Andrew Schoultz: Then and Now

I was going through some old writing files yesterday and stumbled upon this book preface I wrote for my good friend Andrew Schoultz' book, "Ulysses: Departures, Journeys & Returs: The Artwork of Andrew Schoultz," released in 2006.  As you can see by the story, the two of us go WAY back.  I'm talking 17+ years.  I was honored he asked me to write this piece for his book.  I have nothing but the utmost respect for Andrew both as an artist and individual.

Check out these photos from his current show, "While the Glaciers Move and Tides Change, Miracles Will Surely Be Worked", which opened last Friday (3/13) at the V1 Gallery in Cophenhagen, Denmark.  AMAZING!

Enjoy!

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Andrew Schoultz: Then and Now

By Travis Jensen

December 2006, release date

Andy and I have been good friends for over twelve years now. We met through skateboarding. The two of us moved to San Francisco from Milwaukee together in late summer of '97. He actually moved out here a week before me to scout things out. I was 18 and he was 22.

There was less than 2% vacancy in the city at the time. People were practically living on top of one another. Finding an affordable apartment was next to impossible, especially on our shoestring budgets. The two of us were forced to split up. He stayed on a couch in a ramshackle flat in Lower Haight and I rented a tiny room in a crack-infested weekly hotel in the heart of the Tenderloin.

My money ran out the end of the fourth week. I couch and floor surfed for a couple of months, but soon found myself virtually homeless. I had officially hit rock bottom. This is when Andy -- jeopardizing his own unstable living situation -- insisted that I stay with him. He took me in, fed me and helped me get back on my feet. I've been living and progressing in San Francisco ever since. Who knows where I'd be right now if Andy hadn't rescued me.

Andy eventually took over the lease on the Lower Haight flat. The two of us lived there together for four years. It was during this time that Andy was fully able to establish himself as both a skateboarder and artist in the city.

In '98, Long Island-based Chapman Skateboards recruited Andy to join their skate team. The company sent him on various tours and to contests all across the country. Andy was receiving a great deal of recognition within the skateboard industry. It was only a matter of time before he made it big.

As time went on, however, Andy's interest in pursuing a career in skateboarding gradually started to fade. He began focusing more on his art instead. Prior to this point, Andy was equally into both, but now he was creating art around the clock and skating for fun on the side.

You should have seen our apartment. It was literally overflowing with Andy's paintings. I'm fortunate enough to own a handful of these early gems today. They're by far some of my most prized possessions.

I believe it was in 2000 when Andy first started being commissioned to paint large-scale murals. In my opinion, this is when his career as an artist really skyrocketed. Once a job was confirmed, Andy wasted no time getting started. He worked religiously everyday from sunrise to sunset until the mural was completed. The finished product never failed to leave me and tens of thousands of others completely awestruck. Andy's murals have helped bring life back to some of San Francisco's shadiest and most neglected neighborhoods.

Over the years, I've watched Andy establish himself as a heavyweight in the contemporary art world. He's traveled abroad to paint to murals, had shows in reputable galleries across the coast, and his work has been featured on the pages of many big name publications worldwide. Andy is proof that hard work and determination pays off.

Although Andy is no longer a sponsored skateboarder, believe me, he still hasn't lost the touch. Come join us on one of our weekly Saturday sessions and see for yourself.

I'm honored that Andy asked me to write this piece for his book. The two of us have been through a lot together over the years. Andy was like a brother to me growing up. He showed me the ropes, looked out for me, and has by far had more influence on me than anyone else in this world. I have so much love, admiration, and respect for Andy that it's somewhat difficult for me – the writer -- to put into words. I'll just leave it at that. Enjoy the book.

Travis Jensen -- Author of “Left-Handed Stories” and co-editor/publisher of “No Comply -- Skateboarding Speaks on Authority.”

Click HERE to read a featured interview with Andrew Schoultz in the San Francisco Chronicle. For more on Andrew Schoultz, visit www.andrewschoultz.com.

Images courtesy of FecalFace.com