Can we say that art can be considered a form of internal monologue, built deep into our self-conscious and exuded with the tools of our choice?  With artists like Sean Welker, we gain an understanding of not just the artist, but also a little bit about ourselves.  Sean’s most recent work “…is an indirect translation of my internal monologue, as told through a cast of strange characters. Tied into my relatively recent move to Chicago, these pieces touch on themes of exploration, introspection, vulnerability, doubt and isolation.”

While most artists choose a certain tool or medium to portray their ideas and perspectives on life and experience, Sean chooses several.  He starts out with pencil illustrations, which become rendered with ink, then scanned and transferred to computer software, printed and finished off with paint, ink, and/or resin to bring the creative process full circle.

“When I was five years old, I wanted to be an astronaut.  Then I wanted to be an artist.  I’ve been doing something creative my whole life–it’s something that I can’t imagine *not* doing.  When I started making visual art in earnest a few years back, it hit me like lightning that I should’ve been doing this all along.

I keep going because art gives me purpose and joy.  It’s the first thing I think about in the morning and it’s the last thing I think about at night.  It’s less about want, more about need–the need to tell my story, sure, but also the need to process my experience in a strange, wonderful world.

A friend recently asked me if I wanted to be famous, then didn’t believe me when I said I didn’t want any part of fame.  Fame is a terribly addictive, fickle thing that holds little appeal for me.  I actually like being a bit anonymous.  My goal is to make pieces I love, and the rest–money, respect, recognition–are really just side-effects.”

Learn more about Sean Welker at:  www.seanwelker.com