Author: HERETICPRIME

By an off-chance passing on Tumblr of mutual likes, I found today’s artist’s site.  When I arrived, I was mesmirised on not only how legit her art was, but how legit it was in different circles.  It speaks professionality by it’s discipline.  Her many types of specialisations and varieties of styles speak of her flexibility and ability to adapt.  Some of those variations in her style even boast street cred, showing qualities that you might see in the most beautiful mural art…or graffiti.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that my admired artist was also a musician!

Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet Sukesha Ray!

 

 

You’ve spoken of coming from a life of means and privilege that has afforded you great opportunities. You also spoke of how your life changed forever by something that challenged your dreams. Is it okay for us to ask you to expand upon that? We think that our readers might gain some inspiration by your story.

 

Sometimes you are put in a position where people are jealous of what you have, what you are doing, what you stand for, etc. They will do anything to tear you down to pieces; destroy you and everything you stand for, just for their own satisfaction. My dad always told me this happens to dreamers, the go-getters, the people that want to forge their own path. Basically, in a generalized aspect this is what happened to my family for a couple of years:  people were jealous of my father, had a lot of power, and wanted to use it to destroy him and his career. For a while we fought and fought, but through all the struggle I think we learned to see different blessings and amazing miracles in that time of struggle. So for people who are fighting their own wars, there is a light, just stay strong.

 

 

You come from a medical family. In fact, I heard that you originally went to school to practice the medical sciences. How much of that is a part of your life, now?

 

Honestly, not a lot now since I’ve dedicated myself to the arts. However, there are times when I miss the scientific part of myself. Sometimes, I get ideas in which I want to tie science into my art, which I already have in some cases. 🙂

 

 

I have a friend that trolls on other artists about “You need to brush up on your anatomy books!” The layman might not get it. Does studying the medical sciences help in your arts?

 

Yeah definitely! It also helps when you come from a medical family, hahah. But on a real note, all you have to do to become better at anatomy is keep drawing and practicing. There’s no cheat code around it!

 

 

I have to say that I instantly fell in love with your visual art style. It’s one part manga, one part graffiti, one part hip hop, one part tattoo aesthetics, and a whole lot of fantasy. It’s sensual. It’s warm. It’s powerful. It reminds me of so many genres that were bourne from a style that elitists and orthodox practitioners fail to professionally recognise, yet are made legitimate. How would YOU describe your visual art style?

 

I honestly would say what you said above! I sort of morph all of these styles into my own, and it seems to have always worked for me. I always say that the most successful artists are not successful solely based on skill, but have something different, unique and avant-garde to give to the world.

 

 

You’ve openly spoken how video gaming influenced your visual art style; I think otaku culture in general has also. You’ve also mentioned comics. What other influences are there on your style?

 

I draw influences from everything around me to be honest. Whether it be food, music, culture, etc., I look for inspiration everywhere, and try to find the artistic beauty in every little thing.

 

 

What are all of your specialties in the visual arts? What are all of the types of art that you practice?

 

I would say both digital and traditional (street art included). Honestly, I love trying everything, but if I’d personally have to pick I’d probably go digital. ‘No mess, and super convenient especially when I’m touring.

 

 

Is there anywhere that we might have seen examples of your visual art?

 

I’ve worked with a couple companies with regard to my art (t-shirt, gaming, trading cards, etc.) in which I’ve designed logos and concept art… as well as album art for countless musicians. The list goes on!

 

 

I was turned on to your work as a visual artist, but I was surprised to learn that you were more well-known in some circles as a musician. On your official artwork page, you talk about your sketches at a young age. How long have you been exploring that facet of yourself? Could you enlighten us on any projects in music that you are especially proud of?

 

Back in the day, I always sang, but just not professionally. I was kind of “discovered” in Miami a few years ago by a producer who loved my art, and found out that I could sing, so he kind of guided me into the world of the music industry. Right now, my most recent accomplishment is signing a distribution deal with Warner Music, so I’m really excited about that.

 

 

How would you describe your musical style? Who are some musical artists that you admire? Are there any artists that you could see yourself working with?

 

I think for me, pop is my go to, but I really like to infuse pop with different styles (trap/edm/etc.). I love artists like Sia, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi; honestly, I could probably go on forever because I respect so many artists. I’d kill for a feature with Kanye though, haha. Or maybe Post Malone.

 

 

Are you able to practice both artistic aspects of yourself in harmony or ease? Do you find that it is easier to create visual art regardless of external stimulus or challenges, or does music come easier? Do you find yourself indulging in one, while neglecting another, sometimes? Does creativity come in cycles between the two, or is it constant?

 

For me it depends, sometimes I’m in a mood and I’m sitting here like “Nah”, haha, and sometimes I have this burst of creativity that comes from literally nowhere. I don’t think forcing the process is right, you just gotta let it happen. If you find yourself having an art or music block, take a break, go outside, enjoy nature and draw some inspiration.

 

 

This might sound like a strange question, but I want you to hear me out. I found it a little hard to believe that “Sukesha Ray: The Visual Artist” and “Sukesha Ray: The Musician” were the same person. I think that people tend to introduce themselves like a resume. They list all their talents and qualities they consider attractive to their audiences, and bill themselves as a talent explosion. You, on the other hand present your facets for their relevant talents, and let them stand on their own as their own public figures. Is this a conscious decision by design or a happy accident?

 

I had to make this decision when I started working professionally as a musician. It can get confusing for music executives to look at a page and see all this randomness(music, art, photographs) going on, and I wanted something clean and concise.

 

 

I also noticed that you do not use your beauty to promote your visual art. I guess as a musician you have to show yourself to promote your art, but you don’t push your natural physical gifts to help promote yourself as a visual artist. Is this by design?

 

Kind of the same response to the above question…I had it all concise at one point, but when I started to work with a professional team with regards to music, they told me I should separate it just because music and art execs would be very confused. You should dedicate a different page to each of your talents and create a niche, so that everything is very organized. However, I still link them to one another, so that they are linked to my name. Branding is the most important, and it’s different for art and music. Two very similar, but different industries.

 

 

Well, it’s the end of the interview, and I like to end it with asking our guests to the page if there was anything that they would like for your fans and our readers to know.

 

I would just like to say thank you to everyone for the support of my music and art. I work very hard everyday and I hope that what I create can put a smile on someone’s face. Thank you!

 

Please be sure to Like our main page, too.  Just click here.  -HERETICPRIME