Today we’d like to introduce you to Perry Easton.
Hi Perry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
There’s no such thing as time, only timing… but Everything happens on God’s time.
It was 2015, and I was in Paris, under a ton of pressure, learning the basis of horology for my new job; there was a vision. Seeing a dissected watch with an exposed watch dial, this visceral connection of applying acrylic paint to the dial and enclosing it back into the casing to live on for eternity sounded just absurdly rebellious enough to want to execute. The only problem was I didn’t see myself as an artist. No art school or studying of any arts prior, I would refer to myself as simply a creative. Dealing with nothing involving the production of music, a canvas, or film, but a person with a vivid imagination and could take what’s presented in front of them and amplify its existence for the greater good. Once that vision was set, I had to begin the journey to obtain this timeless artifact, creating a project in which I call The ATTIE Project.
ATTIE is an acronym which stands for Art’s Timeless Time Is Eternal, and it’s a culmination of my life experiences used to produce timeless moments. The soul operation is a self-reminder to take time and make time for people and actions that matter. The idea is an ode to my life, showing how every interaction played a part in me becoming the person I am today. I’ve always wanted to be paid for my ideas or creations; I just never took the time while growing up to nourish that side of my existence. Being born and raised in the public school system of Brooklyn, New York, there’s a gift and a curse that comes with the fast-paced inner-city upbringing. You’re forced to be quick and creative on your feet, you have to be a fearless risk taker, and most of all, it’s a place where all resources are accessible, and you have the advantage of taking it all and making the best of what there is to offer with it.
My previous work experience was based strictly in the retail industry. Anything from front-of-house sales to back-of-house operations. Working as a custom watchmaker out of the flagship in SOHO, NYC, was one of the many jobs I’ve had in the retail world, and I was fortunate enough to meet numerous people from various walks of life, but the artist of Prince Street are who I am most grateful for meeting. Artist like Jay ‘The Love Child’ Gittens, who was the spark to my imagination, and other artist like Will from Brighton Beach, who showed me the patience required in the journey. I made friends with these people so they could input their work on the watches I would dissect and rebuild. Since this was all happening with the company’s time and tools, I had to utilize damaged watch faces to make the idea come to life. At the time, my “art” was based from laser engraving art. My work was cool and caught people’s attention with the laser-etched designs on the watch faces, but what really caught their attention was the case backs of watches, where I would engrave my information and hand them out as my business cards. I needed my own identity, so once the concept came to life, I steered away from the company’s wristwatches and moved to pocket watches so I could differentiate myself from my 9-5. I give the artist on Prince Street a lot of praises, and stated to them on a few occasions, they were my inspiration. I saw what they were doing and believed in their choice of choosing to be free, then to behind the doors like my situation. They made me a believer and promised I would be out here with them one day.
Within a 2-year time frame, I managed to produce the artifacts with the help of my friends and made a couple gallery showcases with the creation of these ATTIEs, but after working for the company for two years, the pressure of corporate America was taking a toll on me, and I chose to walk away. The only backup plan was to continue on the path of creating more ATTIEs; my only downfall was my self-doubt and not knowing how I would produce art on my own. After walking from a 950-million-dollar business, fear and frustration was definitely prevalent during that time, but there was also this ambition and eagerness to tell my story. Explain to individuals how this concept of utilizing community and collaborating amongst diverse people to sustainably create a timeless entity was something that needed to be heard.
2020 was the reset for the world. After a failed relationship, I moved back home to my ailing Grandmother’s side. At the time, it’s been years since I was able to sit down and be in her presence, which was one of my favorite pastimes. I’ve missed many moments doing so, and now the opportunity forcefully presented itself. Loving the moments of being by her side; this was also an opportunity to be proactive. I started to invest in myself and began to bring ATTIE back to life. Unfamiliar with how to draw or paint, I began by grabbing acrylic paint markers and black books to apply random colors to a face. Repeating this process for a month, I began to feel confident in what I was producing and immediately transferred back into pocket watches. This was even more of a delight to be making these in front of my grandma, who had been living with Dementia for over a decade. After realizing I could produce pocket watches, I was battling on how I could make my canvas grow, which is where alarm clocks and wall clocks came into play. My Grandma transcended a year later in 2021, but before she was gone, she was able to witness ATTIE’s creation, and joy-filled her face on a daily basis whenever she saw the vibrant colors and abstract creations. She would even ask me if I was selling these creations, and my reply would be, “I intend to do so! and I do hope they sell Granny”.
