For 50 min., Sean Cheetham talks about subjects related to Art, life, education, technique, efficiency, creativity, business and… Star Wars!
Who is Sean Cheetham?
We should blame Erik Tiemens, the genius artist that worked on Star Wars concept, who in those days was Cheetham’s cousin’s boyfriend. Sean saw how he painted a plein-air landscape and some sort of art spark started the fire. He only knew one thing: he wanted to be an artist and work with good old Lucas.
Tiemens’ work inspired him so much that, being twenty, he moved to Los Ángeles for studying art. He was very lucky and had Michael Hussar as a teacher, who opened up his eyes and his heart to oil painting. Besides that, his luck did not end and met Clayton brothers in the classrooms.
But his huge talent has nothing to do with luck, no way. Sean has a clear vision: working hard is the most important thing, as well as avoiding distractions. Inside his studio he’s 100% concentrated, and when outside of it he’s 100% receptive.
Maybe he didn’t get to work for Star Wars, but he managed to make George Lucas himself to choose him for participating in his Star Wars Visions book. Besides that, he was commissioned by Carrie Fisher, who welcomed him at her place with her laser saber on. That’s it, my friends, Princess Leia herself welcomed him waving her laser saber.
Despite being so young, Sean Cheetham has a solid reputation among art collectors in South California. His exhibitions are usually sold out and he gets important commissions, which he combines with teaching, teaching his students how to paint human figure precisely, style and a well-aimed dramatic touch.
Enjoy the interview!