We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sloke One. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sloke below.

Sloke, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have been involved with art since I was a child. Growing up in Austin,TX, I was always drawn to Graffiti Art which I was exposed to from skateboarding. The graffiti scene back in the mid 80’s was small and underground. I tried “tagging” but really wanted to learn how to “Piece”. In 1990 I met an artist by the name of SKAM ( Supreme King Al Martinez ). SKAM showed me the basics of how to create a graffiti masterpiece one time, from then on I was on my own. I had to pay my dues. Looking back at it I tried to draw and paint as much as I could to progress in the art form using high pressure paint such as Krylon and Rustoleum. You had to be quick or you would drip, you had to learn Can Control. The skills that were essential for me in learning graffiti were patience, willingness to make mistakes and learn, knowing the history of the art form, being able to take critiques and criticism, willing to risk jail time, and practice. The obstacles that stood in my way of learning more was the “Party” lifestyle and going to jail for graffiti.

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?

My name is Nathan Nordstrom aka “SLOKE ONE”. I am an Austin,TX native that has been doing Graffiti Art since 1990. I learned on the streets and transitioned to doing art full time in 2002. I am known for my graffiti art, colorful murals, and abstract art on canvas. Ever since 2005, I have traveled all across the USA and abroad to promote, teach, paint, and exhibit the art form I love. I have worked very hard to get where I am at. Nothing came easy. My work is freehand and continues to evolve. I am proud to know that I and my crew NBK helped lay the foundation in Austin,TX to promote Graffiti Art and make it possible for younger artists to make a living doing art.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I want to share a story about determination,resilience, and blind faith…

For me going against the norm was normal. I wasn’t really into sports except soccer for a short time. I was drawn to the Austin Punk Scene, Partying, Skateboarding, Hip Hop Culture, and most of all Graffiti. Starting out as a teenager painting graffiti on the streets was fascinating to me. To dress up like a ninja and leave my art on the city was an adrenaline rush! Of course it came with consequences. Going to jail 3 times for graffiti and still partying, I started to see that my life was going nowhere. As I sat in a jail cell I decided to give doing art professionally a chance. I had no idea how I was going to make that happen. You see, back in the late 90’s in Austin,TX graffiti was frowned upon. It wasn’t considered art. It was for criminals. We had to deal with the police, politicians, and the public all saying NO! Graffiti is a crime!
I started out knocking on doors showing potential clients my portfolio of photographs. 99% of them told me no. I just kept painting and trying to get art jobs. Finally in 2004, I got a call to do a group art show at a prominent art gallery downtown. I jumped at the chance. One of my canvases was bought by the Mayor of Austin and his wife. I was blown away! A politician supporting Graffiti Art?!!! At this time my Father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As I watched him in the hospital bed, there was a feeling of regret from him for not living up to his dreams. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m going to jump in feet first and make a living doing my art. I do not want to die not chasing my dreams. I laugh now because I had no idea what that meant! I have to say it hasn’t been easy at all. I didn’t know any graffiti artists that were making a living off their art. I had to deal with failure, negative opinions of the art form, being judged, and many times with no work. I supplemented my income by cleaning a bar in the mornings to free up my time to do my art during the day. What ever it took I did it, I was driven. Slowly the jobs started to come in. I learned as I went. This was no social media. I developed a reputation for showing up to work, not complaining and getting the job done. You see clients are not concerned about how I feel about a job. If I agree to do it, the client wants to see the job done well. The world owes me nothing. I had to go out and get it. There has been times of no work but I have just kept on painting and hustling. I learned to diversify my income to free up my time and do more art and travel. Business skills are crucial. I am grateful for where this journey has taken me. These days, I still work hard but I’ve learned to relax too. Passing on the art form to the younger generation has been a pleasure for me . There comes a time where you have to pass the torch, just like SKAM did to me back in 1990.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the power to inspire and help others. The world could use more of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.slokeone.com
• Instagram: @slokeone
• Facebook: Sloke One

Image Credits
Sloke Painting, Pic by Ferret Face Jones