Doc interviewed one of the area’s most unique and exciting young artists, Caleb Morris (AKA Sheesh) who will be part of a two man show at the Robertson Gallery in Mobile starting December 11th.
Doc: How did you get started in art, and develop your unique style?
CM: I’ve been drawing since I could remember and then stopped around 15 or 16 and didn’t pick it back up seriously till about 4 years ago and I started drawing in a way I’d never had before so I guess the style that I’m working in was just hanging out and waiting for me to pick it up again. This past year my influences have been a lot of 19th century painters and photographers so for these upcoming shows, I’m letting the history nerd in me come out.
Doc: Tell us about the show at the Robertson Gallery?
CM: The show at the Robertson Gallery is the beginning of two different shows I want to do next year, one is depicting blue collar workers from the 1800’s but still showing universal ideas and the other is based around the idea of smoke and how ominous it is when you don’t see what’s on fire.
Doc: Do you consider Mobile or the Gulf Coast home or are you permanently peripatetic?
CM: Home is wherever my family is so Gulfport is technically home but I can’t stay in one spot for two long. We’re actually looking at moving in June so we’re scouting out cities now, the only real stipulation is that it can’t be too cold, other than that, I’m ready. We’ve been here since about June of ‘06 and I’m thinking we’ll be moving in June of ‘09 but who knows, I’ve been saying we were going to move every year so I’m not making too many plans right now. I’m just kind of taking it as it comes.
Doc: How much Mardi Gras float work have you done?
CM: I’ve been working on Mardi Gras floats w/ the Mirth Company for a little over 3 years now. It’s a full time year-round job and I think this will be my 4th season I’ve done it. They say you’re “the new guy” until you’re there at least 5 years so I guess I’m still new for a little while longer
Doc: Any other upcoming events?
CM: I have a piece at Art Basel in Miami next month w/ the Art Whino Gallery, I signed on w/ SJC Drums to be part of their Artist Series so I’ll be custom painting snare drums for touring bands. I’m doing a line of greeting cards for http://www.facebook.com/l/fd4e4;AustinHandmade.com and I have a group show at Gallery 1988 in L.A. in Jan. So I’m hoping I’ll be able to take a nap around February but we’ll see.
Mr. Morris’ Blog: http://fullofsheesh.blogspot.com/
Mr. Morris’ Website: http://sheeshillustration.com/
