Meet Pony Winterhart | Artist

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

Hi Pony, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
There are so many! One of my favorites is, “There are people less qualified than you doing the things that you want to do simply because they decided to believe in themselves.” I think a lot of artists worry about being “good enough.” That kind of worry can keep you trapped in your head. But showing up, out there in the real world, is half the battle.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Standing out has its perks and it’s drawbacks. I’m so proud of my art, of my brand, Psychedelic Skellys because I think it is unique and it really is me bringing my authentic voice to the world. But when I began searching for commercial art gigs, and all the sample art that agencies posted was of flowers and fancy lettering, I began to see that standing out came at a price. I sometimes receive compliments from those who see my endless efforts to promote my work and all the new things I make and they say they admire my dedication. “Dedicated” sounds like a lofty word to me. I don’t think of myself as dedicated. I think of myself as someone who tries again every day. What else can I do? In my head, the skellys are already on album covers and everyone is wearing them on t-shirts and their gallery shows always sell out. I believe in them wholeheartedly. I am just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.
The message I share though my work is so important to me. It’s really just all about freedom. When I tell anyone that I paint skeletons, they typically respond in a way that clearly indicates they find this macabre or dark. But my skeletons are so full of life, captured in vibrant colors and often with wings because they are truly free. That’s what skeletons represent to me, freedom. We are all skeletons, our bones are literally the deepest part of ourselves. But they are larger than life because our skeletons remain even after we have passed. Like a mountain or a star, bones are a part of nature that lasts longer than us.

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?
I’m from Las Vegas, so there is a lot to do here! I don’t gamble and rarely drink so my favorite spots are not necessarily the most popular with tourists. I spend a lot of time in the Spring Mountains, which is always cooler than the valley and the views are amazing. As someone who trains in circus arts every week, I’d say any visitor should come take a class! Even if you’re a beginner. Many places don’t have classes of that nature at all and we have some of the best talent in the world to learn from. I personally train at Shine Alternative Fitness. For food, I’d recommend Kaizen sushi which is available both near the strip as well as in the suburbs. And for a fancy cocktail with live jazz and historical atmosphere, you can’t beat the Underground speakeasy at the Mob Museum. And, of course, since you are in Vegas, you should definitely see a show! My favorite Cirque du Soleil show is the Beatles’ Love, which I highly recommend. Or, if you prefer something a little more intimate, go to the spiegel tent at Caesars Palace and see Absinthe!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d really like to dedicate my shoutout to anyone who has ever enjoyed my art. I’m a niche style and I know that. I’ve heard so much negative feedback about what I do, even from my own family. Trying to promote on social media often feels like shouting into the void. But it’s the positive comments, the sales (no matter how small!) and even the “likes” online that remind you that someone out there somewhere enjoys what you do. There are other weirdos like me and I’m trying to find them. This is for the weirdos!

Website: Psychedelicskellys.com

Instagram: @psychedelicskellys

Linkedin: Pony Winterhart

Youtube: PonyPoison

Other: TikTok: @skellyart