Time in the shop with Cross-Eyed By Kraig W. Sturtz, MD


My initial exposure to Blake McCully’s (aka- Cross-Eyed) art was via his website where I was immediately mesmerized by his airbrushing skill. At that time, his book of motorcycle art, The Evil Gospel, was just recently published and I immediately ordered a copy. This publication is my prized possession exhibiting this art form.


Several months after purchasing his book I decided I would commission Blake to paint a panel for display in my workshop. My ultimate goal is to collect airbrush art from numerous artists from whom I admire and place them around my workshop to draw creative inspiration.


Anytime you commission Blake for a project there is an extensive interview process that the client goes through establishing content and their likes and dislikes. In my case our conversations approached two hours over several con- versations. His personable nature easily allows an early trust to form with com- fortable discussion, tossing ideas back and forth and establishing limitations and budget. I had been fascinated by Blake’s work, especially his skulls, and I ultimately decided on a Grim Reaper with a skeletal face. Other than estab-


lishing that subject matter I choose not to artistically limit Blake in any way thus providing him full artistic license without restrictions. Blake appreciated the trust I put in him. At times it is not just conversation with the client from which Blake draws his inspiration. If needed there is review of literature on the subject material which lends not only more creative detail but at times historically correct detail. This type of investment separates his work from so many other artists and avoids the “status quo” so often associated with the


repeated themes that appear in motor- cycle art. In the course of our conversa- tions I shared my interest in airbrushing and that I had been experimenting with the art form for about a year. To my as- tonishment, Blake extended an invitation to me to spend time in his shop with him while he worked on my project. I viewed this as an opportunity of a lifetime and could not pass on his generous offer. In short order I made my travel arrange- ments to Canada and was off to meet Blake in his hometown of Calgary.


Calgary is a beautiful city just a short distance from the base of Canadian Rockies.


My first views of the city were at night and Blake was kind enough to orient me to my surroundings from a scenic vantage point in a park where he spent many hours while growing up. It is the beauty of this surrounding countryside that no doubt contributes to Blake’s respect for nature and his love for the outdoors.


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