Where does the name "BUCK15" come from?
When I first moved to NY in the late 80’s, I hung out with friends who lived in Harlem and Alphabet City where everyone used to use the expression, "trying to make a buck". In my mind it meant survival-not giving up-making ends meet. I always loved the expression and thought if you can make a buck15, you’re doing a little bit better than a buck. This sort of reflects and represents all artists who do what they love and trying to keep there craft alive.
Where are the toys from and when did you start collecting?
The toys are my own personal collection. In 1990 I lived in Tokyo this is where it all started. My agency was in Omotesando, and I use to hang out in Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and in Kiddyland all the time and buy little toys. Around ‘98 my best girl Wini and her husband DJ DB got me really hooked. They were the first to have original Murakami and Nara on there walls, and also the first to have Homies, Kubricks, Bearbricks, Michael Lau, Eric So... etc.. I dedicate part of Buck15 to Wini and DB for educating me on the history of toys, and the sub-cultural art appreciation.
Ten years later visiting Tokyo or Hong Kong, I would still buy one or two new toys. Still today there are underground meeting places still in Tokyo once a month, where only the people “in the know" would come and trade off their un-opened toys.
How often does the art change?
We change the art once a month and curate the art ourselves. Everything is for sale, and we also link the artist to our website www.buck15.com for more exposure.
Can I buy a t-shirt?
Yes you can, t-shirts and tank tops from the manager
Is it a dive or is it trendy?
Neither. Just a local gallery lounge
Are the toys in the cabinet for sale?
Sorry no.
Is the furniture for sale?
Not really unless you REALLY want it
Who designed BUCK15?
I did
Where is the furniture from?
Mr.Bill who owns a furniture shop on 1648 NE 123rd St in Miami, Douglas Gardens Jewish Center in Miami, Hootie Couture in Brooklyn, the Sunrise Flea Market in Fort Lauderdale, and the bar is from the penthouse of late millionaire Roy J. Carver who lived at Palm Bay Tower in Miami.
Tell me about you love for grafitti?
It started in 1983 when I first visited NY on our usual summer family vacations. I remember watching the number 7 trains in red come and go in the stations filled with graffiti art, and riding out to Queens. My family are huge tennis fans and travelling out to Flushing Meadows from Manhattan I was always amazed of the graffiti on the buildings, the parked subway trains raised above the streets and the overall vibe. I loved the vibrant colors, the names, the curves. I never thought about learning the history until much later in life. Everywhere I traveled from Paris, Bangkok, Tokyo, London, Argentina, Belgium, Sydney, Hong Kong onward, I saw it everywhere and knew there was a universal language and understanding to it all. I do not hold favorites but do appreciate the love, and heart-ache involved.
Where is the idea for BUCK15 from?
Living in Tokyo, I hungout at a place which made me feel like my living room, real homey. It was simply cozy and familiar. I wanted to re-create it with great affordable drinks, great music, great conversation and good company.
What times do you get busy?
Between 12-3am
What is your best night, and kind of music do you play?
Every night depends on what kind of music you like. Live local dj’s nightly.
Tues-TAKEOUT TUESDAYS Host Keen One
Wed-special guest
Thur-"SIMPLE LIFE" Host Edison Farrow
Fri- Host & Resident DJ Ryan
Sat- Host & Resident DJ Jenny
Where did the PIG and CAT come from?
The farm
