Jonathan Escamilla, 22, hails from Westchester, California, and in addition to creating art, he also plays bass guitar. He attended Hamilton Music Academy, where he did stage crew. His interests vary greatly and not only does he love outdoor sports and work at Sport Chalet, but he also enjoys staying in and playing videogames. He played for Raquel Rodriguez in her band for many years and the band One Fell Swoop in high school. Recently, he’s been working on his art, which fuses elements of bright color, cartoons and street art.

He recently displayed two of his pieces at Geisha Studio in Downtown L.A. for a house full of friends — one painted canvas and a larger-than-life cutout/template for graffiti street art. It shows the body of a tagger, holding a stray paint can in one hand and where his head should be, a huge bomb is in its place. There is a certain humor and brightness to his works that fits his laughing and smiling demeanor.

How would you classify your art?

I like to think my art is a blend of street and pop art.

What would you say is the most common subject or theme in your work?

I use a lot of bright vivid colors in my work, and a common subject would have to be bombs. Like a grenade or a cartoon-looking one like in “Tom and Jerry.” I just think they look so cool.

What do you love most about creating art?

The thing I love the most about creating art is how relaxing it can be. Just turn on some good tunes and escape in your own imagination.

Is this always something you’ve done, besides play music?

When I was little I used to doodle and draw like every other little kid but I never really thought anything of it. It wasn’t really till high school that I started pursuing my art.

What do you want to do with your art? Nothing? Turn it into a career?

Well I want to start a career in graphic art but the main thing I want to do is enjoy and express myself.

What do you think of the current art scene? Is there something you would change about it?

The art scene is always changing. Everyone has different ideas and there are always new and exciting things to be seen. I wouldn’t change anything just let it run its course.

Reach staff reporter Kristin Yinger here.