Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Corbett Kesler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Corbett , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Discovering your artistic talent later in life and finding success through your passion is a remarkable story. It’s wonderful to hear how something you created on a whim, like my beaded skulls, not only impressed the girl but also set you on a path to discovering your true passion and building a successful art career. The fact that I’ve sold over 100 pieces of art in just five years is a testament to the value and uniqueness of my creations. Balancing my teaching career with my art career requires a lot of dedication and time management, but my passion for art is driving me forward.

Corbett , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As an artist from Texas living in Colorado, my work is a fusion of traditional Western themes and modern techniques. My passion for creating unique and meaningful art has led me to develop a unique style, which I call “neo-western”. Through this style, I aim to explore and bring to life the story of the American West, with a contemporary and thought-provoking twist. My signature piece, the beaded skulls, symbolizes the intersection of life and death and represents the human experience. The intricate beadwork, which is time-consuming and meticulously done, speaks to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the American West.
I take pride in molding and casting all of my skulls from scratch, bringing a sense of authenticity to my work. Each skull is a one-of-a-kind creation that showcases my love for the intricate and the unconventional.
My goal is to share my art with others, inspiring them to look beyond the surface and see the beauty in the unexpected. Through my beaded skulls and neo-western art, I hope to spark a conversation about our cultural history and the power of tradition.

Corbett Kesler is a talented artist who creates unique and captivating beaded skulls and new western art from his studio in Colorado. Born and raised in Texas, Kesler has been inspired by the western lifestyle and culture from a young age, and this influence is evident in his art.
Kesler’s beaded skulls are truly one-of-a-kind and highly sought after by collectors and art lovers alike. Each piece is handcrafted from scratch, starting with molding and casting the skulls to create the perfect base for his intricate beading designs.
With a passion for intricate detail, Kesler takes great care in creating each beaded skull, using only the finest materials and beads to bring his vision to life. He is inspired by the natural beauty of the world around him and incorporates his love for the outdoors and wildlife into his work.
In addition to beaded skulls, Kesler is also well known for his neo-western art, which combines traditional western themes with contemporary elements to create a unique and modern interpretation of the genre. His work has been featured in numerous shows and exhibitions.
Kesler’s art is a testament to his passion and dedication, and it is a true reflection of the western spirit and way of life. Whether you are a fan of traditional western art or contemporary designs, Kesler’s work is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As an artist, my mission is clear: I’m dedicated to staying true to my unique vision and constantly fueling the flames of my creative mind. While I currently teach special needs students at a high school, my ultimate goal is to transition into a full-time art career and support myself through my creative endeavors. It won’t be an easy journey, but I’m fully committed to putting in the hard work and dedicating the necessary time to hone my craft. I believe in the concept of dedicating 10,000 hours to truly master my art form. Every bead placed, every sketch, and every creative exploration is a step toward refining my skills and finding my distinctive voice. I know that success in the art world requires persistence, resilience, and continuous learning. While I’m grateful for my current role as a teacher, I yearn for the day when my art becomes my main focus and source of livelihood.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely, I never knew what I wanted to do for a living until I discovered art at the ripe age of 40. I had always taken jobs that were “easy to get” or those that were offered to me without really thinking about what I truly wanted to do with my life. The question of “What do I want to do when I grow up?” never really crossed my mind as I navigated through various jobs. But you know what? It’s never too late to find your passion and dive headfirst into it. The moment I started exploring art, something clicked within me. It was as if I had finally found that missing piece of the puzzle I had been searching for all those years. The feeling was liberating and exhilarating.

Contact Info:

• Website: Corbettkesler.com
• Instagram: art.by.CorbettKesler
• Facebook: Corbett Kesler

Image Credits
Mark K. Smith for studio shots with me in them