Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Perez, Vodka Bacon Studios.
Nelson, Vodka Bacon Studios, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My story is probably similar to many others. I loved art as a child and knew I wanted to do something with it. Then you get older and life keeps getting in the way of your dreams, and next thing you know your passion is pushed to after work hours in a makeshift studio in your home. Luckily with a nudge from my partner and manager, Jason Skrbec, I was given the option of trying to sell my art or find a new home for it because it is taking up too much room in our place. I was scared of showing art, but too emotionally attached to it to just get rid of it.
So, selling it is what I did. We tried to start first with an ETSY page (We didn’t know of any other avenues). I felt to pretentious naming a page “Nelson Perez Art”. I was like who the hell is Nelson Perez, and why would anyone care. So, researching how to choose a name we saw that you should name a business after things you love. This is where the Surname Vodka Bacon Studios came from. I mean, I love vodka and I love bacon. Also, the initials of Vodka Bacon Studios are VBS and when I looked that up it came up Vacation Bible School. Finally, a name and it is almost God sent. Through this site I was contacted by a woman names Sarah Faragala. She was the St Louis director of a showcase company called RAW, that provided opportunities for local artist to come together and create a group show of all different genres of art and bring people in. Somehow, I won Est in St Louis for 2D art in 2012.
This was incredible!! Up to this point I was very self-conscious about my work. Now I felt that maybe there is a market for it. So as Vodka Bacon Studios we started participating in Local art shows, coffee shops, wine bars, any place that would hang my work. Eventually we decided to start throwing our own events. So, Jason took the challenge of putting together one-night pop up events that were full immersive themed parties showcasing local artist. We have put on four annual events so far. The first two were called Boozart! and everything was alcohol inspired. the next two were called Poptropolis and all the art was pop, pop surrealism, urban, lo brow, and industrial art. these shows were a big hit and became super popular in St Louis. these vents allow artist to showcase their work in an unusual way. The shows are targeted to an adult audience laced with childlike exaggerations, kitsch and whimsicality. Art comes alive in eye candy atmospherics at these tremendous fashionable cocktail affairs. VBS art events are social in nature and are designed to engage guests with the art and artists by bringing the gallery surroundings to life with décor and live performers roaming the room.
We then decided that we wanted to start doing art festivals. We figured it would be a great way to try out new markets and also explore the country and all the different cities. With a strong buyer support I was finally able to transition from working and doing art on the side, to just doing art full-time. So, know we found ourselves wondering what we can do during the cold months. Everything shuts down in winter no one wants to be outside. So, we now have relocated down to Florida, where art shows and opportunity are plenty, and the warm sun shines all year round. Life is a funny fickle thing and you never know where it will lead.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art is a combination of pop surrealism, low brow, urban and whimsical influences. It consists of bright, colorful, smile provoking pieces that leave the viewers with a sense of joy and optimism. Like I mentioned I am a self-taught artist that uses multiple thin layers of paint to create a rich bold explosion of color and humor. I primarily use acrylic paint and sometimes mix media. My inspirations come from almost anything and anywhere. I always sketch and my general rule is if an idea makes me laugh or giggle then it will be a painting. My persona belief is that life is filled of things to cause anxiety, stress, or any of the less desirable feelings. So, my art is created to bring joy and whimsy. Many of my paintings are designed to create a true three-dimensional effect when combined with Chromadepth glasses.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I have only been in any art scene for about six years and each year has exponentially gotten better than the previous. I have to say like anything if you work hard and are hungry you can find opportunities. Just never become complacent. the second you stop moving you start to become stagnant. Any door or window open you have to at least look in. LOL
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I travel the country doing different art shows and festivals. So, you can always go to my website at www.VodkaBaconStudios.com to see if I will be in your area. While you are there check out my online store.
I will definitely be participating in the Beaux Arts festival on the University of Miami Campus (http://www.beauxartsmiami.org).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.VodkaBaconStudios.com
- Phone: 314-660-8823
- Email: vodkabaconstudios@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vodkabaconstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VodkaBaconStudios/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VodkaBaconStudi
Image Credit:
Jason Skrbec, Nelson Perez
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
