Australia is a fantastic country. A vast and sparsely populated yet densely urbanized country, Australia is scenically beautiful, largely undeveloped and the world’s only nation-continent. Almost 10,000 miles from Detroit, the beautiful city of Melbourne has long been considered one of the world’s most livable cities. It is here that Melbournian artist TROG works, frolics and smokes a shitload of cannabis.
“I’ve been drawing stoner underground comix-style art for years. My favorite is ink on paper and paint pens on canvas although I also love inking up humans with a tattoo machine as well. I’m creating art daily. Every single day I’m working on something.”
The Art of TROG
Born in 1977, TROG grew up in Perth on the West Coast of Australia.
“Now I live in Melbourne but growing up in Perth in the 1980’s was full of skateboarding and surfing. Those two sports shaped my whole childhood. What’s cool about Australia? Everything! Australia is one cool country!”
TROG’s Early Years
TROG started drawing underground comix and toons as a teenager around 1991.
“I always connected with art, I’ve always been comfortable around art and I’ve been drawing daily since 1991. A lot of my stuff is done in my home studio. I don’t prefer a lavish setup. Just the bare minimum. All I need is my hands and some crazy shit will get drawn in the studio!”
TROG’s Name
TROG’s nickname did not come from the 1970 Joan Crawford movie.
“My nickname TROG comes from the initials of my real name. It was a signature on my artwork and has more to do with stoned friends at that time of my life it came about.”
TROG’s Main Influences
Rick Griffin (Californian psychedelic poster artist)
Robert Williams (Juxtapoz and Zap Comix underground artist)
Crumb (legendary cartoonist)
Stanley Mouse (psychedelic rock concert poster artist from Detroit!)
Victor Moscoso (psychedelic poster artist)
TROG LOVES MARIJUANA!
“Marijuana is normal, it’s just fun, I’ve always supported cannabis. My absolute favorite strain of marijuana is ATF Alaskan Thunderfuck. It fucks me up—in a very good way!”
TROG’s Posters for Ann Arbor’s annual Hash Bash!
“I started doing posters for Ann Arbor’s Hash Bash about two years ago. I love the Tommy Chong one I did for them. I’m already drawing up a new one for 2016 to show Charlie Strachbein, the main organizer of Hash Bash.”
TROG’S Clients
Sly and the Family Stone
Kottonmouth Kings
The Offspring
Slightly Stoopid
HedPE
Kyuss Lives
The Bennies + many more…
Cannabis Related events ive done poster artwork for include:
Tommy Chong (THE FUCKN KING)/ Ann Arbor Hash Bash in Michigan
Seattle Hempfest
Bong A Thon
Meen Green’s CaliCup
Bay Area Hempfest
Nimbin Mardigrass
Secret Cup
Kush Cup
Kush Expo
The Green Gathering
Jefferson State Hempfest
Canada Hempfest
Harvest fest
Hempcon
Hempstock
Harvest Fest 2 + many many more….
TROG’s Favorite Pieces
“My personal favorite pieces I’ve done are: the HEAVENS FULL canvas poster (2005), the Tommy Chong poster for BDT in Hazel Park, Michigan (2015), the Offspring poster. Then a heap of other favorite canvas works.”
Commission TROG for Some Excellent Art!
“Yes, I do personal commissions for collectors – I love doing that – like super fucked-up personal canvas work –I love that shit!”
Hit me up for a quote and also get in touch with me to purchase my 120-page ‘Cooked Book’ you can reach me at [email protected]
Final Thoughts
At some point in 2016-2017, the JobbieCrew wants to bring TROG to Detroit for an exclusive TROG art show! “Yes, I would definitely love to do that,” says Trog, “I would love to come see all you Detroiters and your unique city!”
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