STAKE

Staked in the Heart
by Alesha Brunell

Should you ever require the need for body painting, Stake is your man. His artwork will amaze and inspire. When he's not snowboarding, or travelling to lend his body painting expertise, he has no shortage of custom artwork awaiting his attention.

Sure it's fairly easy to find someone to paint your car or bike, but where do you turn for such as a leather jacket or a guitar? Stake also accepts jobs many others will refuse. Not every artist can apply their talent on any canvas you throw at them. Stake will exceed your expectations no matter the object. He can even make a rice-burner look not just good, but American, too.





GASPetc: How old were you when you first got into art? When did you first realize you had significant talent over your peers?

Stake: 1st Grade. I drew a realistic sailing ship from memory.

GASPetc: Who were among the first to point out your talent and/or encourage you?

Stake: My Elementary School teachers always encouraged me.

GASPetc: Any awards or recognition?

Stake: I won a lot of trophies but don't really display them because it backfires and people think that they can't afford my services.

GASPetc: Is any of your work published?

Stake: Body Painting- Maxim, FHM, Amazing Mag
Face Painting- Fae and Body Art International
Automotive- Cars and Motorcycles were featured in Cruisin' Mag

GASPetc: Did other artists inspire you?

Stake: Frazetta, Boris, and other (fantasy artists)

GASPetc: Who are your heros? Then and now?

Stake: Comic Book heroes then and real people [who have overcome adversity] now.

GASPetc: When you're not working on something for a client, what in life inspires you most? Or should I ask if you have time to work on pieces for yourself?

Stake: No time for projects anymore but I did just paint my snowboard up with a nice artistic design.

GASPetc: Do you have alot of freehand drawings or paintings at home? Enough to fill a gallery?

Stake: Yes, I have at least 30 binders full of stuff from my adolecence that don't get opened up much anymore.

GASPetc: Is your personal art more on the dark/horror side or a mixture?

Stake: It's a combination of everything all the time.

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GASPetc: When did your artwork become more than a hobby?

Stake: When I made $50 less part time airbrushing than I did working full time at the body shop.

GASPetc: Do you have a non-artistic 'day-job' as well? If not, what did you do before doing what you love?

Stake: Always worked with or for body shops.

GASPetc: How many years have you been airbrushing?

Stake: 22 Years

GASPetc: Are you self-taught?

Stake: Mostly. Art School drop-out

GASPetc: Have you had any special training in the arts?

Stake: I can't count how many classes I have taken for face and body art during conventions and competitions. It has really helped me excel.

GASPetc: Are there any other art forms you would like to dabble in? Or have been experimenting with?

Stake: No, not really. I want to make a low budget horror movie someday.

GASPetc: Have you done or considered doing tattoos or special FX make-up for horror movies?

Stake: I did both but was not inspired enough. I work for myself so that I don't have to take orders or direction from other people. That's what always happens with tattoos and special fx.

GASPetc: I've seen you at video shoots and music festivals [such as Boston Freedom Rally and Rock and Shock]. Where else could one find your custom airbrushing and body art?

Stake: I had 2 cars and 2 motorcycles at the World of Wheels in Boston in January. I will have 2 more bikes that I painted at the Northeast Motorcycle Show in Boston February 7th and 8th. Painted many wall murals in local restaurants. Body Painting at nightclubs in and around Boston. Face Painting at local hospitals for the kids. Topsfield Fair, Halloween etc...

GASPetc: How many hours does it take you to do whole walls like that?

Stake: Walls take days, not hours.

GASPetc: Do you do places like Locobazooka, New England Summer Nationals, the beach, fairs?

Stake: Only places that pay for me to be there. Not the other way around.

GASPetc: I'm sure Halloween is your busiest season, what other events keep you busy?

Stake: Jan- World of Wheels-Automotive Boston
Feb- Northeast Motorcycle Show Boston
Apr- Bodyssey Body Painting Toronto
May- FABAI Convention Orlando
June- Laconia Bike Run Laconia
July- Midwest Haunter's Convention Ohio
Sept- Topsfield Fair Topsfield
Oct- Halloween all month Salem

GASPetc: Do you go down to Mardi Gras? (Are you the guy that painted the Bud-weis-er frogs on those three old ladies chests?)

Stake: Thinkin' about it. No, but I would not deny anyone who wanted to get painted. Hey, they have to wear it all night, not me.

GASPetc: Isn't there a naked bike ride thing in Seattle or San Francisco where people paint their bodies and ride bare ass through the city?

Stake: They just want to paint themselves.

GASPetc: Have you ever worked that event?

Stake: No but there is a local run (not ride) that happens in Medford at Tufts. My friend works that event.

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GASPetc: You also do professional custom art on cars, trucks, motorcycles, helmets... What have I missed?

Stake: All the assorted stuff that other people refuse to paint that I get stuck painting.
Statues, cemetery markers, models, phones,
pillowcases, guitars, snowboards, furniture,
plowblades, pumpkins, propane tanks, etc...

GASPetc: About how many cars and bikes have you done?

Stake: Somewhere in the hundreds I guess.

GASPetc: With all the artworx you've sent out into the world, you must have thousands of photos. How much space in your home does it take up?

Stake: Zero. My walls are bare and have absolutely no artwork there. When I do go home, it's only like a guest appearance anyway. My office at the shop, well that's another story!

GASPetc: What percentage of all your artwork is available for our readers to peruse on the internet?

Stake: Probably about 20% because I don't like to see the comparison from old to new artwork.

GASPetc: Are you approached to hire for private parties? What would that cost?

Stake: All the time. Let's just say that it is never too late to negotiate! Usually $125 per hour with a 4 hr minimum.

GASPetc: What are your best paying gigz?

Stake: Body Painting for corporate advertisements are always the best paying gigs.

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GASPetc: What types of jobs do you look forward to more than others?

Stake: Jobs that include hotel and airfare!

GASPetc: What are some of your most memorable requests?

Stake: Iron Maiden tribute band Beast over Boston had me paint Eddy like the album cover. It was like the paparazzi showed up!

GASPetc: Are there any horrific jobs you've had to endure?

Stake: All the time. If you don't make mistakes or are not happy with a design, how else can you learn more?

GASPetc: What are some of most bizarre requests you've had or painted?

Stake: I airbrushed naked at a swinger's party.
Everyone else was naked anyway.

GASPetc: Have you ever painted a torso without blushing? Did it take years of practice?

Stake: The first couple of years it was tough. It's just work to me now.

GASPetc: Thanks so much for your time! Is Stake your last name? I think I get it... so your name is simply Stake, right? Like Prince and Madonna are just 1 word?

Stake: First and last now. Can't say one that I haven't heard already.

GASPetc: What do you do when you're not working?

Stake: Any spare time I get is either snowboarding or listening to live music. I still have a loyal customer base which keeps me too busy to think about anything aside from painting. Thanks for taking the time to poke my brain. I never really thought about some of those questions before until I was answering them. I post where I can be found on my blog.

GASPetc: I've looked at most of the pics you have on myspace. Your work really is awesome, man. Keep up the greatness!


Be sure to check out more pics of Stake's art along with updates on his upcoming appearances on his blog here:

http://www.myspace.com/stakeairbrushing