We had a chance to catch up with Jaime Molina the designer of this years Breckenridge Brewery Artist Series Snowboard. Each year the brewery sets out to choose a designer to come up with an amazing design for their upcoming snowboard in partnership with Never Summer Industries. This year local favorite (one of ours) Jaime Molina got the distinct honor. Molina goes by the moniker Cutty Up on Instagram and you have probably seen some of his work all over town. With a unique style it was only fitting to come up with this years amazing board. The board will be on hand at the Opening Day Party to take place on Saturday November 10th at Punch Bowl.

U5280: How long have you been doing art?

Jaime: I've been making things my whole life I guess. It's been a long road to making a living off of my art solely, but it's been worth the wait.

U5280: How did you get started?

Jaime: Like I said, I've been making art in various forms my whole life, but eventually I studied art at Metro State and got a BFA with an emphasis in printmaking. After that I started having art shows around town and I just kept building things from there.

U5280: If you weren’t doing art, what other passions or professions would you have chosen?

Jaime: I really enjoy cooking. Maybe Culinary school? I used to do home remodeling and I really enjoyed that as well. The process of tearing things down and seeing how things are made has always fascinated me. I used to take apart electronics and other appliances when I was little to see how they worked. It's kind of a similar process. With the home remodeling I had the chance to build it back up in a new way which is pretty gratifying.

U5280: There seems to be a rebirth in street art in Denver, how does it feel being part of that movement?

Jaime: There are so many great artists and makers here in Denver. I'm super grateful that I get to make art in an era where artists here are getting recognition for their work from a much broader audience. The high visibility and impact that street art and graffiti have is a valuable tool for artists to reach people that may not otherwise discover art in traditional formats. These new additions, in the forms of murals and other street installations, are valuable assets to the culturural landscape of Denver. I always point out to people that question whether it's worth it for the city of Denver or private businesses to invest in these types of works, that this is the kind of thing that people will remember when they visit our city. No one will go home and tell their friends about the fantastic billboards and advertising we have here. They will share photos of vibrant art and culture and think of the connection they had to it. This not only spreads the artwork of local artists, and opportunities for them, but it also shows what we are about here.

U5280: You have some amazing pieces all throughout our city, what has been your favorite and why?

Jaime: Thank you for the compliment! I don't have a favorite piece. They are each my favorite until the next one haha. By that I mean that they are all different specifically because each piece is in a different location and each design is based on that unique site. What I enjoy the most about making work in the street is that you get to know each location so well. Each corner or pocket in this city has it's own vibe and getting to connect with that particular spot is to me what it's all about. As an artist, the people you meet while you are installing the work are the same ones that live with the art everyday after you pack up and leave. For me personally, it's important to have a connection to the community so that they will have a connection to the art. That's the goal anyway.

U5280: How did the partnership with Breck come about?

Jaime: Ryan over at Breckenridge Brewery contacted me a while back about doing a design for their artist series board, but due to some schedule conflicts I wasn't able to participate. Fortunately we were able to circle back and make it happen this year! They have been super awesome to work with.

U5280: If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?

Jaime: Leonardo Da Vinci because I feel like he's equal parts artist and inventor.

U5280: How did the theme for the Breck Brew come about, it seems like every board in the series so far has told a story?

Jaime: Snowboarding has always been very special to me. It's given me some of the most physically surreal moments in my life as well as some of the best memories with my friends and family. In light of this special connection, I wanted to create a design to honor everyone that holds winter in a high regard. Every year I start seeing people get anxious for winter to come posting tons of antsy social media posts about missing snowboarding and stuff like that. I had this idea of illustrating Old Man Winter conjuring up snow. Kind of like a Santa Claus specifically for winter people creating a blanket of powdery snow to warm their hearts.

U5280: Finally what is your favorite Breckenridge Beer?

Jaime: Hmmmmm really tough call. I think it changes depending on when you ask me. A couple months ago I would have said the Agave Wheat. At this moment it's the Vanilla Porter.