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

Smittybones, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

From a very young age, creativity has always been a part of who I am. As a child growing up in the late 80’s/early 90’s, I found myself captivated by Disney movies. With a piece of tracing paper and a VHS player, I would pause the screen and meticulously trace every detail of my favorite characters, sparking a deep love for portraiture that still exists within me today.

While I wish I had pursued my passion for art professionally sooner, life had other plans for me. When the recession hit and the writer’s strike took place just as I moved to Hollywood, I found myself taking a job on a cruise ship. What I thought would be a brief stint abroad turned into an incredible decade of travel and exploration. Working mainly in Europe, I had the privilege of visiting some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries, where I found myself captivated by the sublime and ethereal portraits of royal families.

Though it may have been a long time to be away, my experiences on the ships molded my artistic style and gave me the tools I needed to learn how to market and sell my art. When I finally decided to exit ship life gracefully after ten years, I was able to reflect on my travels and experiences, taking my favorite aspects and influences to give my artwork a clear and unique style.

Of course, the pandemic put many things on hold, but as we emerge from it, I am excited for the opportunities and projects that are coming my way. My journey may not have been traditional, but it has led me to a place where I can fully embrace my creativity and pursue my passion with fervor.

Smittybones, 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?

My artwork is a celebration of confidence, intrigue, and the personal journey that we all embark upon in our lives. With my signature crowns adorning the eyes of many of my subjects, I aim to convey the message that even when the path ahead is uncertain, staying confident and strong will lead us to a positive space.

I believe as an artist, it is important to have a unique style that sets you apart. Drawing inspiration from various aspects of my life, my portraiture is a fusion of my experiences as a former model and my love of travel, pop culture, and urban themes. As I paint, I am always on the lookout for a striking pose or an interesting composition that captures the essence of my subject.

My journey as an artist has not been easy, but I am immensely proud of what I have accomplished thus far. Through my unique and recognizable style, I strive to deliver a positive message to the world, even amidst the highs and lows that come with a career in the arts.

In my work, I blend hyperrealism with a subtle veil of urban surrealism and mystery. Whether it is the piercing gaze of my subjects’ uncovered eyes or the enigma of a crown covering them, I aim to create portraits that are both lifelike and mysterious, leaving the viewer with a sense of intrigue and wonder.

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

Working as an artist can be challenging, especially when it comes to evaluating the success of your work. As artists, we tend to be our own toughest critics, and it can be difficult to see the rewards of our labor. However, for me, the true reward comes when I finish a piece of artwork and am pleasantly surprised by the outcome. It’s a feeling of pride and accomplishment that cannot be matched.

While positive feedback from the public is certainly rewarding, it is not the only measure of success. When I create a piece that I am truly proud of, it gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that is invaluable. Even when faced with negative criticism, this feeling cannot be taken away.

Ultimately, the most important reward is the personal satisfaction that comes from creating something that you are proud of. As artists, we must strive to create work that speaks to us on a personal level and ignites our passion for our craft. It is this sense of fulfillment that keeps us going, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Throughout my life, I have found myself pivoting from one phase to another, almost every decade. Graduating from university with a degree in Production Design and moving to Hollywood during a recession and production strikes forced me to pivot. Working on over 20 cruise ships around the world for a decade and then coming back to land life forced me to pivot again. The passing of my mother was an unexpected and tragic pivot. And then the pandemic forced us all to pivot yet again.

As I grow older, I am learning to embrace the pivot and accept that it will likely always be a constant in my life. While a career as an artist may not be the most stable, it has been a constant companion and motivator for me. Without it, I believe the drastic changes in my life could have been far more jarring. Art has provided me with a sense of stability and consistency, even during the most tumultuous times.

I have come to realize that pivoting can be a positive thing, as it allows for growth and exploration. Each pivot in my life has led me down a new path, and I have learned valuable lessons along the way. As an artist, I have found that embracing change and pivoting when necessary is essential to staying relevant and evolving my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smittybones.com
• Instagram: @the.smittybones