Ryan Gardell

Creative Director // Lead Artist
@ryangardell

Ryan's work explores the raw, gritty textures of the urban sprawl, mixed with the vibrant, polychromatic landscape of psychedelia, creating a vast dichotomy that emulates the thin veil separating reality from imagination. He is constantly experimenting and evolving his creative process with new techniques and styles, embracing a fusion of organic and digital mediums, while utilizing tools both new and old. Ryan's pursuit is to make art more interactive, inclusive and accessible, dissolving boundaries between artist and spectator. He believes in radical self expression as a human birthright, and encourages creativity as a therapeutic practice essential to a happy, healthy life.

Audrey Tesserot

Studio Agent // Mural Artist
@embodiedliving

Audrey is an interdisciplinary artist who paints as a tool for meditation, self-healing and creative embodiment. Art is a Medicine. Healing is a process that does not happen without integrating our creativity. We all contain a level of inspired energy that must be channeled and released to recalibrate the body to its natural alignment and flow. Originally from Miami, FL, Audrey studied theatre at The Boston Conservatory and has a background in several artistic mediums, including mandalas, ceramics, painting, and costume design. She connected with Artifakt Studios in 2021 and has since worked on several large scale mural projects with the team to date.

Christian Bachez

Mural Artist // Photographer
@bachezdoesart

Christian Bachez is an artist based in NYC working in large scale murals, oil, photography and digital art. He was born and raised in Alphabet City, the heart of New York City, and moved to Worcester to attend the College of the Holy Cross. He specializes in bright, colorful and imaginative digital depictions of mystical scenes. Many times he includes his signature character, a bear-cat named SNAX, or incorporates funky, hip-hop influenced words and phrases. His goal as an artist is to depict his art in a fun, playful way appropriate for all ages, prompting his viewers to ask questions relating to self identity. Through continuing to create works of art, he hopes to not only inspire children around the world but also make art more accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Brian Soldano

Mural Artist // Tattooer
@soldanopaints

Brian Soldano is a mural artist and tattooer with over two decades of experience in the art world. His distinct style is a fierce fusion of heavy metal imagery and bio-mechanical cyborg designs, producing a bold, industrial aesthetic that resonates with intensity. His work is not just visual but visceral, pushing the boundaries of form and texture.

"I draw, I paint, I sculpt, I shred, and I rage from the womb to the tomb," Brian says of his creative process, capturing his relentless passion. Whether he’s creating towering murals or intricate tattoo designs, he approaches each project with the same mantra: to "crush everything in sight."

Chris Peña

Creative Consultant
@_christopherpena

Chris is a Leadership Coach, Meditation, and Yoga teacher, holding certifications through iPEC Leadership Coach Training (cpc, eli-mp), Integrative Wellness Academy, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, Metrowest 200hr Yoga TT (RYT, RYS), and Ace Personal Training. Chris sits as an adviser for the studio. He helps us integrate our mission and vision, holding space for the Studio to evolve as we grow.

Rocko Gardell

Apprentice // Media
@BSFV2010

Rocko Gardell is a 14-year-old freshman with big sigma energy, ready to make waves in the mural game. This young legend’s art is straight-up goated, blending street style with fresh creative vibes. Rocko’s got that "light work" attitude, pulling up to walls like it’s nothing and leaving behind pure fire. He’s been sketching and spray-painting since day one, and now he's taking his skills to the next level with murals that pop off. Always on the grind, Rocko's dream is to turn the streets into his canvas, inspiring others with his wild creativity and bold colors. The mural scene better watch out—Rocko’s coming through, and he’s about to level up.