New Orleans is not only the Birthplace of Jazz – it’s also a city that’s given life to many unique artists – and you can count Norman Gayle among those artists. 
From drawing and tagging to custom clothing designs, Norman has been into art since grade school. He has quite a fan base from Houston to New Orleans, on up the East Coast. Norman is owner of Custom Canvas Creation, focusing on custom art work that is bold and unique. 
The Heat’s a fan of Norman Gayle’s work and we know you will be too, once you check it out! We had an opportunity to speak with him and here’s how it went:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about your art and what all you do.
NORMAN GAYLE: My art work is bold. I paint portraits of people, celebs, and working on a “dreadhead” collection to show dreadlocks in a more artistic way. I do canvas work as well as bikes, boards, walls etc.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How did you get started?
NORMAN GAYLE: Since grade school I was drawing. I used to tag walls. I was one of the guys designing jeans, sneakers and shirts with paint, until I figured I should put my work to canvas and use it for a good purpose.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What were your influences?
NORMAN GAYLE: Funny thing, my mom always kept some type of education channel on as a kid, so I remember Bob Ross coming on a lot. I used to try and draw and color the paintings he was painting (LAUGHS). I would have to say Bob, my mom, and pops.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What type of custom work do you do?
NORMAN GAYLE: As of now, I’m working on 28 by 18 canvases, so it’s basically whatever you desire me to paint for you. I also custom paint skateboards and bikes. I’m actually working on a Diamond Back BMX now.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Where do you hope to see your art in the next several years? 
NORMAN GAYLE: God willing, I’ll be happy to see any of my work in a gallery here in New Orleans, and other major cities as well.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How has art changed your life?
NORMAN GAYLE: Art changed my life a lot – just growing and realizing what I’m able to do and how much people appreciate it – that I can make a name for myself and become someone important on a nationwide level.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How do you feel you can inspire others who want to become a custom painting artist?
NORMAN GAYLE: All I can possibly do is talk to them and let them know to take up an art class. Stay in school and gain knowledge of using other objects, besides a pencil and a brush. I have computer knowledge I graduated with that helps me use my tools on my laptop as well.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What other art related venues are you looking to explore or work on?
NORMAN GAYLE: I’m in the process of getting my tattoo license so I can become a tattoo artist. I’m also working on a clothing line, and just would like to take my paintings on a level I can never think of. It’s a hard task, but it’s worth it.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How can you be reached for your art work?
NORMAN GAYLE: I can be reached at customcanvascreation@yahoo.com, customcanvascreation.weebly.com, and twitter.com/@EvrybdyLuvsFlac.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Norman Gayle has some very unique and interesting article. Check it out!
That’s my dogg!!!!!!
It’s just a baby step to the major things coming up for the kid.. C.C.C.