Dustin Eckhardt
Rockford, IL
Vibrant colors, clean illustrative line work and themes of nature, curiosity and introspection. That’s how Dustin describes his work. If you’ve been around the Rockford area, chances are you’ve passed by some of his work. Whether inside a coffee shop, on an electrical box or on the outside of a building, Dustin’s work can be found all over the region.
Dustin is a DEVIATE vet, and he comes back each year with bigger ideas on how to wow the crowd. This year is no different. We won’t give away the deets, you’ll just have to come out and see for yourself. But we will tell you that you will be amazed by Dustin and what he’s got planned. Grab your tickets and get ready to DEVIATE!
Tell us about you. I am a self-taught artist from Rockford, IL. I became heavily interested in tattoo culture coming out of high school and set my aim for becoming a tattoo artist myself. I dropped out of college after one year and threw all of my eggs into the basket of tattooing. Shortly after finishing my apprenticeship, I decided to walk away from the shop I was working at and only did commissions and art fairs for a few years. After seeing a round of murals installed for Rockfords first CRE8IV season, I was inspired all over again and started to learn how to paint. Since then, I have painted murals and gallery art all around the midwest earning my merit.
Do you plan on doing anything different this year at DEVIATE? What can we expect to see? I wanted to come back this year to accomplish something that I wasn't last year, which is to live paint instead of just setting up visual displays, and I'm super excited. Attendees will get to see me while coming and again when leaving the event to see the process of painting a mural, and I'm setting the stage up in a unique way with potential for interactive aspects.
What are you looking forward to most this year at DEVIATE? I am really excited to participate and interact with everyone involved. The roster of artists looks just as unique and diverse as last year, and I am expecting there to be a lot of fun to be had.
What’s your background? How did you get into art? Give us a little history! I am a self-taught artist from Rockford, IL. I became heavily interested in tattoo culture coming out of high school and set my aim for becoming a tattoo artist myself. I dropped out of college after one year and threw all of my eggs into the basket of tattooing. Shortly after finishing my apprenticeship, I decided to walk away from the shop I was working at and only did commissions and art fairs for a few years. After seeing a round of murals installed for Rockfords first CRE8IV season, I was inspired all over again and started to learn how to paint. Since then, I have painted murals and gallery art all around the midwest earning my merit.
Is this your full-time job? If not, what else do you do? I am a full-time art-tender and part time bartender. I find a great balance in being able to choose which art opportunities suit my goals for growing my business, while still being able to have a job that allows me to socialize and have a little extra walking around scratch.
Why should people come out to DEVIATE? DEVIATE isn't your usual art show. There are things happening all around and appropriately spread out. If you are an artist yourself, if you appreciate art, or you just like to have a good time, this is an event that everyone will find something they enjoy.
How would you describe DEVIATE to someone who’s never been? Energetic, unique, art centric, party. Expect to have fun!