12ozProphet

James K. Alicea, a.k.a. BlusterOne©, a graphic designer and painter raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, knew at a very young age that art was to be his life’s endeavor. When his cousin introduced him to graffiti, an art form to which he could immediately relate, he began disseminating his signature to the masses via commercial trucks, walls and other urban objects. He graduated from the High School of Art & Design-New York City’s graffiti Mecca-and continued his formal art studies at the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1987 he co-founded the graffiti-inspired clothing line PNB Nation with Roger “Brue” McHayle. Owned and operated by graffiti writers and designers, it pioneered a movement and designed the blueprint for urban clothing brands like Enyce, Ecko Unlit., and others. Aesthetically, PNB Nation was a brand that utilized revolutionary graphics and concepts that were meant as social awareness statements. During that time, BlusterOne also had the opportunity to express himself as a graphic designer for clients intrigued by his aesthetic and touch. His work includes logos for Shady Records, Bounce magazine, Comedy Central, ProKeds and Rocawear.

His painting career began with live painting demonstrations at popular New York City parties such as “Giant Step”, “Bang the Party” and “Behind The Glass” at Bloomingdales. As a member of the Barnstormers artist collective, BlusterOne has participated in several time-lapse films, museum exhibitions and has exhibited throughout Japan. Sportswear International magazine commissioned him to paint the 2001 “Who’s Who” edition cover, as well as the awards themselves. R.J. Reynolds used several of his drawings and paintings for their “Kool Arts Campaign”, applying his work to messenger bags, t-shirts and an actual cigarette pack. Jonathan Mannion, celebrity photographer, has commissioned him to paint several backdrops.

BlusterOne resides in New York City, and continues to produce work as a graphic designer and painter for his Japanese brand AndSuns, which he co-founded in 2000. Currently he is preparing to launch his next monumental project called GetFree©, a clothing brand that will express his most personal convictions, experiences and philosophy on design and life.

www.blusterone.com