Title of Work: Where do you typically source the dead animals you use in your work?

Hudson Primo: All over the place. I got my first batch driving through Wyoming when I stopped on the side of the road and bought a bunch of pelts from some hunters. My girlfriend recently brought some stuff back from Chile. Basically wherever I can find it.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Light. Physicality. Recycle.

You have a multi-hyphenate approach (art, clothing, modeling). Which came first?

It’s less like “chicken or the egg” and more that everything happens simultaneously. It all intertwines. For example, I might have an idea for clothing and need a certain type of fur, so I make the piece. Then the leftover materials might inspire a painting or quilting. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, you just have to make yourself available for the muse.

What’s the first piece of clothing you ever made? Would you wear it now?

A bleached denim shirt with a painted severed unicorn head on the back. I probably wouldn’t wear it now, although maybe I would.

Why work with dead animals?

They’re real materials with a story. I like giving them a new life in art instead of letting them sit unused somewhere.

Where are you from, and how does home influence your work?

I always said I was from New York because I was born there, but I grew up in LA. After moving back to New York I realized I’m really an LA kid. I like the laid-back vibe, smoking weed by the pool and just kicking it.

When does an artwork feel finished?

Especially with abstract paintings, they’re never really finished, just abandoned. Once the piece develops a personality, that’s usually when I stop.

Where do beauty and ugliness intersect in your work?

I like making pieces that provoke strong reactions. Something can feel ugly but still be powerful or intriguing.

What’s the most humbling part of your art?

Working with dead animals. It’s serious material and people have strong opinions about it.

Do you ever have to prepare the pelts yourself?

Sometimes. If they’re dirty I clean them and scrape them down so they’re thin enough to sew.

If you had to choose only one discipline, which would it be?

Drawing. It’s the first thing that got me into all this. With drawing you just have an image in your head and put it on paper. It’s very direct.

What are your constant sources of inspiration?

Early human history - hunter-gatherers, raw humanity, and the conversation between our primal “lizard brain” and the part that makes us human.

What did you want to be growing up, or what would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?

I’ve always felt like I was supposed to be an artist. I’ve been drawing and making things my whole life. If not this, maybe something like drawing comic books or superheroes.

What did you want to be growing up, or what would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?

I’ve always felt like I was supposed to be an artist. I’ve been drawing and making things my whole life. If not this, maybe something like drawing comic books or superheroes.

What does a typical day look like for you lately?

Wake up, black coffee, quick workout, then painting and drawing. Then emails and other business stuff. Some days are studio days, others involve modeling gigs or castings.

What’s your favorite show you’ve walked in?

Virgil’s last Louis Vuitton show in Miami. That was definitely the coolest one I’ve walked.

What’s your favorite Fashion Week activity?

Getting paid.

What does “making it” mean to you?

Having enough money that you don’t have to think about money, being able to go out for dinner or buy something without checking your bank account.

Why are fashion and accessories so appealing to you?

Growing up around people in the streetwear industry influenced me. As a model, you’re basically a walking billboard. I loved representing my friends’ brands, but eventually I wanted to represent my own ideas and make my own clothes.

How does jewelry fit into your world?

Jewelry has an energy to it, especially precious stones and gold. Humans have always been drawn to gold, it doesn’t really serve a practical purpose, but it’s beautiful and mysterious.

What do you look for in jewelry or a jewelry brand?

I’ve gone through phases. Medieval-looking pieces, modern designs, but generally I like pieces that feel unique and expressive.

Why do you like the cuff you’re wearing?

I like sturdy jewelry and simple durable pieces with minimal clasps that won’t break.

Where’s a good place to get a cocktail?

A spot called Anna Café in Ridgewood. You can smoke inside in the back, play pool, and they serve my favorite German beer.

What’s your favorite beer?

German Helles lager.

Discipline or discovery? Routine or novelty?

Novelty. Discipline is important, but you also have to let go and live a little.

Your place or theirs?

Their place. My place is basically my studio, and I don’t usually invite people into that space.

What was the last book you read?

I’m finishing Empire of the Summer Moon. I was also reading American Psycho.

What was the last dream you remember?

I had a crazy dream last night that I can’t remember, but one I do remember was being in a desert with a giant metal bird. When I realized I was dreaming, I climbed on its back and started flying over the desert. Then I woke up. It was awesome.

What subjects interested you most as a kid?

Biology. Especially genetics and things like why people have different ear shapes.

What mystery would you most like to solve?

Why mosquitoes exist. I’d happily eliminate them.

Who are your favorite artists?

David Lynch, Hieronymus Bosch, and Z. Fisher.

How do you balance intention and chance in your work?

It depends on the piece. You have to find the balance between control and letting the materials lead the process.

What’s one trinket you treasure?

A volcanic rock I found in Lanzarote, Spain. Though lately I’ve been trying to own fewer things.

What do dreams mean to you?

Dreams are very important. They connect you to deeper subconscious ideas and inspiration.

Is sketching more conscious or subconscious for you?

Both. Some of the best drawings happen subconsciously, like doodling when you’re bored in class.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A horse or a hyena.

What’s a simple pleasure for you?

Watching a good movie while smoking a spliff.

What’s your favorite color?

A warm yellow-gray.

What’s your favorite food?

A buttery steak.

Any last words?

No.