We first caught artist Victor Goldfeld in Bed Stuy in July, painting a mural of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s welfare card from Return to the 36 Chambers. Upon checking out his paintings, animations and films, we were struck by his the breadth of his work and commitment to capturing the essence of the city.

Introduce yourself. Who are you and what are you doing?

My name is Victor Goldfeld. I’m a New York City based filmmaker, animator, muralist, digital painter and graphic designer. I’m currently working at US Concepts ad agency.

How did you end up painting the mural of Ol’ Dirty Bastard in Bed Stuy for Zu Film’s documentary?

That’s one of those NYC miracles. I love music, and especially hip hop. My favorites of all time are Wu Tang Clan, Nas, and Mobb Deep. It’s the music of making “it” out of nothing. Raison found me through Craigslist. It was an immediate kind of thing. I called my buddy Yury Getsin to drive me there and he couldn’t believe what was happening so he decided to stick around and become my assistant for the project. I’ll never forget telling them how crazy it was that I was contacted, knowing how much I love Wu Tang. Raison looked up at the sky and said, “Ol’ Dirty, man he’s lookin’ over us.”

Were you commissioned to paint ODB’s welfare card specifically?

I was specifically commissioned to paint the welfare card. I couldn’t think of a better graphic representation of such a unique hip hop persona and legend. When you look at that, that’s ODB, and that’s Brooklyn.

Were there challenges to memorializing such a famous figure for people so close to him?

After the initial shock and the “Oh my god, I better not F&^% this up because that’s his family,” there were other challenges. I wanted to make it special because it was a very intimate setting. There were people walking up to me and my assistant constantly. Everyone knew him. Putnam and Franklin is a special place. I got to know far more about ODB than I could ever imagine. Emotionally, it was a dream come true. I must say all of the people of the neighborhood and ODB’s relatives and friends really loved him and are very friendly people. Technically, those bricks killed me, especially the signature. The bricks mess your brush stroke up. You can’t just paint a straight line because the paint collects between the bricks and runs.

Watching your films like “WALK” it’s apparent you grew up in New York City. How do you find inspiration in the city on those off days?

My film “WALK” is perhaps my most personal representation of myself. I grew up in Brooklyn and later moved to Staten Island. I’m a New York Kid with the 25 cent juices, banging on the heating pipe because my neighbors are being too loud. Whenever you’re having a bad day I guarantee if you take a walk around the city and just “absorb” you will in the very least be distracted from your own problems, if not completely fascinated by someone else’s. This is the only place where you can see a billionaire, a crack head, and miracle on one block. When I see these things I’m inspired. I feel awake. There’s more to life than you’re own personal cube you put yourself into.

What led you to work in such a variety of mediums?

I always found it annoying when someone would be like so you make cartoons? Or you make paintings? Life is too short to categorize. Besides that’s for work! At work I’m a “Digital Painter” or a “Flash Animator.” Inside I’m just me, which means I love all mediums of art and digging around wrapping your mind around new ideas. I think if you don’t want to feel stale or stagnant you always have to be innovating yourself, your style, and your ideas.

Favorite ODB line?

Favorite line is from Brooklyn Zoo: “Introducin, yo FUCK that nigga’s name! My hip-hop drops on your head like ra-a-ain, And when it rains it pours, cause my rhymes hardcore, That’s why I give you more of the raw.” No one was as raw as ODB.

Anything else we should know about?

This is kind of off topic, but after 9/11 all the animation industry was practically gone in NYC, and I am happy to say that it is back and stronger than ever. Hopefully my colleagues and I can make a great contribution to art in NYC. If someone wants a mural painted, let me know!

Thanks for answering our questions, Victor.

Victor Goldfeld’s website has more information about his paintings and films.