over the next couple of days, we're going to be chatting with some of Miami's most influental street art locals. You can go see their work for yourself at HistoryMiami's Some Like It Hot exhibit. Some Like It Hot is the first museum major museum showcase of Miami's burgeoning street art scene. We've all seen the murals around town, but we don't really get to hear much from the mouths of those who've painted them. Today, we're talking to Erin O'Dea:

Tell me about your piece in the Some Like It Hot exhibit. How did you decide what to contribute and what do you think it says about art in Miami?

When Brandon reached out to me the details weren't quite ironed out yet, but I had some time to think about what I could bring to such an epic artist line up in a place like HistoryMiami. I chose a giant Trick Daddy portrait and his Chevy big block donk. I wanted to stay true to my painting style and use an image of a Miami hometown hero and bring a little bit of a lighthearted feeling to the project. I feel the image reminds people of the fun and somewhat exaggerated culture Miami has, which makes it completely unique. Gold grills and big rims, other cities aint got nan on us.

How would you describe your personal style and artistic vision?

I paint mostly portraits of popular icons, musicians and hip hop artists, trains, and lots of Bill Murrays. I am exploring patterns and incorporating spray paint backgrounds as of lately. Most of my work is influenced by my tattooing to some extent also. I like to create things that people just like. Things I like. It's not a complex thing really. Everyone likes stuff. I want everyone to like my stuff too.

How do you feel about tourists visting Miami for the street art?

I feel good about it, the more people who enjoy art - the better.

The exhibit's description touches on how art in Miami is influenced by the hot weather. What's your ideal way to spend Miami's hottest day of the year?

On the hottest day - definitely something inside. I love the tropical weather but I will totally pass the fuck out if I'm running around in the summer. I'd probably enjoy a tasty lunch and an indoor adventure haha.

Graffiti or street art?

Street art. I am just starting to break out into painting walls, which is one of the most fun and challenging artistic endeavors I've ever taken on. I don't write graffiti but I have a pretty serious love for typography and a sweet hand drawn font. I have a graphic design background so it makes sense I suppose.

How do you take your coffee?

Easily the best interview question I've ever had the pleasure of answering. With milk. Nothing on earth beats a strong cafe con leche. Coladas are more than delicious when you're in a large group - it's a super Miami thing. Many were drank in the process of painting and putting together the sho

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Where in Miami, anywhere in Miami, would your ideal mural be?

I would love to paint a wall directly across from anywhere where coffee is consumed. I like the idea of people looking over at my mural while sipping on a tasty beverage and talking shit.

Little Havana or Wynwood?

Wynwood. Only because I'm a super gringa.

Do you have any friends on the scene that we should know about?

I'm Cushy Crew, and, you know, they're kind of a big deal, haha. but I have lots of friends all over the place who do awesome things, I'm definitely lucky to have some amazingly talented people in my corner.

Where else can we see your work?

Well, on the internet the gram is the best place really. I keep that updated obnoxiously and religiously. I have erinodea.com, but who looks at websites these days? I have a Morgot Tenenbaum in the Cushy Gigs office, and paintings/murals at Laserwolf, I try to be involved in as many shows as I can, so at any given time there's something up somewhere.

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top image at historymiami via miami nice. all other images via instagram @erinodea

HISTORYMIAMI X MIAMI NICE: ERIN O'DEA