Q&A with Cheba

Artist Cheba gives wizarding advice and answers our questions on his cosmic career and inspirations.

Bristol-based artist/wizard Cheba created a Bear for the Big Bear Sculpture Trail. Cosmic Bear is one of 20 bear sculptures forming a conservation-inspired trail around Wild Place Project. Wild in Art were commissioned earlier this year to deliver the Art Programme.

Describe the style of art you produce in just three words.

Cosmic futuristic funk.

Your artistic mediums?

Spray paint, acrylic, resin, wand, cosmic dust.

What or who is the biggest influence on your work?

Looking within, space travel, nature, finding beauty in everything.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give your younger self when considering working in the arts?

Start yesterday. Paint for you. Invest in yourself.

What do you aim to achieve through your artworks?

If I’ve made someone smile, then it’s worked.

Career highlights? 

I love where graffiti has taken me, from abandoned buildings to exhibiting and painting around the world.

But my main highlight is making a living from what I love to do; not having a brief and creating what I want, and all the amazing people that support me doing that. From liking and following my journey, to buying my work and commissioning me – it’s amazing and enables me to carry on doing what I love.

Being free; that’s my highlight.

What have you got coming up? 

I have a little exhibition on at the moment at Burger Bear, which will be up for a month or so. Details can be found on www.weaponofchoicegallery.com

You can keep up with my journey on my Instagram @cheba_bristol

Tell us one thing that other people may be surprised to learn about you.

A wizard never reveals his secrets.

What’s the best thing about being involved in a Wild in Art event?

Inspiring a new generation. It’s always amazing getting involved in these trails, there’s always a nice buzz around them.

Where can people find out more about your work?

My Instagram is the most current @cheba_bristol

Or my website, which isn’t very up to date, artbycheba.com.