MORGANTOWN — It wasn’t until he graduated from high school that Max Perrott learned he had a knack for creating unique works of art.
From there, Max’s studio, Bckwrds, was born.
Over the years, the West Virginia-based artist and designer found his niche. Now, he makes artwork featuring simplistic creatures influenced by combining two seemingly different art forms.
“I kind of mix street art and cave art,” Max said. “That’s always how I describe some of my paintings.”
The artwork Max makes today is a talent he discovered after being inspired by his older sisters, Bryn and Sage Perrott. Max said both are artists as well, and considering how naturally talented he found both of them to be, he became interested in seeing if he picked up the same artistic genes.
“I just started drawing more and more and became obsessed,” Max said. “And now, I draw every day.”
He said he has always been interested in street art and ancient art forms, which he often researches and uses for reference. Depending on the medium, Max almost always starts his process looking at references and gaining inspiration for what his next piece will be. Once he has an idea of what he wants to make, he gets to sketching, often in the company of his cats or while video-chatting with his sisters.
Max has turned his work into a clothing line, featuring T-shirts, hoodies, hats, beanies and more. He also began designing tattoo flash sheets alongside his paintings, drawings and prints.
Sage, who is a print maker and professor at East Tennessee State University, said she has loved getting to watch her brother become more interested in creating artwork. Because all three siblings enjoy making art, she said it has given them something to stay in touch and talk about together.
“He was always interested in art, but he didn’t seem as interested in making it until a few years ago,” Sage said. “Then, he just seemed to be working all the time and getting better and better. He’s just invested a lot of time and improved vastly.”
Along with making and selling individual pieces and clothing, Max is also available for commissions.
From canvases and prints on display at Zeke’s Breakfast and Bakes, to beer can labels custom-made for Shortstory Brewing Co. in Rivesville, his work can be found on in several shops around Morgantown. Most recently, Max has been designing T-shirts for Apothecary Ale House in Morgantown.
Looking toward the future, Max hopes to move toward working as an artist full-time and taking on his next medium — tattooing.
“I also have a fascination in tattoos and would like to try to get an apprenticeship in that someday,” he said.
Those interested in commissioning artwork from Max can reach him via email at maxperrott16@gmail.com or via direct message on Instagram @Bckwrdsmax. To purchase artwork from Max, visit Backwardsco.bigcartel.com.
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