We recently connected with Wiley Ross and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Wiley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Besides the Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin mural in downtown Austin, the most meaningful aspect of projects for me is creating art that deeply resonates with people, especially when it brings up emotions related to their past loved ones. I’ve had moments where I painted something for them, and they ended up crying, which in turn moved me to tears. That’s why I love what I do the most. Being able to empathise in the moment and share that feeling of deep nostalgia with someone on a subject that was originally, well, subjective. It winds up personalising the art for me as well:
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Wiley Ross was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. Throughout most of his life, Wiley’s focus has been art. Then, while in college on an art scholarship, he decided music was his next step to pursue. So he picked up a guitar, loaded up his van, and hit the road to Austin, TX. Soon, the hard hitting rock trio, Street Light Suzie was born. After touring the country, including a packed house at LA’s Viper Room, and recording their first CD, “Red River Revival”, In September of 2011 the band’s blistering demos got the attention of Guns ‘N Roses alum Gilby Clarke. The union was a resounding success as the band traveled to LA to record in Clarke’s studio. The result is the critically acclaimed “Red Album”. Wiley has also been very successful placing songs in film and television, including credits on CSI, Nikita, Ringer, VH1 and E! shows.
Wiley is a critically acclaimed painter, muralist and musician. As his reputation has grown, so has the size of his creations. Austinites can see his murals on many walls throughout the city. For a man who truly believes “the world is a blank canvas”, this has been an exciting and fulfilling experience.
Wiley lives in Austin, TX with his daughter, Veda Moon and Partner in Crimes, Karma Montagne.
Some of Wiley’s most iconic pieces in Texas include the Willie Nelson mural in downtown Austin which was recently featured on the Jimmy Kimmel show.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When it comes to making a living in art, I don’t rely on waiting for inspiration. It’s all about consistently producing and putting in the hard work. I started by hustling, going to places with blank walls, contacting landlords, and eventually building up my portfolio to the point where people started approaching me for mural work. You can’t wait around for opportunities; you have to go out and create them. My first mural gig was at a bar in Austin, and from there, I worked on various projects like murals in apartments. Along the way, I also did bleach T-shirts for some extra cash, but had to stop due to bleach headaches haha. It’s been a journey of pushing myself, testing my limits, and ultimately succeeding.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Being able to spread the message of being a good f*cking human. Be weird, be real, be kind. We’ve been trying to get our charity launched, Kult of Kindness, but have been so busy doing the work in it, we haven’t had time to do the work “on it”. If someone needs paint, advice, a mentor, a friend, a mediator, Karma and I want to be able to be there. I have the urgent need to help people, and that’s what I really want to do every day. It’s less about getting the next commission, although we all gotta eat, and more about, how do I get to a space where all I “have” to do is what I want to do, and am called to do… helping others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wileyross.com
- Instagram: @wileyrossart
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karmiccoyote?si=MNIvpefFVmGgFTUK
- Other: @karmiccoyote
Image Credits
Karma Montagne