RUL3RS

Welcome to the kingdom of Stephan Bontje, better known as RUL3RS. A well-known handcrafter, roaming the streets of Rotterdam. His first solo exhibition is coming up at Hoboken Rotterdam, during the Motel Mozaïque Festival. RUL3RS will turn a pop-up location into his kingdom for the weekend and he’ll take you into his world of temples, odd creatures and wandering souls lost in a world of here and now. Come thru!

Who are you, can you tell us something about yourself and where do we know you from?

Stephan Bontje aka RUL3RS aka The Golden Boy. A visual artist with a whole lot of other creative shit.

How did you become an artist and what have you done before?

After graduating Advertising at the Art Academy, I work for a big slick advertising agency but choose my own fortune.

What’s your favorite project or most exciting one?

Building a summer club house with two Swedish architects. I was involved in the whole process from scratch. Pretty proud of the 12 walls I’ve painted in the clubhouse.

Can you describe your creative process from start till finish?

There is no start. There is no finish.

What are you working on at the moment and what’s the balance between commissioned work and free work? What do you prefer?

I would be very thankful if I could make a steady living out of free work. And to realize that I’m finally working on my first solo exhibition that is coming up this week during Motel Mozaique Festival. What I prefer is obvious. There is nothing more satisfying than making the ideas come to life.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

Trying to become a spiritual business leader.

What is the best advice you ever got?

Hard work pays off.

Are there any hidden messages concealed in your artwork, critic-like messages? And where do you catch your inspiration?

My work doesn’t really has a hidden message but there certainly is a message. I’m also very attracted to see what pops up in the viewer’s mind. That is why I use a lot of symbolism in my work.

Because thru the ages symbols where and a still are a very strong visual representation and can do a lot with people’s mind.  The power of symbolism on people’s mind is one of the things I find most interesting. I’m trying to get deeper into that subject to evolve it back into my work.

Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors?

Both.

Do you have any favorite blogs you read?

losbangeles.com

What are your favorite books / movies / music (albums / podcasts)…

Everything that moves me.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m pretty fly for a white guy. White don’t slijt.

Thanks for your time! And one final question; who should we interview next?

Stephan Doitschinoff

RUL3RS’ first solo exhibition is coming up at Hoboken Rotterdam, during the Motel Mozaïque Festival. Bontje will turn a pop-up location into his kingdom for the weekend and he’ll take you into his world of temples, odd creatures and wandering souls lost in a world of here and now.

By various illustrations, paintings and sculptures RUL3RS will show you his vision on various events in contemporary life. Come thru!