Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Beavers.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I have always been an artist. My father was a butcher. He would
bring home leftover rolls of butcher paper for me and my siblings to draw on. Every evening after dinner, we
cleared the table, rolled out the paper and everyone had a free for all drawing session. There were continuing themes such as space battles and underwater scenes that progressed as time went by. It was a huge part
of my life growing up. It was a time to share with family and connect on another level outside of work, school, and society. I honed my skills as a visionary artist by doing so. My love for art never left but took many turns on the path I took. A battle with depression and substance abuse led me to the art of tattooing. It took so much concentration that every worry or problem I had faded away into the background. It has become my therapy ever since.
Please tell us about your art.
I have been a professional tattoo artist since 1993. I am known for mixing styles of realism with traditional tattoo styles. Most clients come to me for portrait work in memorial of their pets. Portrait work has always been my passion. I also love to create things that don’t exist. Visionary art is an ongoing project for my painted works. I look at the paper, wood, or canvas and create what I can see in my mind’s eye. Music plays a major role in all of my art. I have a solo music project called Threat Pose. The songs I create are found on most online music distribution and streaming sites. I delve into the darker realms of taboo topics such as suicide contemplation and depression. It is a way to get out the negativity and hopefully create a dialogue to discuss things normally hidden. My art is a projection of my inward self that is never seen by most. The true fans of my art know I created it by seeing it. I truly put a piece of my essence into everything I create and I love to be able to share it.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I define success as being able to live a good life supported by the art created. I am so lucky to be able to go to
work and love the job I have to do. I get to create permanent installations on client’s skin that they will carry for the rest of their lives. It is humbling and awesome at the same time. I will always strive to grow as an artist. I will continue searching for something that is quite possibly unobtainable. The day I am truly satisfied I might as well give it all up. It is a personal journey that I never wish to end.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I can be found in my studio, Figurehead Tattoo most of the week. It also houses current illustrated and painted works. I stay up to date on Instagram and continually post new tattoos and art daily. I am currently trying to build my following on Spotify for my musical works.
Contact Info:
- Address: Appointment only in the Heights.
- Website: www.natebeavers.com
- Email: booking@natebeavers.com
- Instagram: @natebeavers
- Facebook: @natebeavers
- Twitter: @natebeavers13
- Other: spotify.com/threatpose
Image Credit:
All Photos by Nate Beavers.
Map backpiece photo by Lauren Gandolfo
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