Artistry was something that has always been within myself. It wasn’t until my thirties I had to embrace the title let alone saw it within me, and still having a difficult time accepting this journey chosen ahead of me. Instead of spending time focusing on the. how’s, why’s, and what not’s, I rather stay on that journey of the vision, and continue to take time and make time for the one’s that matter all on God’s time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Never a smooth road. Even if it starts to seem too good to be true, I’m always looking for reasons as to why something has to be off.
Most of all, the struggle comes from telling people I’m not crazy; I’m really a vessel, and these gifts and messages are coming from an ordained/higher source. Other than that, I enjoy any obstacles. The hardest part always comes right before a major move. Leaving, the watch company had its battles. Continuing to work other jobs holding off the calling was challenging. Being too focused on the how will I do it or how is it going to get done stagnates ourselves, instead of simply putting one foot in front the other and applying even the smallest steps.
There are days when the paint brush is the heaviest object in the room, but it doesn’t stop me from applying that one brush stroke and stepping away to focus on other aspects of the project, there’s that much work to be done to be caught up on challenges and obstacles. It’s about knowing when to pick it up but also walk away from whatever it is holding you back.
All in all, I learned at an early age obstacles become objectives, so I’m not focused on the struggles rather enjoying all the lessons that come with the journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My name is Perry Easton. I go by the artist name 1080p, and I create timeless artifacts called ATTIE’s in my operation called The ATTIE Project. ATTIE stands for Art’s Timeless Time Is Eternal. It’s a concept I’m unveiling to the world on how someone can take passion and time to make timeless works of art by being present and capitalizing on the moments at hand. My work consists on the basis of two theories: a timeless theory, and an alignment theory. Within each theory, there are five focal values with lead towards the theme category. Once finding alignment within oneself, you would then elevate onto the next step of the human experience and create a timeless entity. Whether it be art, music, a service, maintaining a timeless structure stems from having solid foundations, and ATTIE Project is my testimony to such.
I don’t wear a watch; I just tell people what time it is. This is one of the many gifts I tell strangers I possess when meeting for the first time. Taking on this artistry with no guidance, mentorship, or schooling, ATTIE has been building the confidence within to keep going.
I’ve went from selling artwork in the streets of SOHO, to being picked up by reputable interior designer Neffi Walker to be sold in her store “The Black Home”. I’ve managed to sell work to business mogul James Jebbia and artist like Genesis Tremaine, and gift my work to people as honorable as Grammy winner Andre’ 3000.
Since the first ATTIEs were created in 2016, we’ve been featured in Brooklyn’s Bishop Gallery and showcased in a group show in Chelsea, NYC. In a 4-year span being fully incorporated, The ATTIE Project has hosted workshops in schools, featured in local cafes and solo pop-ups, featured in annual art festivals, worked with the Boys & Girls Club of America, and showcased work in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips. Square and the Lincoln Center in NYC. Most recently, being awarded by YouTube as a Black Genius for their BHM ’24 Black Future Forever initiative.
What sets my work apart from others is how I take time and dissect it into small fragments, both literally and metaphorically, and bring it back together to see the bigger picture.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Be sure to follow The ATTIE Project on all social platforms, @theATTIEproject on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) Be sure to check out the website Theattieproject.com.
My operation is very grassroots, but I would like to interact with anyone willing to truly invest. Be sure to send an email to [email protected] for any inquiries. I’m always looking to collaborate, permitting the circumstances are ideal for production. Art, Schools, Corporations, I don’t just make art; I provide an essential service.
Support is as easy as sending a follow and spreading the word. As we grow, we look forward for ATTIE to be a foundational hub where dreams come true, anyway you may see yourself helping that cause, you know how to find us.
Pricing:
- $300+ watches and clocks
- $1080+ larger clockwork
- $3000+ The ATTIE Project Service
- $5000+ large canvas work
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theattieproject.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theattieproject/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theattieproject
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theattieproject
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@attietimepiece?si=KYCzLsNH71iCReaU
Image Credits
Neffi Walker
George McKenzie Jr.
@theattieproject
@mellymells._
