Interview with Austen Brantley

What made you take the leap to build a creative brand?

As an artist, the decision to build a creative brand was deeply rooted in my desire to share my unique cultural perspective through my art. I saw an opportunity to not only express myself creatively but also to contribute to the representation of diversity within the art world.

Growing up, I often felt that the art world lacked diversity and that the voices of African American artists were not being adequately heard. By establishing my own creative brand, I saw an opportunity to challenge the status quo and showcase the rich cultural heritage and experiences of my community through my ceramic art.

I believe that by building a creative brand, I can not only express my own creativity and passion but also inspire other aspiring artists from underrepresented communities to pursue their artistic dreams. Through my art, I aim to spark conversations, promote inclusivity, and celebrate the beauty of diversity in all its forms.

Taking the leap to build a creative brand was a way for me to carve out my own space in the art world, make a statement, and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant artistic community for future generations.

How do you work and how has your practice changed over time?

As an African American artist, my work is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage and personal experiences. I draw inspiration from the rich history of African art, as well as the struggles and triumphs of the African American community.

Over time, my practice has evolved and changed in several ways. Initially, I focused on traditional techniques and forms, honing my skills and developing my own unique style. As I grew as an artist, I began to explore more contemporary themes and experiment with different materials and processes.

One significant change in my practice has been a shift towards using my art as a form of activism and social commentary. I now strive to create pieces that address issues of race, identity, and social justice, using my work to spark conversations and provoke thought.

Additionally, I have become more involved in the art community, participating in exhibitions, collaborations, and artist residencies to broaden my horizons and connect with other artists and audiences.

How do you define success as an artist? What do you wish to accomplish?

As an African American artist, I define success as an artist by the impact my work has on others, the stories it tells, and the conversations it sparks. Success to me is not just about recognition or financial gain, but about creating art that resonates with people, challenges perspectives, and brings about social change.

What I wish to accomplish through my art is to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the African American experience, to honor the resilience and strength of my community, and to confront issues of race, identity, and representation. I aim to create pieces that serve as a powerful form of expression, that speak to the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history, and that inspire dialogue and reflection on important social issues.

Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting legacy through my art, to contribute to the rich tapestry of African American artistic expression, and to make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about race, equality, and justice in our society. Success, for me, is about using my art as a platform for change, for healing, and for empowerment.

Austen Brantley, Siren, 2022, Ceramic Scultpure

What does being a Black artist mean to you?

Being a Black artist holds profound meaning and significance for me. It means embracing my heritage, culture, and identity as a source of inspiration and creativity in my artwork. It means using my art as a platform to tell the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the Black experience, both past and present.

Being a Black artist also means challenging stereotypes, breaking barriers, and advocating for diversity and representation in the art world. It means using my platform to amplify marginalized voices, celebrate Black excellence, and promote social justice through my art.

Furthermore, being a Black artist means honoring the legacy of those who came before me, the trailblazers and visionaries who paved the way for future generations of Black creatives. It means recognizing the power of art as a tool for healing, empowerment, and transformation within the Black community and beyond.

Ultimately, being a Black artist is a source of pride, resilience, and creativity that fuels my passion for creating meaningful and impactful artwork that reflects the beauty and complexity of the Black experience.

How did you learn the skills to create? Did you take art classes or are you self-taught?

I am largely self-taught in the art of creating ceramic sculptures. Growing up, I was always drawn to art and found solace and expression through creating with my hands. My early influences were the rich African American artistic traditions that celebrated our culture and history.

While I did not have formal art classes or training, I spent countless hours practicing and experimenting with clay, learning through trial and error. I sought inspiration from a variety of sources, including books, museums, and the work of other artists.

Over time, I developed my own unique style and techniques, incorporating elements of my heritage and experiences into my art. Through dedication and passion, I honed my skills and found my voice as an artist, using my work to tell stories and evoke emotions that resonate with others.

Creating ceramic figurative sculptures allows me to explore themes of identity, history, and social justice, reflecting the complexities of the African American experience. Each piece I create is a labor of love and a testament to the resilience and creativity of my community.

In your journey as an artist, what has been the most unexpected experience, realization, or challenge?

One of the most unexpected experiences in my journey has been the realization of the power and impact of my art beyond what I initially imagined. Creating art has always been a deeply personal and introspective process for me, but seeing how my sculptures resonate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures has been truly eye-opening.

One of the challenges I have faced is navigating the art world as a minority artist. Despite the increasing recognition of diversity and inclusion in the art community, there are still barriers and biases that can make it difficult for artists like me to gain visibility and opportunities. Overcoming these challenges has required resilience, perseverance, and a strong belief in the value of my work.

Another unexpected realization has been the role that my art plays in sparking conversations about race, identity, and social issues. Through my sculptures, I have been able to explore and express complex themes related to my own experiences as an African American artist, as well as broader issues facing our society. This has led to meaningful interactions with viewers and has inspired me to continue using my art as a platform for dialogue and change.

Overall, my journey as an African American ceramic figurative sculpture artist has been a mix of challenges, unexpected experiences, and moments of growth. Through it all, I have learned the importance of staying true to my voice and vision, and embracing the power of art to connect people and provoke thought.

Austen Brantley, Condesa, 2023, Ceramic Sculpture

What is your biggest barrier to being an artist? How do you address it?

One of the biggest barriers I face is the constant struggle to stay true to my artistic vision while also meeting the demands and expectations of the audience, galleries, or clients.

Balancing creativity with commercial viability can be a challenge, as I often find myself torn between creating art that is personally fulfilling and creating art that will sell.

To address this barrier, I try to maintain a clear sense of my artistic identity and vision. I remind myself why I started creating art in the first place and stay focused on expressing my unique perspective and voice through my work. I also strive to find a balance between creating art for myself and creating art for others, seeking opportunities that allow me to explore new ideas and techniques while also staying connected to my audience.

Additionally, I continuously seek feedback and input from trusted peers, mentors, and collaborators. Engaging in constructive discussions about my work helps me gain new insights and perspectives, which can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of being an artist. Ultimately, by staying true to myself and seeking support from others, I am able to address the barriers that come with being an artist and continue to grow and evolve in my creative practice.

Is there anything missing within our Black art communities?

As an artist in the Black art community, I believe there are always areas in which we can strive for improvement and growth. One aspect that I feel may be missing or could be further developed within our Black art communities is greater visibility, recognition, and support for emerging and underrepresented artists.

There are many talented Black artists creating incredible work, but they may not always have the same level of exposure or opportunities compared to their counterparts from other communities. It is essential for our Black art communities to come together to uplift and amplify the voices of these artists, providing them with platforms to showcase their work, access to resources and mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Furthermore, fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and solidarity within the Black art community can also be beneficial. By coming together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another, we can create a stronger, more vibrant community that celebrates the diversity and richness of Black artistic expression.

Overall, while there is already a wealth of talent and creativity within our Black art communities, there is always room for improvement and growth. By working together to address these areas of need, we can continue to strengthen our community and ensure that all Black artists have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.