We had the good fortune of connecting with Cory Schnitzer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cory, how do you think about risk?
No risk, no reward. I didn’t always think like that until more recently. When I decide to go skateboarding I’m risking hurting myself, but the reward in most cases far outweighs the risk. More often than not I leave unhurt or relatively unscathed carrying an overwhelming amount of feeling even better than I was prior; whether that be endorphins or adrenaline or just better mental health. In regards to my art I feel like I didn’t start achieving powerful momentum until I stopped playing it safe, risked everything, and went all in. I took the leap and I have been rewarded because there was not another option. Sure I’ve had failures, but I’ve learned it’s ok to fail you need to just look at it as not a failure but your first attempt, or maybe second attempt. Next thing you know those attempts have turned into results you may have been seeking and it was not a failure after all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to work mixed media, and big. Bigger the better. I like to combine graffiti culture and fine art and fuse the two together. I prefer abstract or washed out backgrounds with a defined image on the forefront. Im proud to say I’ve remained authentic to myself, and I’m eager to approach each project I’m fortunate enough to create. Anytime someone wants to commission a painting or a mural it’s a great feeling. There’s something special about making a mark of permanence that sparks joy. Persistency has paid off, and it has not always been easy. What’s that saying? Iron sharpens iron… sticking to painting and keeping my nose down in my craft has helped me get where I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I split my time between Los Angeles and San Diego. When I’m in San Diego I make it a point to visit Cafe Vahik in La Jolla for breakfast or mid day. I love Vahik and his wife, especially because they don’t let me order they know what I want and just make it perfect every time, and they have the best hot sauces from Mex. Take a dip in the water down by Marine street, or anywhere in windansea. I would do dinner at OB Noodle House, then hop over to see Nick “Zuul” Vassari at Pizzeria Luigi.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My good friend Mitchy Slick gifted me the book “the WAR of ART” by Steven Pressfield. I highly recommend this for any creative. It helped me breakthrough my resistance and has propelled me forward.

Website: Www.coryschnitzer.com

Instagram: Coryschnitzer

Image Credits
Photography by Zairre Wright

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