Skunki Kurtz

Skunki is the fursona of the fursuiter James Kurtz, of South Carolina. Skunki, as his name implies, is an anthropomorphic North American skunk. His fursuit was constructed by Yoka Hiro of 'Cwoodsdean Creations'. Skunki's involvement in the fandom began in private, as a furry fan in the 1980s and 90s. However, he found the fandom later on. Skunki is considered a greymuzzle, not just because of his early involvement - but also the distinction that he is over 30 years of age; the common cutoff point. Skunki is known for his playful performances in suit, both speaking and pantomime. He is a regular attendee at the annual Fangcon convention, held in Birmingham, AL.

Skunki expresses a preference for older styles of furry artwork, such as the work of Jim Hardiman. This preference calls upon styles influenced by the cartoons and comics of the 1980s and 90s, cartoons like SwatCats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, among others. This dynamic, semi-realistic style was carried over into many early furry fandom artworks, which differ heavily from the current popular styles. Likewise, his own art reflects this preference. However, the artist is not limited strictly to furry art, as he draws other fandoms as well.

He is also known for his involvement in the Brony Fandom. Specifically, he is a fan of the revival cartoon series pioneered by Lauren Faust. As an adult fanof the cartoon, he considers himself a brony, and even enjoys adult pony-related artwork. Skunki appreciated the merits of both old and new aspects of the furry fandom,but is often critical of how strong certain activities have become. Whereas Fursuiting has become the primary focal point of furry conventions, many furry fans remember days when it was mostly about the artwork - as it is online. Even prior to the Internet, magazines, fan-zines, and meetups at science fiction conventions were the only way that furries were able to express their shared passion for anthropomorphic characters.

Because of his age, Skunki is highly conscious of the gradual shifts happening in the fandom. However, he has a live-and-let-live personality, and cares only that people do what they want to, so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. Such is, after all, one of the core pillars of the community.