Hi everyone - below you'll find some random facts about me (Caiti Rose aka Sharktopia)....the artist behind the pen!

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• I created Sharktopia in October 2014, right after my 30th birthday. A discussion with my dear friend Katie helped me find the light, the name, and eventually start the social media pages. I sold my first official Sharktopia art on November 14, 2014 via Etsy.
   

• PSA: Sharktopia was trademarked on September 14, 2021. My art has always been periodically stolen regardless of my name being on the art. Regardless of the trademark. Please support artists directly and not through third-party websites.
   

• I've been drawing since I was 1 year old - with the help of someone holding a crayon or marker in my hand as part of physical therapy sessions. I was born with Erb's Duchenne Palsy. My right hand, arm, and shoulder didn't function when I was born due to nerve damage in the 5th and 6th vertebra (Erb's Duchenne is an injury caused during birth). Since my arm didn't work at birth, it was unfortunately kept in a sling. For that reason (during a crucial growing stage) my arm doesn't bend straight and I have limited mobility. When I wiggled my fingers for the first time at 1 year old, my parents did what they could to find options for me (like helping me hold a marker). I was placed in a couple of physical therapy sessions for kids with cerebral palsy and discovered that I love swimming. It was the early 80s - so there weren't many options to help me or my parents. Regardless of the obstacles, it feels like fate to go from having help with holding crayons and markers to becoming a full-time artist. I've always loved drawing. Perhaps that spark came from the circumstances I was born with. Or maybe I was just born to draw. :)
   

• I'm primarily right-handed with writing and drawing on a small scale. On larger scale paintings I often use my left hand/arm. I'm left-handed for everything else (throwing, catching, reaching, lifting, mini-golfing, waving, etc. etc.)
   

• I live in southeast Wisconsin with my other half - my biggest supporter and best friend. We balance each other in many ways. Ironically, we both grew up in the same city, not far from each other, and share some of the same friends. Our paths may have crossed many times in the past, but we never knew it. I'm forever grateful that we met when the timing was finally right.
   

• I've been vegan since 2011. My fella cooks amazing plant-based meals and I clean up the kitchen afterward! We're a great team. :-D
   

• I'm a huge Vincent Price fan. I love old movies, cheesy B-movies, and various cult classics. I usually have a movie playing in the background while creating art (something I've done since I was a little kid).
   

• I also love coffee, being outside, hiking, kayaking, swimming, snowboarding, looking for cool rocks and fossils, supporting local shops and spending time with friends, etc.
   

• Mark Kistler's 'Imagination Station' on PBS was my favorite TV Show as a kid. I would adjust the rabbit ears the best I could, grab my pencils and sketchbook, and 'DRAW, DRAW, DRAW!' with Commander Mark at the helm. I learned a lot from him and still use some of the techniques he taught me. 
   

• I've been visiting Spectrum School of the Arts & Gallery since I was a little kid. My mom put me in art classes with Denise Zingg (the Founder) and I can still remember where I sat at the big table in the lower level. It feels like a full-circle moment to become a Board Member of this incredible nonprofit (created by Denise in 1980). 
   

Past Interviews:

• April 10, 2019 - Written Interview: www.sharks4kids.com/post/2019/04/10/meet-artist-and-creator-of-sharkopia-caiti-rose

• August 31, 2021 - Interview on YouTube with Food Empowerment Projet: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DGfCqhcd5E

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If you have additional questions, please check out my FAQ.