Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Mallman.
Brian, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I guess I just always drew pictures. I studied traditional figure drawing and I’ve always been in love with the way graphite feels on paper. I think every great piece of art has a great drawing supporting it. A sculpture can have gesture and movement. A conceptual piece can have an elegant idea that propels it. I keep searching for that perfect line no matter what materials I’m working with. I also love using art to build and activate communities. I think an active community can be the most powerful and inspiring thing a person can be a part of.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m constantly finding things new that inspire me. Although drawing is still a big part of my process I find myself constantly exploring and trying to make art with everything.
Recently I’ve been doing more sculptures and social practice work. My project Play Music on the Porch Day will happen in over 40 countries this year. I hope people will see my work and connect with it the way I connect with some of the work I see. I want to create that connection with people. Some art moves me to the point that I can’t think about anything else for the rest of the day. I would love to give someone else that experience.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I find the biggest challenge I face as an artist right now is trying to create art when the political situation in the country has become so difficult. I believe most artists recognize their responsibility to raise their voices during times like these. I find myself spending more time reading the news and following the latest political drama and that takes time and headspace away from creating work. I find myself wanting to march in the streets, call my representatives and encourage people to vote. Instead of focusing my attention on art. Hopefully the country will come through these difficult times and be better for it. Until then I’ll keep struggling to both make art and contribute to positive social change.Contact Info:
- Website: bmallman.com
- Phone: 323-376-4428
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @brianmallman @playmusicontheporch
- Other: https://www.artsy.net/artist/brian-mallman?page=1&sort=-partner_updated_at
Image Credit:
Susan Catherine Weber
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
