Daily Inspiration: Meet Carlesto 624

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlesto 624.

Carlesto, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Atlanta. I grew up on a farm in Jonesboro GA. My grandfather grew food on that land and that impression was left with me and is one of the reasons why I farm until this day. While in Jonesboro I started skateboarding at an early age to stay out of trouble and create community. I eventually ended up in Lithonia GA where I skated at an indoor park every day. Thru that time I had the chance to skate with many pros and ams. That one year inspired my skateboarding and introduced me to skateboard art. I took an art class in the city of Atlanta that same year. As time passed I ended up in Danbury Connecticut where eventually I became sponsored for skateboarding. I traveled to many places and while in Philadelphia I attended my first ArtShow – That ArtShow inspired me to get my first camera and shot photography. Around the time I started shooting photography I met my wife and started college at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. My wife and I started creating art and shooting photos often and moved to Brooklyn NY. My work at the time had been featured in Source Magazine The Farmers Almanac ByHand clothing catalog and many club flyers around the city. I had also dabbled in street art and started selling my collaboration works with my wife on the streets of Soho. After a couple of successful ArtShow, we opened a gallery on Mott street with a business partner. Four years of selling art in NYC came and went and my wife and I relocated with our two children to Atlanta where we both sell our artworks in many ArtShow around the Georgia area. I am grateful to be back in this great city.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth but without the struggle how do you get the best out of someone. I am thankful for the success but I am also thankful for the struggle. It’s the reason I am where I am now. I’ve trusted the process all the way……..even when I was in doubt.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work mainly consists of silkscreen enamel acrylic decoupage and photography. Some of the photography is mine and some of it isn’t. My work is different because not many people in Atlanta can do what I do and as good as I do it and vice versa. I respect others’ mediums and I appreciate them respecting mine. The Naomi series is some of my favourite works. I also love the cityscape work from the past. My photography work is my absolute favourite though. I know a great photo when I see one and that’s what used to set me apart from others but the interweb has changed that forever lol. Over the years I’ve been known for my Naomi and Kate Moss work.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First I would like to thank my wife for being so supportive and giving me the vision for my life’s work. She has always been super positive towards any and all the things I’ve wanted to pursue .My daughter and my son are big inspirations in my life. My mom has always been super supportive of anything I’ve wanted to do. The clients that continue to purchase my work and cheer me on. Thank you!

My Waterbury Connecticut crew has always shown me love no matter what. Some of the NYC homies still show love and support often. Thank you! The Virginia connect that always had us out to do murals. The Stanebrook crew that looked out for me when times were rough and of course you all for giving me a space to do this interview. Shoutout to my Carmel mentor. Shoutout to my Bronx NY mentor. Special thank you to my mother-in-law for always seeing the best me. Thank you to my ancestors for working hard to keep me in good favour.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.6hundred24.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: @carlesto624
• Other: www.624713ART.com

Image Credits:
Jenevieve Amma