We recently connected with Gary Brooks and have shared our conversation below.

Gary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to paint and draw at a young age. I grew up close to a train yard and saw graffiti everyday. Nothing can speed up the process but consistently working on the craft! The most essential skill is to always try new things be uncomfortable in what you do! Police stood in the way in my early years haha. I paint a lot locally and I have a nice garage wall I paint all the time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I like to go by SeeMe or SeeMeNever. I grew up always loving art of all kinds. Art is great for the soul! I never really got into an industry with art. I’m a self taught painter that loves to use a mixed media. Spray paint mainly, acrylic paints I have dabbled in oils. Anything that can get what’s in my head out onto a wall works for me!

I grew up drawing names in different hand styles for friends and family which led to me picking up a can and going bigger. I would say hand styles are my favorite way to paint or draw. I do love to paint characters as well along with my graffiti.

I don’t feel I am any different than anyone else in this place we call life. Plenty of people that produce great art. All art is great to someone.

I’m most proud of when I paint something for someone and it brings a smile that’s it. That’s all I need. I love to have fun and paint to meet new people and bring graffiti to the average person to see.

I can be found on Facebook with Seemenever Graffiti if anyone wants to reach out for any kind of work or to just talk art or even paint. I’m in Charleston South Carolina!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I can only speak on the art I create. I would love to see more legal walls/spaces for artist to display what they got without having to paint illegally and deal with all that! It is fun but when you’re pushing 40 it’s no fun running on rocks!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing people reactions to my art…good or bad I love it all! I love to help younger artist with graffiti and watch the skills grow and the happiness it brings them!

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Seemenever Graffiti
• Other: My Facebook is in the early stages…plenty to come if you choose to come along this journey. Much appreciated!