Where are you from, if not CO how did you get here?
What got you into art? When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I have been a creator, and some what of an entrepreneur literally ever since I can remember. I remember being in 4th grade and making dioramas with all my mom’s computer paper and trying to sell them to my classmates. Although I didn’t take my first official art class until I was a Senior in high school I always found ways to create, whether that be repainting my room for the 10th time, or starting AlitBuzz, which was my first official company at the age of 15 in which I made custom Beanies and tee shirts for my peers. Before actually switching my major in college to Fine Art, I already was a working artist. My high school friends and I started a nonprofit called DCM (Denver Creative Movement) and through art and music shows in Arvada and the surrounding areas. But even then I was not convinced that Art was going to become my career, I went from 2 years as a Psych major, and one semester as a philosophy major, before I took my first college studio art class and Art history class. The level of course work, and sheer challenge of these two classes made me realize, this is where I am supposed to be, this will be my life. And so I did it, I changed my major, graduated in May 2015 and haven’t looked back.
What is the story behind Far Side Emporium
I often tell people that Far Side Emporium is what my entire life in the art world has been leading up to. After owning, interning, and working for several other companies such as DCM, RAW Natural Born Artists, The Illuminatorium, DCCS, DAS, and more it only makes sense that I would eventually be one of the people leading a similar project. When Mackenzie Moore first approached me with the idea, it was sort of “duh” moment. Our mission statement is “Far Side Emporium is a community that links together live art and live music to create an environment that facilitates both sales and networking opportunities for millennial entrepreneurs. We host events that feature live music, live painting, live glass blowing and other live creative workshops featuring established artists alongside up and coming artists to truly encourage community growth.”
How did you get into live painting?
I honestly admired a lot of the live painters at the time, it was inspiring seeing how people in the creative world made a living doing what they loved. I had so many friends in local bands I figured “why not, even if I suck I’m going to give it a try” and let me just say, I wasn’t that great… I wanted to do it and forced myself to get better.
What is your process for commission work?
Always a mix between, images and ideas. I have made most of my income the past 2 years doing commission work. When I take commissions the first thing we talk about is what they are looking for, which could range from a personalized portrait of themselves or a loved one (Including dogs) to a Buddha with laser beam eyes. If required, I will ask for the image they want me to base the painting off of, the style, and size. Next I give them a general quote and take 50% up front to get started, and the rest on completion. Where a lot of artists I know really don’t like doing commission work, I absolutely love it! My favorite thing to paint is people, (especially if I know them) and by posting the pictures I was painting of girls I know and love, the request for commissions started to come in. The first oil painting portrait I ever did was of a friend who passed away that semester I was in school, and I have been addicted to it ever since. I started painting people who I knew because I like how it makes them feel; special, beautiful, sacred, and important, elevated in a way that will last forever.
Even with commission work I start with a picture but I always add things from my imagination to it, so instead of looking just like the photo there is an element of the painters hand present in the final work.
Denver Life
Favorite Place to eat -As of late Los Tacos for all their support!
Favorite Place to see a show – other than RED ROCKS!? Cervantes, that place gave me the grounds to become the artist/promoter I am today, and I love them for that.
Favorite place outside of Denver – Winter Park is my favorite mountain, up and down Clear Creek is where I grew up climbing, spelunking and hiking.
Favorite thing about Colorado? How do you even pick one favorite?! The mountains and the culture we have built here are stunning.
For commission work email [email protected] or IG @youngsayday
