You can shop the Cody Gunningham x A.M. CLUB designs here, here, and here.
Backstory
This blooming floral series came about after someone I had never met before reached out and asked me to check out this talented artist Cody Gunningham. This “someone” ended up being one of Cody’s professors from The Art Academy of Cincinnati. Turns out that he is indeed an amazing artist from Cincinatti and has a stunning mural on a wall which we collaboratively produced as a scarf. So you can now all wear his art.
This is a great art piece to frame and display on your walls or wear traditionally.
CODY GUNNINGHAM INTERVIEW
Tell us about how you got started as an artist? When and where was the “ah-ha!” moment?
Honestly , I got started because my mom was a creative person . She always had drawing materials around for me to use .
My "ah-ha" moment was when I was 10. My mom would take me to the library and I picked up a Picasso book. It was very impactful. Really changed how I looked at the world .
You have created your own, strong, amazing aesthetic and style – what inspired you along the way?
Well, thank you. I often think the opposite.
I just make stuff , honestly. If I'm bored I draw, or take photos, paint . As far as inspiration, I try to keep it open, free and let life influence me. What I'm listening to, or reading .
Any words of wisdom for all artists out there who are still finding their own style?
I'm still finding mine, I'm not ever going to be one of those artists that has a clear cut "style". I am always changing and just making what I want to make.
What have been some of your favorite projects and why?
The best projects are always the ones I choose to do. It's a realization in my life that I have the choice to say no.
So anything I've done has been the most favorite . You know , like my next project will be my favorite, just like every painting is better than the last one.
However I've been enjoying doing clothing collabs .
Any movies, books or people that have inspired you?
Where to start.
OG skateboard graphics, Enjoi baker, old birdhouse. Picasso 1942-45, Arshile Gorky, Monet , Courbet, Clement Greenberg, Gertrude Stein "what are masterpieces ", De Kooning Aphex twin, Animal Collective, Wes Montgomery, love Glenn Gould - insane work ethic, the list goes on.
How do you stay inspired and creatively charged?
I am a workhorse, I mean I don't make that much money and don't want or need that many "things" but one thing I do need is to make stuff.
I also just get ideas, I have always had a crazy imagination . As a kid I would just draw random things, my grandparents kitchen, at the golf course , or comic book characters - Sonic the hedgehog lol. I think it's important to just keep an open mind, it's when you start to narrow what you think is inspiring or important and what's not, is when you get stagnate.
What other passions do you have?
Bike riding , I work as a courier part time . It's super fun and a great work out .
Love music , going to the record store.
Skateboarding .
Taking photos.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a mentor or colleague?
It's not about what you say yes to , it's about what you say no to.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Chug water, make a smoothie, brew coffee, stretch .
In that order everyday.
3 bananas, big hand full of spinach, Oj and frozen fruit. Gets you feeling really good.
I'm not getting any younger.
It's all down hill from there lol.
Dream or next travel destination? Previous favorite?
I'm down to go anywhere. Let me just say that . I do really want to visit Cuba .
Previous favorite - Barcelona .
Top 3 favorite Instagram accounts?
That's tough.
So many rad people doing awesome stuff .
Myfaveart- a bit harsh and direct , slightly pessimistic but I think so many people out there are afraid to be direct and just say how they feel. People today just like everything , which is cool, but I don't like everything and appreciate a good critique .
Painterspaintingpaintings - has a lot of variety and is always showing some recent paintings .
I also dig following all the bike companies on IG , seeing new products and riders etc.
Low bicycles, All City , Mash SF etc .
Same with skateboarders IG - all the chocolate dudes , the nine club , etc.