Interview

Aug 25

Brian Smyre

Brian embarks on a soulful journey that draws from the depths of his ancient roots, the indelible mark of his service in the United States Navy, and the profound influence of fatherhood and spirituality. As a man of God, he finds his muse in the boundless expressions of love, the mysteries of faith, and the spiritual connections that unite us all. With a harmonious fusion of mixed mediums on canvas, he creates visual stories that resonate with the human spirit. Each brushstroke becomes a vessel for emotions, encapsulating the essence of love's tenderness, the strength of faith, and the quest for spiritual truth. His artistic style is ever-evolving, mirroring the continuous growth and transformation that life offers. Through his art, he invites viewers to delve into the realms of their own emotions, to contemplate the beauty of existence, and to embrace the shared humanity that binds us together.

With every stroke, he seeks to provoke introspection and ignite a dialogue between the viewer and the art, encouraging a profound connection that transcends the boundaries of time and place. His purpose as an artist is to uplift, inspire, and leave an everlasting imprint on the hearts of those who encounter my work. As he delves deeper into his creative journey, he is humbled by the power of art to touch lives, to evoke emotions, and to remind us of the profound interconnectedness that lies at the core of our existence. Through his art, he strives to be a conduit of love, a messenger of faith, and a beacon of spiritual reflection, seeking to leave behind a legacy of inspiration and hope.

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

“I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1992 until 2004, when I moved into the outskirts of the city, in a town called Slidell. Moving there was a choice my parents made, so that we could have a better future because New Orleans is a tough city. It is known for its great variety of cultures and tradition along with art. I would say growing up in the city has a tremendous impact on my view of art and has influenced me to be the bold creator I am today. I was into drawing and making crafts in my adolescence, but lost interest in it, once I was thought that I couldn't make it in life by pursuing such desires. From that moment on, I had my vision set on either making it in life by playing football or some form of engineering field to be successful. After both of those visions died, I soon joined the United States Navy for 4 years, to be the man I thought I was sought out to be. After leaving the service, I tried an accumulation of entrepreneur ideas to create my freedom and future life. While on one of the entrepreneur series, I was hosting puff and paint events, where I received great remarks on my paintings. As time went on, I painted in my free time and before I knew it, I’ve created a mini gallery inside of my home. Friends and family would visit and see my work and would encourage me to show and sell my art work. So, I built up enough courage and entered my first art show to sell my work and sold two pieces that day. The rest is history and I have not looked back since.”

What inspires you?

“God is my motivation and inspiration.”

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

“I don’t follow specific themes. I paint and believe I can paint on anything! I have not drifted off into different types of paint so I’ve been strictly using acrylic/BEHR paint and spray paint. The message I want to deliver to the world is God is real and He is with us!”

“My art speaks to the core of humanity, reminding us of the timeless bonds that unite us all!”

How would you describe your work?

“As a father and a man of God, my art reflects my unwavering love, spirituality, and connection to the divine. Through my masterful use of mixed mediums on canvas, I weave captivating narratives that explore themes of love, faith, and the human spirit. Each stroke of paint on canvas is a heartfelt expression of my emotions, allowing viewers to connect with the profound essence of my art. My work invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of life, the power of love, and the significance of spirituality in our journey. With an ever-evolving artistic style, I continue to inspire and uplift audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who encounter my captivating creations. My art speaks to the core of humanity, reminding us of the timeless bonds that unite us all.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I don’t know any specific artists’ names but I would say any work that has came across my eyes have been some form of influence for me.”

What is your creative process like?

“It is hard for me to pinpoint my process at times because at times I feel like I’m not the one who is actually painting even though I’m the one with the paintbrush in my hand. I’ve sat down and looked at a blank canvas and tried to illustrate an image from my will and it just doesn't come out the way I would like it, so I paint over it.”

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

“A role for an artist in society, is to capture that moment or future adjacent moment for individuals who are artistically impaired. We are able to draw the moment out so they will be able to view and digest the information better.”