When do you feel most inspired to create?
Really for me, when it hits me, I know. I'm not one of those people who like.. don't sleep because I'm "grinding". I have 3 children & a Fiance that I have to divide my time with. Sometimes I will go weeks without even picking up a brush. But to me, I feel like every aspect that goes into a piece, is considered creating. Whether it's just sitting & trying to find inspiration, calculating my next stroke, studying. It's all a part of the process for me. The work goes further than actually laying paint down, you know? So basically just when I FEEL it, I get down to it. I don't really have another way to explain it. I just don't force it.
Who are 3 artists you have your eyes on at the moment?
Oh man, only 3? That's tough.I'd say that the 3 that I (and most people) have their eyes on at all times are: Tjo, Omentejovem and Karisma. One of my favorite things about these artists and just art in general, is how distinct one's work can be. I can't think of 3 artists whose work you recognize immediately more than them. Truly masters of their craft.
But I want to give you 3 UNDERRATED Artists in the space if I may. People I think folks should keep an eye on (more). Bhareboy, Baire, Freebac. What these guys are doing is incredible & honestly, only a matter of time before they break their ceiling.
What advice would you give to an artist starting in the space right now?
If you're just starting, just please stay true to yourself and to your art. Try to get better with every piece you create. And when you DO find success, even if only a little, harness that & push yourself forward.
I've been here for over 2 years now, there are highs & lows, if someone told me back then that "you might go a year without a sale after hitting a major all time high", I might've not grown complacent. When the numbers are down, focus on your craft. You might just fuck around & produce work that can't be overlooked.
And when the success comes, don't regurgitate what was successful, always try to push yourself. You can always be better.
Would you rather be relatable or aspirational to your audience?
I would like to be both. I want people to aspire to have the amount of success that I've had as of late, but I ALSO want them to know that I'm just another guy who lives in small-town Tennessee & likes to paint. I want to be relatable, but also inspire them to put in the work needed to get somewhere in this space.