What is your artist background?
We both studied graphic design, we're primarily graphic designers that have a love of getting our hands dirty with art from time to time. Sometimes we’ll get some screen printing action and do the whole process of exposing screens through to printing.
When did you start doing your art?
We left design agency stuff to start our own (Dustys&Lulu) design business, in the beginning we created designs to screen print on tshirts, tea towels and posters.
How do you describe your artwork style? Style is tough, because we dont have a style per se, we love heavy vector art.
We take inspiration from styles that we love and that we can put our spin on thats a bit humorous.
What is the best/ideal environment for you when creating your artwork?
The best ideal time to create our art is in our studio where we crank out the music on the Sonos, Music definitely adds to the positives vibes. The studio is filled with design books, vinyl figures, skate decks hanging on the wall and general visual candy.
Who is your hero? / Who do you admire the most? And why?
We love a few artists with various backgrounds and styles, Banksy, 123Klan, Jim Phillips, OBEY, Oliver Jeffers, these artists have all their own distinctive flavour and aesthetic.
What values are important to you?
Just be good guys, be happy, be positive and be cool.
Any advice for aspiring NZ artists?
Love what you do and do what you love! Simple as that!
What was the inspiration behind your artwork for your PieceHouse puzzle?
The inspo behind the puzzle artwork was popular NZ culture, we absolutely love kiwiana and the memories it brings when you think about your child hood. Being Brought up in NZ in the 80’s - 90’s was a real choice time, going to the dairy to get a hand full of toffee milks or smashing a few K bars before school. We all have those fun memories. The puzzle covers Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to Bluff with our take on iconic NZ places and kiwiana. Dusty & Lulu are the artist that created the Kiwi Kaleidoscope puzzle.
What do you do to help keep your mental health in a positive place?
To keep positive vibes, we keep active, we drink coffee, play good music & drink gin. Connect with friends and don't take ourselves too seriously and swear a bit.
