We recently connected with Pope Adrian Bless and have shared our conversation below.

Pope Adrian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’ll never forget the formative years of 2017 going into 2021. 3 out of those four years, I struggled with homelessness. In some way, shape or form. Eventually, life took the upswing and decided for my balance to change. And I ended up working for a company I, thoroughly, enjoyed. Even being promoted within the company to advance and go beyond. Not knowing my passion, in full, I became content. Contentment became chaotic after that point. Because, now. I have sacrificed what I didn’t even know to exist. For a life that was well and I wasn’t certain was meant for me. I attempted to end my own life. At the end of 2021. I was burnt out and didn’t have a chance to resurrect what I didn’t even know had a chance to live. I told my, then, girlfriend. I was ready to live. I was ready to figure out my entire life with the flip of a mental switch. I took my risk buying an iPad 5th generation. With money I had, but was afraid to start. She proceeded to push the button for me. And that $250.98 turned my life into a canvas. Being a tattooist & a creator? I needed this tool. And that tool took me taking the risk of leaing my job. And creating the career and passion I’ve hoped for.

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 take pride in considering myself “The Walking Renaissance.” It’s a polymathic blend of things I/I’ve pursued. Since childhood, desiring and craving the chance to do character design for Cartoon Network. Developing my oratory skills as I developed into my twenties. I took on being an independent musician for 13 years (and counting.) I began tattooing, in my mid-twenties. I began customizing clothes, shortly after. I’ve, always, desired creating. But, never considered myself an artist. The services I provide for my clients range anywhere from graphic/logo/digital illustration. Mural work, indoor & outdoor. I’m a traditional acrylic painter. As well as tattoo & customize clothing/shoes. What I pride myself on is the ability to create the relationship with the people I meet throughout this journey. The attributes I like to believe sets me apart stem from just being a person. It isn’t an act of doing a job and proceeding. It really is a time to know the story of the person, if possible.
The story I am hoping to get across is as simple as follows. There is life where you desire it to be. However you desire it to be. But, being understanding that things transcended the place you are at. To get where you must go. As stated, the experience is what I enjoy most out of the myriad of work I provide for many. But, for myself? Learning how to let go. And create an entirely new realm of possibility for yourself. From the internal to the external capability.
I’ve taken on many different fields of artistic work. And what I am grateful to say is that I encounter a constant thing. People are people. And limits aren’t designated places to go. Be heard. Whether vocally or visually. Or spiritually or sonically. Just be heard. We all want that chance. I want to support people in that chance.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Being an artist isn’t a “fly by night” affair. As youth, sure. The idealism of creating small figures and tiny worlds is a harmless thing. And, sadly, not taken as serious as something that can change the way the world can become. Being an artist is a lonely and harmonious journey. Because, you don’t have the qualms of the societal field telling you what looks good or feels grand. To YOU.

But. There is an everlasting onion that peels for a lifetime. Getting the art out is not the battle nor the end. It is the fraction of the stories burned behind each one. I can’t recount the countless nights where sleep couldn’t handle the fire. But, as a human being? Something just happened to me. That, likely, has impacted me in a way I can’t word. And the language we know isn’t enough.

It’s a spiritual endeavor. It’s a pathway of being receptive to learning yourself. This is why we don’t steal art. We may borrow styles and things. But, eventually, we have to go with our heart. And create and work from there. The everlasting onion is at work, though. And you’ll cry, harder. Feel deeper.

Mental Health can be an anchor and no one would be aware. Silence is dangerous to the human. But, art is the loudest kind of silence. Interpretation is everything to the person interpreting. But, for someone who desires being heard? It may or may not have answered my desire. It’s a catch 22 of sorts. But, bite the bullet and seize the gun. You’ll learn so much more about yourself through it.

People won’t understand 16 hour days. No sleep. Lack of sunlight. To execute something it’ll only take you 30 seconds to realize if you like or not. You don’t have to think no deeper than that. Whilst I pouted what ma have been the greatest day of my life. Or the worst evening of my year. Into a 5 second glance.

But, remember. This is a journey for life. The art is the photograph of sorts you are responsible for getting out to those who need to see it. Many need to see it. But, this isn’t for the weak. You grow from this. Be prepared to hurt and heal along the art.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Outwork the world and burn the limits. Talent is beautiful, but innate. Plan and execute. As long as you’re alive? And have a driven focus as to what you desire to do in this world? You are inevitable in your victory. There isn’t anything, conditionally, too strong to throw you under the train. Outwork your opponent. Someone wants your existence. Because, they haven’t figured out whom they are. Or what they can contribute. On the flip side of that? Hunger. Are you hungrier for yourself than for the approval? If so? Outwork the world. And burn the limits. Just never stop.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @popeadrianbless
• Facebook: Pope Adrian Bless
• Twitter: @popeadrianbless

Image Credits
Wildstyle Da Producer. Sykwynts