Drew Estate has announced today, Subculture Studios Director Jessi Flores will be leaving the company to pursue new business ventures. Ever since Jonathan Drew discovered Jessi’s unique street art in Esteli, Nicaragua back in 1999, Mr. Flores has been a driving force of the company’s Subculture Studios.
Jonathan Drew himself noted in a press release this morning:
“Beyond building Subculture Studios into a game changing artistic workshop, Jessi’s creative spirit and extraordinary artistic talent have been a centerpiece in the culture of Drew Estate itself. After so many years of singular focus, we understand Jessi’s need to expand his scope of creativity and explore new ventures.”
Jessi himself was quoted as saying:
“My years at Drew Estate have been incredible, and I am so proud to have played a role with our employees, our customers and our loyal fans to make Drew Estate the best company in the cigar business.
The most special part of the experience has been working with the many artists of Subculture Studios, and seeing them grow as artists, as people, and as friends. I know that I leave Subculture in great hands, and that it will continue to create innovative and beautiful art for Drew Estate. I want to thank everyone at Drew Estate and all fans of Subculture Studios for an unbelievable twenty-year ride together. I especially want to thank Jonathan Drew for taking a chance on a young street artist. Now is the right time for me to pursue new opportunities.”
If you are would like to see some of the amazing works of this outstanding artist, you can check out the Subculture Studios site here. You may recognize some of Jessi’s work, in fact you may even have a piece or two of his work, if you are a Drew Estate fan. Here is a time lapse video of a giant ACID mural being created by Subculture Studios:
Jessi will be missed for sure, but as he said, Subculture Studios is in good hands and will continue to crank out amazing art for Drew Estate. In fact, Drew Estate CEO Glenn C. Wolfson noted:
“It is a testament to Jessi’s many years of focus and hard work that he is able to move forward at this time in his career knowing that his legacy at Subculture Studios will be well protected by the marvelous cadre of artists that he personally recruited and trained over the years.”
New Subculture Responsibilities
With Jessi’s departure, Drew Estate has also announced that Richard “Dog” Diaz, will be taking over responsibility for the creative design work of Subculture and Marvin Montoya, will be taking over responsibility for artwork production and logistics.
CEO Glenn C. Wolfson commented on Diaz and Montoya by stating:
“Both Dog and Marvin have been key artists and leaders at Subculture for many years, and we have total confidence that their experience and skill sets will keep Subculture producing show stopping art for years to come.”
A Fond Farewell
In wishing Jessi Flores farewell, the Company stated they are thankful for his valuable contributions, noting how he helped form Subculture Studio’s in the early years of Drew Estate. The company recognizes that Jessi will always be part of the Drew Estate fabric and they wish him ‘the very best as he embarks upon his journey into new business ventures. ‘