The Signtologist

DUNN – THE SIGNTOLOGIST

In 2005 when legendary Roots MC, Black Thought dubbed him the Signtologist, nobody knew exactly how far Denver-based Dan Ericson, best known as Dunn The Street Sign Artist, would take the new name. Since beginning this seemingly fateful journey, Dunn has become the creator of a soulfully crafted cycle the likes of which the art, hip hop or urban street scenes have never seen. This entirely green artist has turned his art form into a science, recycling hundreds of street signs into unique homages to the musicians, actors, public figures and athletes that inspire him.
An unconventional art form to say the least, Dunn fell upon using street signs as canvas by chance. Fate, a love of urban culture, and an extensive animation and graphic design background led him to the pieces you see today. Dunn’s work is owned by a number of artists such as Rakim, De La Soul, Spike Lee, Digable Planets, Pharrell and Wyclef Jean. This outreach on his part has allowed his artwork to gain national attention as well as helping to complete the cycle of inspiration. Further, XXL realized Dunn’s talent before many others and brought his work to a whole new level when he was featured in Dec 2007 issue.
Dunn recognizes and appreciates the liberal investment the Denver art and hip hop communities have given him and aims to repay that in full by donating pieces whenever asked to charity. Using his position to pay tribute to fellow artists and consistently drawing attention to the great city of Denver and all it has to offer fellow artists and members of the hip hop community.
Dunn has found a unique way to turn ordinary to extraordinary while staying within the intent and the criterion of the sign itself. Rare is it that we stumble upon an artist so telling of the time. His eco-friendly work has been seen worldwide in art shows, on television and in the homes of those he paints. His portraits speak to a generation advocating change-not only for our environment, but for the media that molds us.

The Interview

Whats the story behind your name?

DUNN came from the dorms in college in Durango Colorado and THE SIGNTOLOGIST came from Black Thought of The Roots Crew when I gave him a painting it was what he signed on the record sleeve to me.

How would you define the premiss of your style?

Backward graffiti. street sign art. signtology

Your choice of medium is unique. What is the message or statement you want it to make?

To take something we all have seen and know means one thing and to remix into something brand new yet familiar to the viewer this process intrigues me. The art makes different statements to viewers as they interact with it, I am always blown away what people find within my work it sometimes even opens my eyes.

What prompted you to chose your specific medium?

Total accident late night art school project outta canvas had to improvise..

How do you see the evolution of street art over the past few decades, from traditional forms of graffiti to artists such as yourself, or the uk artist Banksy?

Wow never been put in the same category as the great illusive Banksy...... I always wished I could do traditional graffiti, my background however was more of a studio artist and I never could find anyone to teach me this technique. As I trained in animation, graphic design and industrial design I tried to incorporate urban themes in my work which sometimes worked but often were miss understood. This brings me to the evolution of street art people grow up seeing and admiring street art in all forms some attempt it and succeed instantly, some learn and hone these skills and then there are some like me who admire and process the medium but never think they could be part of it and only by a honest creative accident created a new street art nitche. This is the glory of street art there is no right or wrong it is ultimate free expression it is built on the shoulders of the artists before and will be built off the shoulders of present artists like Banksy and even myself, this medium will always redefine itself.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am working on some album art for some hip hop artists. I am a featured artist at Artopia 2010 a large annual art fest. in Denver, so have been doing alot of painting to get ready for that this month. Otherwise designing new merchandise for my online store and working on a plan to traveling with my work to show in other states this year.

Where do you pick up the signs?

I get all my signs legit thru city sources, I recycle their old and beat up signs this relationship has allowed me to grow with in my medium by having access to more sign making materials.