By Dave Fidlin | SDUN Reporter

At quick glance, they might look creepy. But when you get down to it, Prince Morales’ cartoon characters, the Crevice Creeps, aren’t so creepy after all.

The San Diego native, who is showcasing his artwork during a meet-and-greet with fans this Sat., Aug. 6, at Thumbprint Gallery, said he has been on a quest to spread a message of positivity and peace ever since he began doodling his street-themed, larger-than-life characters in 2002.

“I began drawing them in a sketchbook, alongside my lecture notes, when I was working toward my degree at the Art Institute of California—San Diego,” said Morales, who goes by the name Enosh as an artist. “Over time, The Crevice Creeps have evolved and have become more bubbly and colorful… . In a way, they’re
a juxtaposition because they send a real positive message, and that’s done on purpose.”

Morales describes the Crevice Creeps as short, stocky and bubbly creatures who resemble an abbreviated form of a human being. He cites hip-hop culture—notably the West Coast underground scene prevalent in the early 1990s—as an inspiration for the characters. Morales uses a variety of techniques to create his lovable
characters, including inks, painting, acrylics and, in keeping with the street theme, spray painting. He has also created hand-drawn stickers that feature the characters.

On Saturday, Morales will be showcasing an installation piece on canvas at the solo show. A variety of pieces from the past nine years also will be on display at Thumbprint Gallery through Sept. 4. The following week, Morales will return to the gallery with fellow artist Andrew Alcasid in a show entitled, “Motifs, Marks
and Margins.”

By using bright, vibrant colors, Morales said he always aims to give off a fun-loving vibe in his various artistic creations. Admittedly, he said he has thrown himself into some of the characters. Case in point: one image depicts a Creep partaking in breakdancing—a sport Morales himself has enjoyed.

“I hope people come in and enjoy these characters and creatures that have come out my head through my imagination,” Morales said of his upcoming art shows at Thumbprint Gallery. “If people walk away with a smile, I’ll definitely be happy.”

As an artist, Morales said he considers the Crevice Creeps a brand that helps distinguish him as an artist. With a free-style format, he equates them to a person’s signature.

“It’s an opportunity for me to get my name out there,” he said. “[The characters] are pretty recognizable.
They have a unique style.”

Morales said there also is meaning behind his artistic name. He said Enosh serves as an acronym for optimism.

“My goal in life is to live a noble, princely existence and give off positive vibes,” he said. “The Crevice Creeps are an extension of that.”

A variety of venues and collaborative efforts have featured Morales’ work in recent years. The Crevice Creeps have appeared on The Dope Show, a diverse collective of artists in the greater San Diego area, and Morales has also performed with his characters at Bar Basic in downtown San Diego and at the San Diego County Fair in July.

This fall, Morales is planning to attend the sixth annual Arts and Culture Fest, from noon to 6 p.m., Oct. 15 at Market Creek, where he will partake in an activity he loves—live art. The latest episode of The Crevice Creeps will come to life before the eyes of spectators on a large mural.

“It’s so much fun sharing the energy with the community,” Morales said. “I get such a thrill working live and engaging with the people who see my work.” Morales, who graduated from high school in 1999, said he was influenced by art from an early age.

“I grew up sketching with my little brother,” he said. “I took art classes all through high school and, once I entered college, I studied graphic design.”

While he emphatically declares art a passion, Morales’ role as creator of The Crevice Creeps is a side gig. He wears two very different hats, working as a tax analyst by day.

“The Crevice Creeps is definitely…my creative outlet,” he said. “Having both of these gigs definitely helps balance my life.”