Interview

Oct 17

Wayne Estes

Wayne lives in St Peters, MO. He works in the forklift industry. For the past 30 years, he was an alcoholic. On September 8th, 2025 Wayne was admitted to a rehab for it by his wife. When he got out, they went to a local art museum. During rehab, he was told to try something he has never tried before. Wayne went to a local art supply store and bought paint to just make paint spatters. It was very relaxing to make a mess. Then, someone said that his mess was really good. Now, he is doing it for therapy plus to make others happy.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I am a forklift shipping receiving tech. I load and unload heavy equipment. My wife put me into rehab for alcoholism. I had been drunk in some form for past several decades. During the rehab, I was told to try something I had never tried before. That Saturday when I got out, my wife took me to the St. Louis Art Museum. We were there for several hours. When we left, we went to Michaels and got art supplies. This has become my therapy.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“I am self-taught. There is really no one direction to what the painting will say. I want to at the end, show an abstract of the idea that anyone can paint.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“I usually don’t plan. I just put a brush in my hand at the beginning of my process and start to make marks, swirls, or play around with different brushes and sponges. I start by just having fun with what I have in hand. I then step back and look to see what is there. I use my imagination and go from there.”

Are there any art world trends are you following?

“I’m not really looking for the trends or anything. I can’t draw a straight line to save my life! I do not wanting to copy anyone. If I did, I would use a camera. Everyone is different. I use the nickname that I earned while in the renaissance faire. UBU. I was a drunken pirate. I am using my past for the future. UBU - you be you.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“I either use gesso for first layer. Sometimes, I don't use it at all; it depends on what I have at the time. I usually stay with acrylic. I use brushes, knives, sponges, glued toilet paper or molding past. It all depends on the mood I am in at time. I am still doing classes for rehab. So, I paint while in class.”

“I can show others like me that it is possible to overcome the impossible.”

What does your art mean to you?

“Art is now my therapy to redirect my cravings for alcohol. Plus, I can show others like me that it is possible to overcome the impossible.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“Really there isn't one or any particular artwork that is favorite. I just want my work to be original and hopefully will be able to touch someone that needs the expression and outlet I have for them.”