Cardinals #2 by Dustin Amery Hostetler (UPSO)
10"x8" ($24) | 14"x11" ($60) | 20"x16" ($240) | 40"x30" ($2,400)
We’re so thrilled to bring more work from Dustin Amery Hostetler—more widely known as Internet professional UPSO—to our site! His first release was eight years ago, and though it’s easy to follow the graphic thread from that release to today’s Cardinals #2, it’s also fun to witness the evolution of a multi-disciplinarian. Dustin spends his time making art for everyone (seriously), in between curating and publishing the art annual Faesthetic, working with brands you eat, wear, and drink, AND designing skateboards, showing in galleries, and creating workspaces for artists. He’s a busy bee—or should we say busy bird?
Dustin’s artist statement for this edition is deceptively uncomplicated, simply stating that Ohio’s state bird happens to be his favorite animal of the avian variety. He’s not alone in that: including Ohio, seven of the fifty states claim the cardinal as their state bird. The cardinal’s distinctive color and ability to sing a wide variety of melodies make it easy to spot and well-loved by even the most amateur of bird-watchers. But what we most enjoy about Dustin’s statement is what’s implied: he drew these birds because he likes them. Nothing more, and very importantly, nothing less. This is what makes Cardinals #2 so special—it exists not only as an homage to our feathered friends, but as a reminder that sometimes the best subjects are those we pick for the for the perfect, pure reason that they please us.
So whether you bring Cardinals #2 into your home to ring in spring, as motivation to make what you love, or simply because you’ve sipped the cardinal Kool-aid and can’t help but fangirl for that brightly-hued bird, we know this art will be a beautiful addition to your nest.
With art for everyone,
Team 20x200
