Today we’d like to introduce you to Assan Salley.
Hi Assan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been drawing and doing art ever since I was a kid. I’m self taught, always just had a natural gift for doing art. I never took it seriously, but when others saw it I always got such a great response. One day, me and my friend were at a mural festival, and he told me I should sign up to be an artist at the next one. I was very hesitant, but he ended up convincing me to talk to the organizer. I went and told him I do art and showed him some of my black and white sketches. He was absolutely blown away and offered to put me on the bill at his next festival as a live muralist.
I showed up to the event later that year and began working on the mural. I used some really crazy bold colors. In the past, everything was black and white, so this was the first time I used color. People were blown away. The art was abstract, it was filthy, it was chaotic, totally original. I was painting downtown too, so everyone was seeing the artistic chaos unfold.
From that point on, I kept the momentum going. I started doing canvas work and incorporating color. People were beginning to follow my artwork and I started creating a name for myself. I made an art page, started collaborating with bands locally and abroad, sold work at art markets, and began designing skate decks.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say it has been a pretty smooth road because I stay in my own lane, but at the same time I get quite a bit of gate keeping and hate just because of the style of art I do. Being a black dude, they see my work and think it would be from a white dude- people expect a black person to do a certain type of artwork and I feel like people just aren’t used to that.. to this type of art coming from a black man. In tandem, my filthy, chaotic style of art is off putting to some people, which can create the occasional barrier. But, for the most part, there isn’t too much struggle because the talent I received from the universe never fails me.
On another thread, I feel like it’s been a struggle to really get shown more love in Winston. A lot of times I’m overlooked and people go to outside artists who aren’t even from this city. They’ll get art residencies, exhibitions etc. while I’m sending in applications like crazy and get disregarded. I’ve had to go to other cities to get shown more love and I wish I could get that love in my own city.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a city worker all my life, specifically sanitation… A garbage man… From a laborer, to an operator, to a senior operator… That’s really what I’m known for. People say, “that’s the garbage man and he does art” and I’m proud of that. I’m proud to get up at 5am, serve others, clean up my community, and make a difference. You build relationships with these people you see on your routes every week. My Thursday route was in the neighborhood I’m originally from. You can’t beat that. I think what sets me apart art wise from the others… obviously my art style sets me apart, but also being that I’m a garbage man, I’ve got a real deal job.. 10 to 12 hour shifts and still make time to do my art.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I can’t really speak on finding a mentor because I don’t have one in the art side of my life. I guess you could say my brain is my mentor because I follow my thoughts. As far as networking, the best advice I can give is just meet as many people as possible, go to art events, get information, ask questions, do collaborations. That’s what worked well for me. It’s not about selling stuff all the time, it’s about the opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pizzagoat88.com
- Instagram: Pizzagoat_88
