Meet Pablo Damas of Sicknature Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pablo Damas.

Pablo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, maybe about 9, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I didn’t realize though that later my interest in art would help keep me away from the gangs that were all around me. As a kid, I would copy the covers of Disney VHS movies. I, pretty quickly, became talented and serious about my craft.

During my sophomore year at Nogales H.S., my art teacher told me that he would be retiring and the school would probably not offer art anymore. He suggested that I audition for the L.A. County H.S. for the Arts, I did. I got accepted and finished high school and had one of the best experiences of my life there.

My mom always supported me and my art, but as a single mom, she wasn’t able to afford for me to attend Otis School of Art to which I was accepted. I had to work and attend community college. Through the years, I’ve continued to learn and master my skills all while adapting to changes in technology.

I’ve been a part of many great exhibitions throughout the years including some at the Museum of Latin American Art, Cal State LA, Plaza de la Raza, and other galleries. I’ve curated art shows throughout the LA area and have been invited to speak to kids about my art.

My media of choice is acrylic paint, charcoal, and pencil. I work full-time now as a graphic/apparel designer and tattoo artist all while continuously working on new art for shows and commissions.

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?
Of course not. I think there are only a few smooth roads out there. Not many. But it’s cool, those bumps in the road are the things that build you not only as an artist but as a person. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without the turbulence. There’d be no reason to wake up in the morning if everything was perfect. So not only in art but in life, I roll with whatever is thrown my way, adapt, and keep on moving.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m an artist. I’ve been able to use art to do a few different things. At Sicknature Studios, I specialize in fine art, graphics, and tattoo. I’ve been doing art and graphics for years. I started tattooing about eight years ago now.

There are a few things I’m proud of when it comes to my work. The main two things would probably be that although it is still small I’m building this on my own and I’m making a living by creating. I did finance for the first half of my working life and hated most of what I had to do. Now, I have a chance to do a different form of art almost every day. That makes it easier to not hit snooze a second time in the morning.

I think the main thing that sets me apart from others is that I care about what I do and what I turn in as a completed job. The fact I care about my art or graphic or tattoo ensures that you get the best out of me as a client.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I don’t really tend to get too excited about things. A couple of years ago, I was able to exhibit some art and do some live painting at the Museum of Latin American Art. I was excited to do that and proud of the fact that the museum had only been open to Latin American artists born in the U.S. for a short time.

So to be a part of that was definitely an honor for me. I think that being a part of this exhibit helped to push me and made me realize that I can do more and be a part of bigger exhibits and events.

Contact Info:

• Website: mobyarts.com
• Phone: 562 665 6081
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/sickdotone
• Facebook: facebook.com/pablo.damas
• Twitter: twitter.com/sickdotone

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