it was back then that I discovered my love for painting. And my teacher was very encouraging.
Have you any favorite artists?
Picasso–
Have you any favorite piece?
I try to get better with each one.
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/oslvaldo-abstract-letters.jpg)
How much time do you generally spend painting a canvas?
About 1½ hours – on average.
Have you any other passions – besides painting?
Digital art. I like working with Illustrator.
You’ve exhibited your works in several Fountain House exhibits. How did you connect to Fountain House?
I found out about Fountain House from the folks over at Community Access. Fountain House has given me tremendous support as an artist and as an individual.
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/disco-art-abstract.jpg)
Have you shown your work elsewhere — in addition to the Fountain House Gallery?
Yes. I’ve exhibited at Pace University via Community Access.
How important is the viewer’s response to your art?
A positive response makes me feel good, of course! But, even if there isn’t one, I just keep on going.
What about cultural influences? Have you any particular ones?
Definitely the graffiti culture.
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/disco-graff-2015.jpg)
Are you generally satisfied with your final piece?
Almost always.
How has your aesthetic evolved as you continue to paint on canvases?
It’s more sophisticated, and I tend to use more colors.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art?
About 75%. The rest is spent taking care of my personal needs.
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/osvaldo-graffiti-design.jpg)
Have you a favorite setting to work?
I like painting outside. My ideal setting is Central Park – early in the morning – when there’s no one around.
And your favorite media?
Molotow spraypaint
What is your main source of income?
Commissions and canvases.
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/osvaldo-abstract.jpg)
Have you a formal art education?
I graduated from the High School of Art & Design in 1987.
Has your family been supportive of your life as an artist?
My mother never understood it. She still associates graffiti with vandalism.
Where are you headed?
I just want to keep on painting!
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/disco-graffiti-on-canvas.jpg)
Note: A selection of the artist’s works for sale can be viewed on Artsy
Interview conducted by Lois Stavsky; all images courtesy the artist