We chased down Mambo Creative Director and Artist Nathan Sheahan to chat all things Art, Mambo and Beer
Please describe the space where you do most of your creations – whether it's your art studio, kitchen bench out the back of the panel van!
I do most of my work in my home studio in Newcastle, which is effectively a garage semi-attached to my home in Newcastle.
What kind of mediums do you use? Why do you choose to use these mediums?
I usually stick with pencils, pens, and paints on whatever canvas I have lying around. Of late, I have been using my tablet a lot for t-shirt graphics as it's a bit quicker, and there aren't any pencil/rubber shavings left in the aftermath.
Is there a running theme to the work you create, or do you just make whatever comes to mind?
I certainly don't mind a good pun, but apart from that, I usually just create whatever is interesting to me at the time. I have coupla concepts on the burner at the moment, so stay tuned via Mambo.
What kinds of ideas and things are you working on at the moment?
Bit of this, a bit of that. Working on some new graphics for Mambo, diving deeper into Australiana aesthetics and pub pun-related thematics. But, on the side I am working on a comic book project and some animated clips.
What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a piece of work?
I don't really know to be honest. Usually the deadline is the most inspiring thing to an artwork, because if I don't have that, I have a tendency to procrastinate.
You recently created a new collection for our new MSD range. Tell us a bit about the process and the meaning behind the artwork?
I'd like to say the process and meaning behind those graphics ("Chicken Palmy" and "Prawnorgraphy") was something grandiose and avant-garde, but it was pretty basic really ha! Just a simple play on words that I had thought up a while ago, which I scribbled down in my notebook in anticipation of the right time to draw them up. The medium was just pen/pencil on paper, with a bit of tweaking on the computer.
Which era of art do you appreciate the most?
None in particular, if it looks cool or piques my interest, I'm all in.
Is there a particular artist or idea that inspires you most?
No not really, I'm pretty open to anything. Off the top of my head in the realm of illustrators/artists, I would have to say people like Salvador Dalí, Virgil Finlay, Ben Brown, Reg Mombassa, Todd Mcfarlane, and many more.
What do you enjoy doing when not creating art?
Surfing, playing music, watching the footy, or sneaking out for a schooner at the local watering hole with some mates.
What's Your Favourite Beer?
Usually, I am happy with whatever is on tap, but at home my partner and I usually have a couple of Coronas in the fridge, so let's go with that.
Where can we see more of your work?
My instagram is @el_sheo_