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Intervju - The Space Cowboy
14 augusti 2023
The Space Cowboy i Sverige! Se honom på Karl-Oskardagarna 18 & 19 augusti 2023

The Space Cowboy - Living life on a razors edge

 Born and raised in Byron Bay, Australia, Chayne Hultgren, better known as The Space Cowboy, has had an impressive career as both a performance artist and a visual artist. 

His live performances have taken him to over 40 countries, where he has showcased his incredible stunts and achieved an impressive 55 Guinness World Records. From sword swallowing to chainsaw juggling, to blindfolded arrow catching, The Space Cowboy’s acts have captivated audiences worldwide and established him as a renowned performer. 

In recent years, he has shifted his focus to visual art, using his unique perspective and experiences to create vibrant and thought-provoking pieces. His use of augmented reality technology has added an extra dimension to his two-dimensional works, allowing viewers to experience his art in a whole new way. The Space Cowboy’s art has been featured in galleries around the world. His style of electrifying colors, bold brushstrokes, and a fusion of figurative and abstract elements has gained him a growing following in the art world. 

How did you first discover your talent for unusual skills and performance art? 

My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams and I always wanted to be a performer. I started busking at the Byron Markets when I was just eight years old, riding a unicycle and juggling was my first act. It was a natural progression for me to turn my passion for circus skills into a career as a performer and artist.

What led you down this path? 

I have always been drawn to the thrill of performing and entertaining others. It’s a way for me to share my unique talents and creativity with the world. The challenge of pushing the limits of what is possible with the human body and mind has always been a driving force for me. Whether it’s through performance or visual art, I am always seeking new ways to express myself and connect with others. 

You have a unique skill. Can you tell us about your sword swallowing journey? 

I am a daring performer known for my death-defying stunts, particularly sword swallowing, which has earned me multiple world records. My journey began in 2002 when I saw the mesmerizing sword-swallowing act of Sebastion Vittorini. I trained for years, swallowing hoses and coat hangers to condition my throat before moving onto swords. The weight and rigidity of swords added a new level of danger and excitement to my performances. 

My dedication and hard work have paid off, and I’ve set multiple world records for sword swallowing, including the most swords swallowed simultaneously (27 swords at once). After breaking the record, I donated the swords to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. They incorporated them into a life-sized bronze statue of myself, immortalizing my achievements forever. 

I’ve also set the world record for the most swords swallowed underwater, the heaviest weight suspended from a swallowed sword, the most underwater back somersaults while sword swallowing, the most swords swallowed on a unicycle, and the longest lightning bolt to strike the handle of a swallowed sword. 

Sword swallowing is an art that requires intense concentration and focus. It’s about pushing the limits of what the human body can do. Despite the risks, it’s become one of my most popular and well-known acts, a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance. 

I hope to inspire others to push the boundaries of what they think is possible and pursue their passions, no matter how dangerous or unconventional they may seem. Life is about taking risks and pushing ourselves to be the best versions of ourselves. Let’s embrace the unknown and dare to do the impossible. Anything is achievable if we have the courage to pursue our dreams. 

You’re also a visual artist. What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art? 

My art is about pushing boundaries, inspiring others to take risks, and challenging the norm. I hope to convey a sense of empowerment and encouragement to my audience, to show them that anything is possible if you have the courage to try. 

Can you describe your creative process when approaching a new piece of visual art? 

My creative process is all about experimentation and exploration. Sometimes I like to start with a general idea or concept and then play around with different techniques and materials until I find what works best, other times I just put a blank canvas in front of me and then start painting until it makes sense. Sometimes my pieces come together quickly, and other times it takes time to bring them to completion.  

It’s all about following my instincts and allowing my creativity to guide me.

What has been your proudest achievement to date? 

As an artist my proudest achievement has been my work featured in solo and group exhibitions around the world. As a performer, my 55 Guinness World Records stand out as a major accomplishment. Each record required months or years of training and preparation, and the feeling of breaking each one is indescribable. 

What message would you give to people who feel drawn to this way of life and performance? 

I hope that my work will inspire others to believe in themselves and to have the courage to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. For kids who feel drawn to this way of life and performance, my message is simple: follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up. With dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. 

What’s next for The Space Cowboy? 

I am constantly working on new projects and exploring new creative avenues. I have several upcoming art exhibitions and performances, both in Australia and around the world. I’m super excited that Funnybones Production is inviting me over to Sweden to perform my street show. Together with Växjö City I’m trying to break my Guinness World Record on swallowing 27 swords, in Växjö on the 19th of August, during the Karl-Oskardagarna, I will attempt to swallow 29 swords and get my 56th Guinness World Record. My focus is always on pushing myself to new heights and continuing to create art that inspires and challenges others. 
Red. anm. The Space Cowboy kommer även uppträda i Stockholm 16/8 på Blivande på Frihamnstorget kl. 19.00 och på Nytorgsfesten vid Cirkushörnan 20/8 kl. 17.00.

Life is about taking risks and pushing ourselves to be the best versions of ourselves. So, let’s embrace the unknown and dare to do the impossible. Who knows what kind of records we could set or what kind of impact we could make on the world if we just take that first step? Let’s go out there and make it happen. 

As I continue to break records and push the limits of what’s possible, I am reminded that anything truly is achievable if we have the courage to pursue our dreams. Whether its sword swallowing or another passion, let’s not be held back by fear or doubt. Instead, let’s embrace the challenge, find joy in the journey, and push ourselves to new heights. I am grateful for the opportunities that sword swallowing has given me, and I hope to inspire others to find their own passion and make their own mark on the world. Go out there and make the impossible possible. 

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