We had the good fortune of connecting with Will Eskridge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Will, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It chose me. It’s in my blood. Ever since I was introduced to finger-painting when I was 4, I haven’t looked back. The smell, the texture, and the color of those paints on my fingers – makes me feel so alive. Mark-making is so visceral. So primal. It is instinctual for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about celebrating the underdogs. My paintings focus on the offbeat animals like bats, opossums, raccoons, and even snakes. By positioning these often misunderstood animals in party-esque scenarios, their reputation is uplifted as opposed to feared. This approach realizes the importance of all, even those deemed unworthy or as pests. This focus stems from my upbringing helping out at my father’s veterinary practice where I saw many a rejected animal come in only to be left behind. Some might say, “ew bats? or ew opossums?” but I have found my dedicated collectors by sticking to my guns and my gut. I am most proud of my focus and determination which both my mother and father both taught me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite day haunt is a tie between Sandy Creek Nature Center and Bear Hollow Zoo. Both have beautiful nature and trails to hike. We would do this pretty much everyday. For lunch we’d swing over to Hi-Lo Lounge for the very best vegan hotdogs and corndogs. In the evenings, Flicker Theatre & Bar is the perfect spot for great beers and cocktails. While providing fantastic B-movies on any given night. For evening music, we’d swing over to the Georgia Theatre Rooftop or 40 Watt for some rock n roll. Any given evening meal would be at Heirloom for some outstanding farm-to-table cuisine or at Aqua Linda for some truly authentic Mexican food that hits the spot. We’d then catch a current film at local art-house movie theatre, Ciné.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My late father, Dr. Jerry Eskridge

Website: www.willeskridge.com

Instagram: willeskridgeart

Linkedin: willeskridge

Twitter: will_eskridge

Facebook: willeskridgeart

Youtube: 53buick

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