Interview

Jan 20

Bret Neathery

Born in southwest Missouri, Bret Neathery spent his early years surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Ozarks Mountains. This natural landscape deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. A pivotal moment in Bret’s journey came when he encountered his first Jackson Pollock painting; it captivated him and opened his eyes to the expressive potential of abstraction. As a self-taught artist, each piece he creates is a reflection of his life, a captivating journey of discovery and expression. Bret’s art serves as fragments of his experiences, slowly unveiled on the canvas. Through this process, he aims to evoke deep emotions, inviting viewers to connect with his work on a personal level. He believes that art can transcend boundaries, creating a dialogue between the viewer and the canvas. Bret’s hope is that each piece resonates with the viewer, allowing them to find their own stories within the layers of color and form.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My journey into art was not a linear path, a pivotal moment occurred in 2016 when I first encountered a Jackson Pollock painting. This experience ignited a passionate desire to create and explore the realm of abstract expressionism. As a self-taught artist, my educational background includes a major in History, which led him into a successful career in medical device sales for over two decades. While my professional life followed a different trajectory, art remained an undeniable call. The structured world of sales seemingly provided a counterbalance to the freedom and expressiveness I found in painting. My work, both professionally and artistically show a duality - precision in profession and spontaneity in art—creates a compelling dialogue within my work.”

What inspires you?

“My artistic journey is richly informed by both personal experiences and the vibrancy of abstract expressionism. For me personally, life itself serves as a inspiration, with various experiences. Those experiences provide me an endless source of creative fuel. The unexpected nuances in everyday life provide an appreciation for the unscripted nature of abstract expressionism.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“You'll see, throughout my work, themes such as shapes and forms are central to my creative process. The recurring use of symbols, geometric forms, and random lines is my fascination with how basic shapes can evoke complex emotions and narratives. These elements serve as the visual language my paintings communicate to the viewer on an emotional level.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe my work as ‘where chaos collides with form and structure.’ I gravitate towards a process that allows for both intention and spontaneity. By engaging with materials and techniques that accommodate random gestures while retaining control over structure. Ultimately my goal is to captures the essence of the moment, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and their physical incarnation.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Gerard Richter, Cy Twombly, Willem de Kooning, and Joan Mitchell.”

“I would describe my work as ‘where chaos collides with form and structure.’ I gravitate towards a process that allows for both intention and spontaneity.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process is really a journey. It's deeply personal exploration of emotion and expression through my art. I'm driven by a desire to create works that feel alive and that will resonate with viewers. This sense of ‘life’ in my art is essential. The artist starts a new piece of art through inspiration that may arise in various forms. I try and use my current emotions, which play a crucial role in shaping my artistic process. I'm particularly mindful of my choice between dark and light colors, then allowing my subconscious to guide my movements and decisions.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“In answering how art influences social change and awareness... I hope my art evokes thought and promotes mindfulness. Art tends to evolve with society. In this same scale, viewing art can offer new perspectives. Hopefully by encountering art, in its different forms, can challenge existing beliefs and potentially lead to transformation.”