“A Day in the Life” with Self-taught Artist Cody Larsen

July 7, 2021 Kyra Ramos Arts, Visual Arts

Cody Larsen is a self-taught artist born in Calgary, Alberta, where he currently lives and works. Growing up, Cody had a keen interest in art in the forms of doodles, comic books, filmmaking, and playing the guitar. His creative sensibilities brought him to study Landscape Architectural Design at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

Upon receiving his diploma from NAIT, Cody took to traveling the world. From west to east, he eventually made his way to Japan, which is an especially inspiring place for him. The elaborate street art lining the vast city of Tokyo, and each fine detail spotted in Japanese traditional tattoos had a heavy influence on his current art style.

In recent years, Cody’s preferred artistic mediums include acrylic ink, gouache, and iPad procreate. With these materials, he creates illustrations strongly influenced by Japanese tattooing, while still maintaining his own unique style. Cody’s ultimate goal is to become a tattoo artist himself.

Cody Larsen - Hiking is a passion of mine. During summer months while I am not working or drawing, my friends and I will head out to the mountains to unwind.
Cody Larsen – Hiking is a passion of mine. During summer months while I am not working or drawing, my friends and I will head out to the mountains to unwind.
Cody Larsen - I spend the vast majority of my free time picking away at sketches on paper or on my iPad. It might just be the most therapeutic activity out there… everybody should try it.
Cody Larsen – I spend the vast majority of my free time picking away at sketches on paper or on my iPad. It might just be the most therapeutic activity out there… everybody should try it.
When I discovered the world of Japanese art (specifically woodblock prints and tattooing), I slowly started to acquire a variety of literature and reference material on the subject as well as some classic Japanese literature to better understand the art forms.
When I discovered the world of Japanese art (specifically woodblock prints and tattooing), I slowly started to acquire a variety of literature and reference material on the subject as well as some classic Japanese literature to better understand the art forms.
Collecting vinyl is another passion of mine. My collection includes a variety of music. Anything from the Beatles to Misfits to hip hop or even classical music.
Collecting vinyl is another passion of mine. My collection includes a variety of music. Anything from the Beatles to Misfits to hip hop or even classical music.
Day to day, I work in the landscape design industry. It’s something that I was drawn to as you are really able to utilize creativity but also need to be conscious of certain specifications or requirements.
Day to day, I work in the landscape design industry. It’s something that I was drawn to as you are really able to utilize creativity but also need to be conscious of certain specifications or requirements.
My first trip to Japan was nothing short of life changing. Everything from the food to the elaborate calligraphy painted on every surface was inspiring. Trips to certain bath houses helped to pique my interest in the Japanese tattoo. The intricacy and subject matter of these designs were absolutely mind blowing.
My first trip to Japan was nothing short of life-changing. Everything from the food to the elaborate calligraphy painted on every surface was inspiring. Trips to certain bathhouses helped to pique my interest in the Japanese tattoo. The intricacy and subject matter of these designs were absolutely mind-blowing.
Cody Larsen - Travelling is something that I try to do as much as I can afford. It’s a life experience that I think everybody should try to have, even if it’s just to visit a different province. A piece of advice is to visit the lesser travelled places… it makes it all the more special.
Cody Larsen – Travelling is something that I try to do as much as I can afford. It’s a life experience that I think everybody should try to have, even if it’s just to visit a different province. A piece of advice is to visit the lesser-traveled places… it makes it all the more special.
Cody Larsen - Friends… everybody needs friends, right?
Cody Larsen – Friends… everybody needs friends, right?

Which hood are you in?:

Born and raised in SW Calgary, with a short time spent in Edmonton.

What do you do?

I work for a landscape design firm full time. It’s something I love and couldn’t be happier doing.

What are you currently working on?

As always, I’ve just got a pile of drawings and paintings that I am working on. Lately, I’ve been using procreate on my iPad quite a lot. I find that it’s great practice for hand movements and muscle memory for drawing and painting. I’m also on the lookout for anyone who may be able to teach me how to tattoo… just scratching is not something that I am interested in.

Where can we find your work?

I post a lot of my work on my Instagram: @casperrthefriendlyghost

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