November’s theme is ‘Work’ and we’re turning the camera on BRAIN KILLER™—aka Brian Keller—the super talented filmmaker and visual artist. Drawing inspiration from science fiction, Japanese horror, 50’s monster movies, 80’s skate culture and fashion, his work on screen is just as notable as his art on the streets. 

Q+A time!

What drives your desire to create?
The drive and desire to create is just there. It’s always there. My brain only works this way, it’s not really something I consciously think about. It’s instinct, it’s just what I do.

How does Chicago influence you or your work?
I’m a native here so it’s kind of a double edged sword, it inspires me and repels me at the same time. I’ve seen the city change and the people change, from one day to the next it can be different how I feel about my city. Chicago is a creative city, buts it’s also a hard city and that in itself can be inspiring, the contrast of light and dark is ever present. Both of those energies can be seen in my work. I walk the line of disturbing and whimsical and I’m always fighting an internal battle of what my work is. Do I hate it, do I love it? It just depends on the day.

What are you most proud of, professionally or otherwise?
There isn’t one thing I’m particularly proud of, it’s rare that I look at my work and say YES!!! For me it can always be better and going back to what drives me, the need to make things better is a huge driving force. All that said, the fact that I do this for a living makes me proud, the fact that I feel like I haven’t had a real job most of my adult life makes me proud…and of course my children make me proud and that pushes me to be better everyday.

What is your dream creative project?
Recently I’ve been focusing mainly on the art side, after the past year at Onion Labs I feel like I needed a break from production life. But I think my dream project would be to adapt and direct a live action version of a childhood book I have. It’s called Monsters, Ghoulies and Creepy Creatures. I checked it out from the library when I was in kindergarten and I never brought it back. To this day it’s my prized possession. It’s this great collection of weird, beautiful and creepy short stories and poems by Lee Bennett Hopkins. It would be incredible to see it become a reality, design the creatures, direct the scenes and just breathe life into it.  

How does this month’s theme – work – mean to you?
It’s pretty spot on, this whole summer and autum have been jam packed, all leading up to Art Basel in Miami to cap off the year. November has been the busiest month so far. This whole month you’ll hear from me…no I can’t do that, I have to work, no sorry I can’t make it, I work…where am I? I’m at work! This month is all work for me.

Registration opens next Monday for Brian’s talk on November 20th at the brand new ArcLight Cinemas in Lincoln Park.