EYE ON MODESTO HIP HOP CULTURE
By Joseph “PSUNO” Zimmerer
“ Hey Fly Guy! ”
If you have taken a walk in Downtown Modesto on First Friday from April to October, you might have came across a graffiti artist painting small signs with some really detailed flies, mushroom, and other insects. We caught up with Scott Aka “The Fly Lord”, and asked him a bit about his bug collection.
1. So you’re the guy that paints insects at DOMO?
Yes! I am the local bug guy. HA!
2. What made you start painting insects?
It was early in my developmental stage as an artist. I was spending a lot of time in San Francisco with friends, one of which was a big inspiration, Robert Bowen @bowenstuff, an artist that makes whimsical paintings of insects with mechanical body parts. My first insect painting was a giant fly, and thus became “The Fly Lord”.
3. Is it difficult to paint on such small signs?
Yes. I would say so. The smaller the sign, the more difficult it can become, especially when taking on more detailed insects or other various subjects. I love to paint realistic things, such as flowers, mushrooms, and frogs.
4. Is this what you do for a living?
Among other things. I have am a full time artist. I am a tattooer, muralist, and canvas artist. I am always looking to add new skillsets.
5. Do you have any cool murals in Modesto I could check out?
There are a couple places in town where you can catch a glimpse of my works. Best Pest on College and Stoddard. There you can see some great examples of larger scale bugs I had painted with a buddy of mine. That location is across from Modesto Junior Collage East Campus. Another favorite of mine would be the dinosaur mural on the side of Tangled T’s Hair Salon on Kimble and Downey. Lastly, theres a rad locomotive I had the honor of painting on the front of Gianelli and Nielsen Law Office near Five Points. You might stumble across some of my other work in alleyways down McHenry Ave as well.
6. If I wanted to purchase a sign, get a tattoo done, or have you paint a larger scale painting, how does one get ahold of you?
You can contact me via:
Instagram: @thatflylord
