Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyne Sexsmith.
Hi Cheyne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
The world of wood finishing and high-level painting is not one that you simply stumble upon. From a tender age, I was privileged to witness the meticulous artistry of my father, who toiled tirelessly as an “Estate Maintenance Coordinator” in Newport Beach, CA. His job description was nothing short of awe-inspiring, encompassing everything from fetching salads for the boss’ wife to meticulously detailing their Ferrari or painstakingly finishing the handrails on their yacht’s dock every four to six months.
As a child, I often accompanied him to work during summers or on days when school was out, and my eyes were opened to a world of exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. This immersive experience instilled in me a deep passion for luxury finishing and a relentless drive to excel in the field.
With time, I honed my skills by working for various painting companies, experimenting with new tools and coatings, and specializing in waterborne cabinets and wood finishes. Eventually, I took the bold step of starting my own painting company in Bend, Oregon, where I spent seven years mastering my craft and perfecting my art.
However, life is never stagnant, and I found myself drawn to Austin, Texas, where I now call home. It was here that I discovered the Escobedo Group, a premier name in the world of high-end luxury finishing. As the Finish Department Manager, I now oversee the finish operations that bring the group’s products to life in some of the most prestigious projects across Austin and beyond. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of this elite team of artisans, and I relish every opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life’s journey is strewn with challenges that test our mettle, and my path has been no exception. However, I can proudly say that I have weathered these storms with fortitude and determination, and emerged victorious on the other side. As the saying goes, a good finisher distinguishes themselves from the rest by having the discipline to learn from their mistakes and make amends.
In my line of work, which revolves around cabinet-finishing, woodwork and metal finishing, I take great pleasure in defying convention and pushing the boundaries of what is considered ‘safe’. I am not content with merely following the rules, but rather, I relish the thrill of taking calculated risks that others in my field would shy away from. It is this passion and thirst for innovation that has driven me to excel in my craft and attain new heights of mastery.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Throughout my career, I have honed my expertise in cabinet finishing, wood coloring, and residential paint application. But in the past half-year, I’ve added a new skill to my repertoire: alchemy! As a Certified Application Specialist in Verometal, I possess the power to transmute any surface into a shimmering metal masterpiece. This groundbreaking product offers a practical and economical solution to the challenges that often arise when installing solid metal panels, while providing superior aesthetics.
By leveraging Verometal, architects and design firms can enjoy greater design flexibility and endless possibilities. As the sole Austin Local holding this esteemed certification, I’m thrilled to offer my clients a unique level of expertise and craftsmanship. With patinas and textured effects that can be applied post-application, the possibilities for creativity are limitless. Imagine a “Brass Bathroom Vanity” or a “Cold Rolled Steel Vent Hood,” or any other metal surface you can dream up. The doors that this technology will open are simply mind-boggling, and I’m excited to see where this alchemical journey takes me next.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As long as I can remember, I’ve been a keen observer and a deep thinker, always analyzing situations from multiple angles before making a move. Rather than blabbering away at every opportunity, I prefer to bide my time and speak only when I have something of value to contribute. My focus is always on the task at hand, and I relish the thrill of mastering new skills and expanding my horizons.
During the tumultuous years of the recession, I took a bold step away from my comfort zone and ventured into the world of computer science, with a specialization in computer networking. Despite having dabbled in low-level programming languages since my early teens, I had never pursued it professionally until then. It’s always a source of amusement to me when people are taken aback by my seemingly disparate interests in finishing and computer science, but hey, that’s just who I am – a curious and multi-faceted individual.
At the core of my being lies an insatiable thirst for problem-solving and innovation. Whether it’s taking a raw idea and shaping it into a tangible reality, or finding creative solutions to complex challenges, I thrive on the thrill of bringing visions to life. For me, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing the fruits of my labor come to fruition in the form of a job well done.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/risepainting
