1) Every Artist has a unique story, what is your background as an artist?
I was born in Hawaii and raised in California. Moving around a lot as a kid, and having to constantly make new friends at new schools, I had a lot of time to myself. I would draw every day as a way to escape the social anxiety I faced. Art has always been a very meditative, calming practice for me. For years, I only Considered my artwork a “hobby” or something I did in my off time. It wasn’t until about 2010 that I started actually earning money for my work. Selling the Occasional canvas piece or line drawing.
But in 2012 I lost my job, at the time, as a chef in a restaurant in key west. When I found myself unemployed and unsure how I was going to pay the bills, I began to push my artwork harder than ever. It didn’t take long before I was able to make a decent living as a “Freelance artist specializing in large scale murals”. I immediately fell in love with public art and have pursued live painting jobs and mural commissions ever since. I've always been inspired by nature and wildlife. The beauty of lush foliage and tropical plants Certainly influences my work.
2) What was your experience working with MLK Mural, what locations?
I was fortunate enough to work with MLK murals, on the Kings Terrace project in Miami. Working with Kyle Holbrook opened my mind as an artist in many ways. It was a great opportunity to work with kids and take part in a large scale collaboration piece.
3) What is your thoughts on the importance of youth art education?
I found from the project with MLK that there is no greater way to make an impact on the youth of today than through artwork. I witnessed these kids transformation first hand and the amount of teamwork and kindness they were showing each other by the end of the project was awe inspiring. I think the more we can educate children and help them tap into the creative part of their minds, the better the world would be.
4) Can you share your experience with Public Art affecting Communities?
One public art project I completed in key west Florida showed me just how much artwork can change the way people view their community. I was commissioned to install a piece at a local restaurant, in an area that was riddled with trash and litter. I cleared the litter in front of the area to be painted, since it was going to be painted on the ground in front of the business. As the residents of the area were walking by taking interest in the project, they noticed how nice it was to have something beautiful in front of their houses rather than the mess that had always lined the street. Little by little the local people started cleaning up the areas in front of their own homes and apartment buildings. Before I was finished with the project almost the entire street had been cleared and cleaned up. The area looks amazing now. It goes to show that all it takes a little bit of creative inspiration and we can very literally change the world around us.
5) Were can people view your work and what are some upcoming projects you would like to let people know about?
Most of my work can be found in Key West Florida at various restaurants and local bars and businesses. Addresses available upon request. I've also done a piece in Pueblo Colorado at one of the largest dispensaries in CO, The Cannabis Depot. Currently, I have an upcoming project in Stock Island in the Florida keys working with Art in Public Places on the large scale "stock island beautification project" taking place in the beginning of 2020. Its a big collaboration of all key west’s finest artists that is expected to completely transform the look and feel of the lower keys.
Artist chase Cantrell next to one of his Key West Murals.