Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Austin.
Christopher, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Rising out of a small island of St. Croix, USVI, Chris Austin or to the art world “Eighty” is out to bring his light, vision, and imagination into the creations of his artwork. This vision comes from his transition from the concrete jungle of New York City to the tropical rain forest of the Virgin Islands.
Growing up in the islands, I had a very artistic background. I view my father as one of my greatest influences. He owned two shops on the island where he was able to intake and learn the gallery and art life. However, I’ve always had a passion for all things creative. Although drawing and painting were my first love, I also picked up a strong interest in music down to management and production. I was fortunate to garner an abundance of success, bringing new hip-hop and r&b onto an island that is heavily influenced by reggae and soca in the duration of my years as a teenager. It is said that music finds its way into the secret places of the soul but art enables us to find ourselves. Art has always meant so much more to me. Once I took a step back from music, I embraced the opportunity to study and teach the foundations, history, and culture I wanted to form into my vision of art. I spend 1hr a day training my mind to an unknown consciousness and serenity that is respected by the masters.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Success is never respected without a struggle. I have endured several obstacles during this journey so far, but I will always be grateful for them. However, specifically, I’ve found that balancing the spectrum of life’s daily duties and creativity as an artist has been the most challenging. Also, showing my true expressions of my culture, character, and vibrancy without offending the commercial “norms” have been a minor battle in my display. However, at the end of the day, who doesn’t get offended? Right?
Please tell us about what you do.
To set the record straight, I am the business. I am a man who takes pride in inheriting multiple talents. I’m best known for my leadership in managing artists, professionally designing websites & logos for various entrepreneurs, I’m a creative director in every avenue. I’m truly in love with art so everything that I do is art.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Culture Shock! Being born and raised in New York for a small portion of my life then migrating to the US Virgin Islands was a major culture shift in my childhood. As a child, it opened many ideas and question into human dynamic. Furthermore, growing up in the art gallery setting, I was able to gain an understanding of minimalism and attention to detail which are two things I heavily rely on for my creative direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: sxrvndxpe.com
- Email: madeby8ighty@gmail.com
- Instagram: madeby.80
- Twitter: @madeby80
Image Credit:
Shaun Matos
Getting in touch: VoyageATL 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.
