Born in France, forged in Berlin, and now stirring things up in Denver, Skela, AKA Sanguine Skills, makes art that’s loud, cosmic, and unafraid to call bullshit. Think bright colors, mythic beings, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

When did you first get into painting? 

I believe I was 6 years old, and my mother let me do a mural on the kitchen wall. I painted a Native American village, and she took the wallpaper with us when we moved. I recently found it while going through my boxes at my uncle’s house. I guess I never stopped after that.

You’re originally from France, how do the states, and Denver, compare when it comes to the creative scene?

I’ve currently been in the states for 15 years and have lived in various corners of the country.  Before I came here, I was living in Berlin, and the European scene was different, very tough, but also so very exciting. The US takes chances and has more opportunities if you are willing to prove you can work hard, and thanks to that I was able to eventually quit my normal jobs and become a full-time artist. Something which is still pretty hard and complicated in Europe, especially France. As far as the creative scene goes, well I still think Europe is still more edgy and naturally much more international and diverse, the US, in my opinion, places too much value on social media popularity. As a result, it has diluted the striking, controversial, and stylistically different, because let’s face it, especially in the mural scene, the general public likes easy to assimilate art. Social media has really changed the art scene everywhere, I am always baffled to see incredibly talented and original artists struggle while others thrive with endlessly remade nonsense and just look hot with their art. I keep on saying I need to make myself a nice drag queen ass for social media posts to “move up” in the art world. 

What surprised you the most when you first arrived in the US? 

Seriously, the poverty in the streets. It’s mind boggling that a country can choose pure medical profit over taking care of its own people. On the other hand, the US has some of the most majestic and beautiful national parks I have ever seen.  

Most of your paintings are bright, vibrant colors; what are your influences?

The neon synth wave from the 80s and 90s, as well as the art of vogueing and fashion poses, that portray movement and elegance. It was the last time the world was free of the imminent doom cloud that hovers over us now. Sanguine means to be particularly positive in very bad situations, so my colorful palette and playfulness ease some of the realities we live in.

Your recent work focuses on the galactic goddesses, can you elaborate on this?

As a result of feeling rootless on this planet due to my nomadic background, I have decided to create my own futuristic realm of beings with their own myths. I have gods and goddesses; some are humanoid others are creatures. My humanoid goddesses are galaxies within the universe, they are caretakers and embody ecosystems, like portals leading to new places. 

Tell us more about the term Skelarizing and the quirky characters you bring out through your art. 

I am Skela and I Skelarize and it’s super Skelarific! Skelarizing began as on outer shell, like an exoskeleton representing the distance and rigidity of the world and its technology while nature is inside, alive and waiting to burst out. Almost like masks sometimes. It has evolved a lot through the years and will continue. My characters are galactic, magic, and others like Safety Tits are pure products of the state of society. They represent wonder and realities, with a touch of humor to brighten up the darkness. Recently I have been elaborating my characters into full myths and stories which you can read in the stories section on my website. 

Are there any messages you want people to take away from your art? 

Magic is out there and Revolt with Teeth every day.

You’ve painted all over the world, what murals/paintings have been the most memorable?

I can’t say it would be a particular piece; each one has its own adventure whether it’s a lift breaking down 40ft in the air, scorching sun, or crazy people doing crazy stuff! For me, it’s the experiences with the people mostly. Once while painting in some sketchy neighborhood in Medellin, Colombia, this 10 year old girl told me she skipped school to come see me. She was an artist and had some very real questions, especially about being a woman in the industry. I was very truthful with her about the difficulties and the immense sense of reward you can get from it too. Later, while surrounded by a whole pack of wild kids, she came back and managed to slip a little gift in my pocket. She had written me a poem about how today was the best day in her life because she had met Skela and now she knows she can do anything she puts her mind into. I still get tears telling this story. Latin America is my favorite place to paint. 

Is there anything coming up at the end of 2025 for Sanguine Skills? 

Things always happen to me last minute, so who knows! I just got back from painting in Mexico, I’ll be heading for Meeting of Styles in Chicago later this month, some group shows, and maybe Miami in December. The universe likes to keep me on the edge. 

What can people look forward to from you this year? 

I am excited for the winter studio time! I’d like to continue sculpting, painting and writing stories for my book project and future solo art show Allegories of Modern Roots.