About Ira Cosmos
Second place winner of Automotive category
Born in Ukraine in 1985. Started airbrushing when I was 20 years old. Learned it by myself. I airbrushed my parents van, car and my friends’ cars too, this how I learned to airbrush cars. In 2016 I moved to California. Work as a custom painter few years while i was building airbrush name from scratch in USA.
Winner’s Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, what is your background? When did you start airbrushing and what was the learning process like for you?
I was born as an artist )))) I started drawing at 1 year old and painting from 2. I worked with all mediums I could find around me. At 20 years old I airbrushed first time and fall in love with all my heart and soul. Learning process was not easy )) it was very old compressor from a fridge ( with out air regulator and turn off button, so I burned that compressor in few days learning) and old Soviet Union airbrush. I didn’t give up ))) I worked hard and bought good Mini compressor and new modern airbrush.
2. Can you tell us a bit more about your winning entry piece? How / why did you choose it? How long did it take, and what inspired you?
The car I submitted is Lowrider built for Police city of Oceanside California. The idea was to highlight streets and iconic views of the city. The car was built as a bridge between police and community. Black and white were the best colors for this. Like a film photography. The airbrushing took me 2 months.
3. What challenges did you encounter during the creation of this piece? What is your favorite part of the work, and why? What airbrush techniques did you use in this creation?
Airbrushing building’s little bit hard )) my favorite are trunk, It’s my spot to see sunset and swim and driver side harbor and lifeguard tower ) and the single sitting on the stop sign. I’d say I love all that mural. I sketch design with a pencil and free handed using tape and stencils.
"I feel airbrush like it’s part of my hand."
4. What does airbrushing mean to you and what drives your passion for airbrushing and creating art? Also, how do you find the ideas for your other works?
I feel airbrush like it’s part of my hand. I have so many ideas to paint! My inspiration is Mother Nature.
5. What are your goals / targets for airbrushing? What do you want to achieve?
I want keep growing as high as possible.
6. Do you specialize or prefer to work on a specific surface?
I like different surfaces, don’t become boring.
7. How would you describe your style(s) in airbrushing?
I don’t know how to describe my style for now .. I think I steel working on polishing it.
8. Any advice to beginners looking to start airbrushing? What would you tell your young self?
To young myself I would say that life too short to spend it not for Art.
"life too short to spend it not for Art"
9. Do you have a website or blog? How can people reach you on social media?
