We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Levesque and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Charles, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, my thought process behind starting my own business was a desire for a life change. Before my business, I was working long hours in construction with a long commute and that was burning me out. I knew that I wanted to make my own schedule and the nine to five repeat wasn’t working. What motivated me was the thought that if I could make my own schedule, then I could devote more time towards making art. I also wanted to go to college which requires a flexible schedule. So, at the age of 22 I registered my first LLC. Now, my small residential/commercial maintenance company just turned eight years old. And because of it, I was able to support myself while pursuing my Bachelor’s of Fine Art of which I just received.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a creator has always been part of my life. When I was little, my parents would encourage my sister and I to make up our own games and build our own toys so that they wouldn’t have to buy them! My sister, the neighborhood kids, and myself would spend summer days exploring our imaginations through play. When I was in middle school, I discovered something called YouTube… From there I became obsessed with DIY special effects and duct tape sculptures, which allowed me to take ordinary hardware store items and transform them into art. In high school, the only thing I looked forward to were art classes. No other subject matter was important to me then. They were the only classes that I showed up for! Thankfully, I had access to pottery, jewelry, photography, drawing, and welding. All of which caught my interest. I took five years off from education between high school and college. During that time I played in a band, made zines, and started painting. I knew that I needed to push myself further so I started college. Just like in high school, every medium that I was exposed to during my Bachelor of Fine Arts program caught my interest. That brings me to now. Upon reflection, who I am as an artist is someone who loves to learn and chase new ideas. When I get a new idea, I ponder about what medium would best suit it and vise versa. What I convey in my art usually relates to community, observational comedy, and retro aesthetics.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fun! Okay, Vince just got to town and I want to show him what’s happening in the city. First we have to start with coffee at Mutiny. After that, I would show him this funky building next door with an 80 year old elevator in it (weird, I know. But it is really cool). Next, we would take off to Santa Fe street and see whats new at ReCreative. After that we would go see who is hanging around at the Denver Art Society. When we finally leave there, I always say hi to Georgia at her Habitat Gallery. That would bring us to afternoon. Lunch would be at My Brother’s Bar. After all of that we would have to choose. See a show, or lounge in Cheesman. I think that would be the best way to spend our one day trip!
In loving memory of Vincent Pane
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my mom, dad, and sister. My mother always encouraged me to pursue my passions and she was the one who motivated me to go to school and get my degree in art. Because of my father, I have extensive experience in the construction trade. It is because of him that I was able to start my own construction company to support myself with. And finally, to my little sister. She has always been there to make me laugh and keep me moving forward in life. In addition to these amazing people, I would like to thank the countless amazing educators in my life. I could not have been more lucky with my teachers. And lastly, I would like to thank all of my friends and wonderful partner. You all have been such a positive influence to me and the people around you!
Website: https://charleslevesque.art/
Instagram: @caveman_boy
Youtube: Caveman Boy @cavemanboy6325
Image Credits
Andy Piper