Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2017

Artist ProfIle:
Jeffrey St.romain
STORY BY KELSEY SUNDERMAN-FOSTER
BOOTH #534
St. Romain graduated with an associate degree in graphic design and in 2005, he and his wife Michelle temporarily relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina. “The
storm blew through New Orleans, taking with her everything that we owned,” he said. “While living in Shreveport I started a small skateboard company, which turned into a successful art business
when we moved back to New Orleans in 2007.”
His skateboards are adorned with his amazing drawings, many of which are photorealistic portraits or original sketches.
In 2008, St. Romain and his wife welcomed their son Ethan into the world.“I soon started drawing with pencils again. I feel more passionate working in pencil versus any of my other mediums.”
Many of his works bear the faces of famous musicians, such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash and David Bowie. Some of his other designs include elements from nature or pop culture, such as his Boba Fett and Storm Trooper pieces. His most
vivid decks feature recognizable scenes from his hometown of New Orleans, such as Mid City, water meters and lamp posts.
Though his work originally took shape on skateboard decks, St. Romain also sells fine art prints which can be framed and hung as wall art. His collection has expanded to include a new brand
of mixed media using wood, iron pipe, and found objects. “I usually build these mixed media ‘frames’ with a specific skateboard in mind. However, any of my boards can go in any of the frames,” he said.
For St. Romain, his success has been a dream come true.“I really enjoy creating art and bringing it out into the world. I can’t thank my collectors enough for making my dream a reality.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFFREY ST. ROMAIN AND BY JOHN MUNIZ
Jeffrey St. Romain was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up taking gifted art classes throughout his school years. In 1999, he attended the University of New Orleans where he took a drawing class taught by John Davis. “It was in that class that I learned how to perfect my pencil skills, which soon lead to my first portrait works,” said St. Romain.
82 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • October 2017
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