Sean-I was neglected by my parents, caught in a society that favors the rich. Growing up, it was the only way to get noticed. Drawing, telling jokes, playing guitar, I'm just looking for attention. I'm hoping someone will toss me a sandwich or a couple dollars.
Q)What are the different art forms that I do?
Sean-What pays the bills is balloon art! I have a website theamazingsean.com . I can make any character by twisting balloons in a couple minutes.
My Instagram account @pickastigma is what I use to keep track of my balloon art, my painting and screaming at traffic.
I have worked as a classical guitarist, there's a few videos on my IG page. I've also worked as a stand-up comedian. .......
It's pretty funny.. if you got 5 minutes
The thing that I love and I'm haunted by is painting.
I use acrylic because my mother used oil.
Q)What does your work aim to say?
Sean- My work aims to say, "look at me! I'm here, come get some! Support my way of life! Do you have any spare change?
Q)What is that one line of quote that you abide by in your life or you would like others to follow?
Sean- What? Who wrote this one? I always say, "I'm not that bright but i like to look at stuff."
Q)Please tell us a bit about an artwork of yours that you are immensely proud of?
Sean- I did a profile of Lil Wayne with all his face tattoos and a printed shirt. it was like painting a map but i think it came out great.
Q)How have you been keeping up during the pandemic and what are the new things that you have started?
Sean- I was lucky enough to have the balloon business so I could take out an SBA loan and stare at my socks for a year. I painted a lot, they are all sold so i guess the pandemic was okay for me. I did have a full blown stroke in 20/20.... I'm not sure if it was covid related or just a regular stroke but I definitely have neurological issues.
Q)What are the best resources that have helped you in your way?
Sean- There's nothing good! Art resources seem to be a scam to make other people money. Even Art Serve in South Florida wants a bunch of money. Reaching out to people on Instagram has worked best for me. It got me into a gallery, I got work at a circus in Miami. The only resources to go out, guerrilla marketing.
Q)What advice would you give to a young artist following in your steps?
Sean- Learn to do balloon sculptures! If you can turn out a Spider-Man, Princess Elsa or a Sonic the Hedgehog, you can make a living while you try to get your painting game off the ground. If you can't do that be a street pharmacist.
Q)Do you have a favorite , painting, which inspires you?
Sean-I'm fascinated by how much attention the Mona Lisa gets. Leonardo didn't even finish the eyebrows!
I'm inspired by HR giger stuff... Surprisingly I don't seem to have that level of darkness in me. My favorite is the DMT art. I can just Google a painting instead of paying some freak to dose me.
Q)Can you tell us about the process of making your artwork?
Sean- I don't do it completely sober if that's what you are asking. A lot of what I do is somebody's request! If I am painting I get a reference pic on my phone, draw it in charcoal then I do acrylic in layers till it looks okay. I start with the shadows then I do the reflection and try to smooth out the rest.
If I'm doing balloon or I asked the kid what he wants and then try and make it within two or three minutes. it's usually a mermaid for a Spider-Man maybe a dog.
Q)What Does Your Art Mean to You?
Sean- A way to live without wanting to kill myself. The only way im not miserable. It's all i have... it means not dieing.
Q)Whats coming up for you ,what are you working on?
Sean-This spring I am doing a puppet show in the woman's restroom at the bus terminal. I've got nothing! if anyone has any ideas hit me up @pickastigma on IG.
Thank you Sean 😊 .