Marvin Qualls

Marvin Qualls was born in the Panama Canal Zone on June 29, 1974. He spent his formative years traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad as part of a military family. He credits this experience with expanding his horizons and introducing him to the different environments and individuals that continue to inspire his artwork today. At age 7 he began creating rudimentary sketches of the fascinating pe...ople and events he experienced. This trend continued, bolstered by several collaborative efforts with street vendors and graffiti artists as well as an overwhelming love for the hip-hop culture in general throughout his teen years, gave birth to several alter-egos, including that of 'Boney Knuckles'. Why? Because signing graffiti with your government name is just... well... Stupid!

At age 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Visual Information Production/ Documentation Specialist where he began to work professionally creating caricatures and commissioned portraits. After separating from the service in 2000, Qualls relocated to Atlanta, GA where he was embraced by a growing artistic community. In 2007 he made Milwaukee, WI his home and continues to work and grow as part of this community.

His style blends serene and diverse beauty with risque and often taboo ideals. It is not for the demure and saintly, but rather the carnal animal that lays dormant inside of all of us. Put away your judgement and inhibitions and open up your mind and your very soul.

'...some call me Boney... some call me a bastard... my mother calls me Marvin... I'll let you choose.' - Marvin 'Boney Knuckles' Qualls

Want to contact me? Commission a portrait? Or just chat about technique? Feel free to email me: qualls07@msn.com

'We should not arrive at deaths door all prim and proper in pretty and well preserved bodies. Instead, we ought to arrive breathless, skidding broadside through the pearly gates, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming: `WOW, what a ride!`'

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