Skele

Introducing Skele!

AoA – How long have you been in Austin and how did you find your way here?

Skele – Ive been in Austin for almost 2 years now. I first moved here after almost a year on the road doing art festivals. Todd found a spot and invited me in. Best decision ive made in my art career. Never have i ever had this many folks on my team.

AoA – When did you realize that you were an artist?

Skele – Its been about 11 years as an artist. 6 of them on my own. It took a friend to tell me that i wasnt the job that i had, but i was what made me happy and complete. That day forward when folks ask me what i do, which basically means, who are you. I say I am an artist. You have to own that statement and believe it when it leaves your mouth. Thats one that nobody can take away from me.

AoA – Can you speak to your art training?

Skele – I took one class in elementary school, where i drew a sun in the corner and got yelled at for it. Then i took a drawing class in college. The lesson was drawing boxes with charcoal. The teacher walks by me and says, “oh you know what you are doing” I felt pretty damn good, being that i have never taken a class. Well the next day was critique day. The teacher immediately went to my box drawing and totally destroyed it. I felt small and lied to. I never went back. Ive gotten better with age taking constructed critisism.

AoA – Where do you derive inspiration from?

Skele – Pain. Love. Friendship. Music. These are just the basics. I take human interaction with these things that im interested in and find what makes them art.

AoA – Can you talk a little about your creative processes?

Skele – Its a whole lot of standing around, picking things up, putting them down, making a stroke, painting over it. I dont plan. I am a satellite waiting to get my signal. I paint strictly from my chest. I wanna feel while im working. Which in turn i think helps the viewer feel, believe, understand something.

AoA – Big question. What do you feel the role of art is in the world?

Skele – I am a motivator. I like the grind, the never ending struggle, the ups, the downs. I try to show that in my daily life and when i interact with other artists. If you want to do something. Do it. The only person that can hold you accountable for work, is yourself.

AoA – Do you have any feelings towards Digital Art versus traditional mediums?

Skele – Whatever your medium is, do it. Own it. Grow from it. Im all about learning different ways to express myself and so should everyone else.

AoA – Who are some artists that you look to?

Skele – Micheal Reeder, Jean Michel Basquiat, Picasso, ER, Nic Noblique.

AoA – If you could own 1 piece from a living artist, who would it be?

Skele – Micheal Reeder

AoA – What else do you enjoy besides making art?

Skele – Im a nerd. Love playing video games, reading a new book (if i can get started) lol, and i have a major love for live music!

AoA – Where can we find your work? Do you have any shows planned for the future?

Skele – The best place currently is on my instagram. I will be showing my work at Lustre Pearl for EAST.

AoA – Any final advice for all the artists reading out there?

Skele – Believe in what you do. But also know there is always room to grow. Try something new, play with a new medium and try to express your style thru each.