Meet Stephen Salasek | Artist and firefighter

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

Hi Stephen, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
As Within, so Without, as above, so Below, as the universe, so the soul. Hermetic philosophy, describes an all encompassing rule of how everything internal, positive or negative, affects everything external in the same manner.
For me it’s an excellent reminder that we are in control of only ourselves and our own energy. What we send out to the world is what we get in return.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art is truly a passion for me. It is and always will be something that is woven into my soul. I love creating pieces that include a healthy combination of beauty and beast, I guess it could be a vision quest on the boarder of dark and light. Tattooing is an art and skill that I’ve had interest in since I was a kid. Over the last few months I’ve been dedicating my attention and art style to this skill set. I’m currently enrolled in a curriculum that is dedicated to professionalism, safety and sanitation, proper technique, and guidance. Along with the art of tattooing, I’ve been learning all about traditional coil machines and how they are a true extention of the artist. There are techniques to properly tuning the machine so that it can perform at its best for the individual artist and client. I love the course and can see overwhelming improvement with my technique, art style, and machine building. I’m excited for the journey ahead with tattooing. I would love to find a traditional apprenticeship with a mentor who wants to teach, because I’m always ready to learn. I know that at 44 years old I’m not in the average age group for aspiring apprentices, but I’m full of life experience and can appreciate what it has to offer.
My overall journey with art has been challenging with plenty of obstacles along the way. As I get older I realize these obstacles are meant to be fine through and not around. These obstacles never stop and the only way to grow is through adaptation. Taking on these challenges gives me the opportunity to build my patience and mental health. They are necessary for growth.
My artwork is inspired from so many things more so from comic books, punk and metal, classic sci fi, anything monster, reptiles, insects, medieval weapons, Salvador Dhali, Frank Frazetta, the Sonoran Desert, even the Ninja Turtles have contributed to ideas as well. I’m surrounded by inspiration.
The journey my artwork will lead me down is already in place I will have a coil tattoo machine in hand putting ink to skin. At this point in my life I’ve come to the understanding that the unknown can become known, and the energy I put in will come back supercharged. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, with my art and personally. 5 years ago I picked up my pens, brushes, and inks after 20 years of giving up on it. I was in need of a healthy outlet from the high stress that comes with 17 years as a firefighter. Mentally I was in a terrible place and my artwork is a much needed escape. Drawing and creating is a flow state for me. Hours seem to go by like minutes with focus and purpose.
PASSENGERX is my brand that I’m building. My designs and creations will be printed to apparel. I focus on the desert, skulls, bones, monsters, and demons. I use these creatures and images because it draws attention to the impermanence and hostility of life. For those struggling mentally it’s a dark place within the confines of the mind. PASSENGERX is the name I chose to describe that internal energy, the soul, our true selves. I want to stress the importance of being aware of the present moment and always growing. Comfort can be found within the unknown. This manifests courage and strength to power through. Recently I’ve been displaying and selling my artwork at local art shows. I’ll continue creating designs for shirts, logos, tattoos, and then some. I want to make a positive impact with my art and that especially goes for tattooing. My focus would be on making it an experience the clients wants again. With tattooing we all have a deep connection from our ancient past with this art. For me it’s a moment of meditation and focus. For me it symbolizes pushing through challenges and becoming stronger because of it. At the end of it you have an amazing piece of artwork to remind you.

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 would want to make sure they had a chance to see as much of this beautiful state as possible. We’d start by camping on the Mogollon Rim for a couple days. It’s one of my favorite places in AZ to escape and listen to the wind in the trees. While we’re there we’d be hiking and taking in all the amazing things that nature gives us. From there we’d pack up and head to Sedona for more Arizona’s natural and unique beauty. There’s all kinds of hiking trails to choose. On a time crunch I’d take them to Devils Bridge. We’d complete the hike and head to Jerome to eat at one of the many top notch restaurants. I enjoy a tasty burger myself, so The Haunted Hamburger is where we’re headed! From there, it’s time for some ghost hunting! Take one of the many ghost tours ( when I went, they took us to an old graveyard). Well call it a night, somehow I convinced everybody to stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel. It’s known for being haunted (I enjoy that stuff).
The next morning it’s back to Phoenix to take a breather, then off to the Desert Botanical Gardens to see that the landscape may look hostile, but so colorful and alive. After that we’ll go see some reptiles at the Phoenix Herpetological Society. Hopefully, if they don’t already like reptiles, they’ll at least be able to appreciate them more.
Next on the list would be some game time at Cobra Arcade Bar and Stardust Pinbar. Next to Stardust is a killer pizza place Ziggys Magic Pizza. There we will crush some delicious za before taking in a Phoenix Sun’s game. I would have to assume after this whirlwind tour of AZ now has left everybody in need of down time before the visitors head back.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this to my beautiful wife of 18 years Jillian and our three awesome kids Owen, Caden, and Lauren. I love you all forever and I’m eternally greatful for the patience, guidance, and love.

Instagram: @passengerx_art

Twitter: @PassengerXart

Facebook: PassengerX

Youtube: @passengerx6600

Other: I have merch for sale on my Etsy site passengerx.etsy.com I do have a website that is currently under a remodel and will be up and running soon

Image Credits
All the artwork are my original designs. The photo was taken by Gracie Sue Photography