Tyler Benjamin Speas was born in Waukesha Wisconsin on October 26th 1984. He moved to Milwaukee in 2003 where he attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Peck School of the Arts. He graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. He has been practicing art and living in Santa Cruz CA. ever since.
Being uncomfortable helps you grow. My work covers many different subjects and styles. The main connective tissue is the feeling of unease or discomfort. Whether it’s a disturbing monster or a simple face looking at something undefined, my aim is to show the audience something that causes an inexplicable sense of concern. it can be blatant, or very subtle. Regardless I never want people to be fully confident in what they are feeling. My hope is that the observer creates their own circumstances for the unsettling feeling. Being uncomfortable helps you grow.
I mainly work with pen and acrylic inks. A lot of it is mixed media. I am greatly influenced by street art, folk art, pop art and comic books.