The Fireball Artist Series has been carefully curated to bring super rad limited edition deck designs to the world whilst getting a closer look at the creative minds behind them. This time up we dive into the world of artist and illustrator Eli Klemmeck. Enjoy
'There's a mountain lookout point in my hometown I remember hiking to. It overlooked the tiny town. It was very surreal to have that view of a place with so many memories. This drawing is based off this and the feelings I had there. Someone feeling a bit isolated, calm, and ready to think about how much there is still on the horizon.' - Eli on the creation of the 'Lost' illustration graphic
Born: Seattle, WA
Resides: Brooklyn, NY
DOB: 08/21/1995
Breakfast/Dinner: At the deli across the street I've been getting bacon egg and cheese on a croissant lately for breakfast. It's been a good time.
Morning/Evening: I prefer mornings when I get up for them.
Text/Call: I really hate using my phone at all lately.
Beer/wine: Non-fruity IPA's are my go-to.
Paper/Digital: I draw on paper but the digital realm is very interesting to me. I am learning to paint digitally and it's been really fun.
Netflix/Youtube: Prefer watching creative/educational videos on YouTube but I definitely take my share of garbage binging on both. I recently finished the second season of Castlevania on Netflix and I really enjoyed that show.
Money/Fame: I mean definitely money. But currently, I wish I cared more about either.
Shark/Tiger: Shiger, obviously.
'Neomlei' is the alias of self-taught artist and illustrator Eli Klemmeck. Hailing from a small mountain town in the pacific northwest, his simplistic artistic stylings paired with a go-to medium of ink on paper allow him to create his signature dark, powerful visuals that make you question our very existence.
More recently Eli has been experimenting with various painting techniques and mixed media art forms of which you can find on most social media platforms (primarily Instagram) as well as his website
What does art mean to you?
An avenue to express yourself in an attempt to make others and yourself feel something.
How did you get started in your career?
I've always known I wanted to do something creative with my life. For drawing, I just committed to drawing something every day a few years ago and didn't stop. I really had no idea my drawings would become anything more than doodles in my sketchbook.
What is your favorite piece of work from your own collection?
One of the first drawings I did when I was a kid of this rabbit. It reminds me of home and being a child.
If you could purchase anything, what would you buy?
A sailboat I could live on and go get lost at sea exploring.
Who (or what) inspires you professionally?
The idea that I could become something I can't currently imagine. Also being the best I can be for my family and future self.
If you could no longer draw what would you do?
Make music most likely. I play guitar and it's what I get lost in besides drawing. Maybe write a story too. Although if I couldn't have a creative job I always thought I would want to be a marine biologist and explore the ocean.
Who is your ultimate dinner guest?
My family.
What is the one item you can’t live without?
I kind of like the idea of having no answer to this question. But realistically my phone.
Quote you live by?
"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm is terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore." - Vincent Van Gogh
Ultimate car?
1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000s
Ultimate superpower?
Being able to breathe anywhere. So I could walk the ocean floor or on other planets. Teleportation would be rad but then I may lose the nostalgia and excitement in exploring the open road.
Find out more about Eli:
@neomlei
www.neomlei.com
