We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Pflug and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Eric, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve chosen to pursue an artistic career because that is where I find the most fulfilment. When choosing a career is it important to not only do something that will satisfy your financial needs, but also serves the community. Creating something beautiful for someone else to enjoy is the main aspiration of an artist. Most of the creative souls that I’ve met are making art because they want to brighten someone else’s day. If I can inspire just a few people in this lifetime then my job is well done. Like most people who choose a creative career it can take a while for things to “take off.” Building a reputable brand and following takes some time as an artist. Support is there for open minded creatives to explore a plethora of opportunities.
The life of an artist can be a tricky one and becomes a dance. Flexibility and determination are two very important traits to ensure success.
Having multiple projects going at once is really what excites me most as a professional artist. The ability to choose what each daily practice will entail is a very freeing and exciting lifestyle.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic brand is called “Garbajio.” Garbajio started out as a moniker given to me back when I was first starting out and making a lot of art with trash and found objects. Garbajio has since grow to a more self-aware evocation to help others explore their creative spirit through collaboration. A lot of people say to me that they aren’t an artist or could never make what I make. To that I say, its not about what you can’t to, but what you are already doing!
The old saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Through my practice and many meaningful conversations, this saying has evolved past the material implications into a spiritual expression of growth. Creativity is a human trait that everyone has some desire to express. Art is not always a painting in the gallery or a song performed on stage. Art is making coffee in the morning, driving a friend to the airport or doing accounting for your small business. The creative lifestyle is lived in childlike wonderment for the deeper mysteries. Life and growth are not linear paths, we get thrown curveballs every day, rolling with these punches is an artform in and of itself.
Being a career artist can be a difficult journey, a journey that takes a lifetime. One of the biggest difficulties I’ve found as a creative is financial stability. Working some odd jobs and helping others out has helped me find balance. This career is a calling that requires you to jump in head first at some point with a lot of trust. Not everyone is called to be a career artist and that’s ok! I simply encourage everyone to find and nurture their soul and to connect to themselves in a true way.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been living in the Colorado area for about two years now. There is so much to do and experience here and I’ve barely scratched the surface. I’ve loved exploring and camping around Nederland. There are so many beautiful hikes to take and rocks to climb in that area. One of the main attractions that I highly suggest is seeing a band play at Red Rocks. The energy there is unmatched and always magical.
On first Fridays I love to go to Denver and walk around the art scene on Santa Fe, I’ve met so many beautiful people there and seen some awe inspiring art. Mirus Gallery is another place I frequent events at and have found a strong community in. Spectra Art Space is a wonderful gallery that is always switching up their immersive exhibits and showcasing beautiful work. Meow Wolf Convergence Station is a one of a kind experience that you can’t get anywhere else but in Denver.
There are so many art pieces in public spaces all around Denver that you’ll come across when visiting. Arvada is another cool little town where I just helped my friend, Kailey Geary, complete a massive street-mural near the RTD station. Her mural is a grand expression of love and worth viewing. After the mural was finished in Arvada we celebrated by getting Indian food at “Yak and Yeti,” which was delicious!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everyone who I’ve met has always been so supportive of my artistic journey. I can’t say thank you enough to all my friends and family who have helped me get where I am today.
One special shout-out I’d like to make is to my booking agency: LTB Booking and Promotions.
LTB is artist owned and communally operated. They have helped me to connect to countless other artists and creative endeavors. LTB has supported me by sending out hundreds of applications to festivals, murals and commissions that I simply do not have the time to do by myself. They have helped me promote and organize my own events while I build my brand and extend my reach. Who knows where I would be right now without the support of my LTB family?
Website: eporiginals.com
Instagram: @_garbajio
Facebook: Eric Garbajio Pflug
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HePO2Pu_igc
Other: https://ltbbookingandpromotions.com/
Image Credits
Profile picture taken by Myster E