We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brett Cassort. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Brett, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
This interview? I’m kidding, sort of. Honestly, as a more introverted creative mind I’m most comfortable in my studio, by myself, music playing and creating work. Putting myself out there and sharing more about myself personally isn’t a comfortable thing for me. I’m not big into social media even though it’s become a very useful tool for artists, so I’m learning more about finding a few things within my lane that I can do to get my work out there. I enjoy doing live shows where I can let my work drive the conversation and I find that to be much more fulfilling. Those conversations have taught me some valuable lessons about myself and how my work has an effect on people. I’m always thinking about my story and my path and what I’ve learned along the way that could help people. Those live conversations give me that opportunity to connect. That’s what brings me joy because it’s real life in the moment with real people vs. the distant world of social media. I’m always working on finding a balance that’s right for me. That being said, I am working on launching my Insider’s Club Newsletter where I will be able to connect with my collectors and fans, introduce new work and shows and share some personal stories and inspirations along the way. You can sign up on my website or when you see me at a live show.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a fine art oil painter with a passion for capturing the spirit of landscapes and the quiet stories found along the open road. Much of my work is inspired by road trips and reference photos taken from the dashboard of my car. I’m always trying to capture those moments of light, space, and motion. While I often paint natural scenes, I also explore abstract compositions, using color and texture to express emotion and memory beyond the literal. My process is rooted in observation, but my goal is always to evoke a feeling rather than document a place. My work often starts with a series of reference photos, but as soon as I get the composition I am looking for I let the paintings go wherever they need to go. Whatever I’m feeling I let my energy push the painting to the finished piece.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That being an artist is exactly who I was meant to be. Taking my life experiences and creating a piece of work that will speak to people in ways I never imagined tells me I’m right where I need to be. As a child I was creative, but being an artist for a living wasn’t exactly high on the reasonable career path list. It wasn’t discouraged necessarily, but it felt like it was so far down the list that it wasn’t really an option.. It also took me a long time to believe in my own ability as an artist. I don’t view that as a negative because life has taken me down several roads with many detours so it gives me plenty of experiences to draw from. I do want to give a shout out to all those public school art teachers that always encouraged me to explore an idea and my mentor Cheryl Kline at Kline Academy of Fine Art for giving me the foundation and skills that allow me to be the artist I am today. I’m forever grateful!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It’s taught me appreciation and gratitude. Every step of the way, every failure, rejection or disappointment that knocked me down built more and more resilience as I got back up to keep moving forward. So whenever I’ve achieved anything I would define as a success I think about how I got there. Whether it’s being accepted by a gallery or by a show in a new city, or selling a piece of my work, finishing a piece in my studio that nobody has even seen yet, or hearing a story about how my work had an effect on someone. Whatever the achievement is I just have appreciation for all of those moments along the way.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say it’s a version of the real me. I don’t really have a big public life outside of art shows and events. I have a small group of friends and family that truly know me and I like the small circle that I live in. I’m more of an introvert in that regard. I like my people around me, but I also don’t mind solitude. There’s a beauty in that it gives me time and space to put the pieces of creativity together. My mind is racing all the time about ideas, but it’s in those quiet spaces that I can really see how I can organize them into a physical piece. I believe that I connect with people through my work because they see something that they can relate to.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
In my studio painting, music playing, lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Max Richter, Riopy, and Jason Isbell. The playlist changes often. Time stops, the outside world fades to the background and I’m creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brettcassort.com
- Instagram: @brettcassortfineart
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/brettcassortfineart
- Other: COHART
https://www.cohart.com/brettcassort/profile
