Conversations with Thrift Creeper

Hi Thrift Creeper, can you start by introducing yourself?
Hi there. I go by the title the Thrift Creeper and I’m what you might consider an artist or a madman. While visiting a thrift shop with a good friend, I stumbled on the saddest little puppy statue. When I saw it, I immediately knew I could make it sadder. Since then, I have been purchasing knickknacks, altering them, and sneaking them back into thrift shops. I love the idea of stumbling upon something interesting or unique. I also love taking something that’s mass-produced, something that’s been so far removed from the original artist, and turning it into a one-of-a-kind piece. What started as a fun little project turned into a following. People have started competing to find them.

We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in love with the arts my entire life. Over time, I eventually drifted away from it, only to find something missing in my life. I finally picked up a paintbrush again about two years ago. Since then, I haven’t been able to put it down. I primarily sculpt and paint, but occasionally venture out into different mediums.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Self-doubt is always hiding in the shadows. I never truly considered myself as an artist and I still have to stop myself from self-deprecation. After nearly a decade without any form of artistic drive, it took an incredible person in my life to push me out into the open.

What does success mean to you?
I think success, much like happiness, is not something you attain. I believe it’s something you have to accept. That said, you do need a basic foundation (e.g. food, a bed, a roof over your head). I think it’s our duty, those of us who meet those basic requirements, to help others attain them.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For those located in Arizona, there are chances to find one of my pieces at a thrift shop. The price of a piece is the same as when originally purchased (significantly cheap). All I ask is that those who find a piece donate extra to the charitable foundation they purchase it from, at an amount they feel the piece is worth. I’ll soon be selling some of my pieces online to those outside of Arizona.