Art & Life with Brett Crawford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Crawford.

Brett, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Art was my escape during a chaotic / violent childhood. When everything was chaos art made me happy, it was the one thing I felt I was good at. Those early years turned to drug addiction and time in and out of Jail. I wasn’t able to make art for many years, because I was a drug crazed lunatic. I never thought, I could be anything more than that.
I finally repaired my broken life with the help a place called Delancey Street. www.delanceystreetfoundation.org
I was given the option to go to Delancey Street for 2 years or go back to jail. I chose the two but I stayed five because I fell in love with the people, the ideology and I wanted to help other knuckle heads like myself fix their lives.
I graduated six years ago and started making art again. Since then I’ve reunited with my family, I have my first healthy relationship with an amazing woman (five years next month 😁) started my own successful printing business, painted 22 murals, been in 20+ group shows, four solo shows, created my first Collectible Toy and am now signed and represented by Avenue des Arts Gallery (Hong Kong / Los Angeles). In fact, I have a new solo with them this December 14th 2018 DTLA.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a narrative painter. I want to tell stories with my art. I use a combination of animals and humans to talk about subjects that are important to me. In my upcoming solo “Flying close to the sun” at Avenue des Arts, I was motivated by the story of Icarus. The most common reference talks about his father warning against flying too close to the sun. the Less talked about is when his father warned against flying too low. I want to warn the viewer against flying in the middle. The middle is a mediocre, safe existence where you take no risks and never go for the dream. I want everyone to soar above the middle.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Social media has allowed artist to reach a much larger audience. I encourage artists to use social media, but also go out and support other artists, build relationships with like-minded people who will push you to be a better version of yourself every single day. With so many venues available the only thing stopping artist from being seen is themselves. Los Angeles is doing it right. Mayor Garcetti opening up the walls of the city for artist to paint has changed everything. most cities make you jump through tons of hoops to be able to create. I paint in LA because I want to be pushed by my peers to make better art. If you make your best art the opportunities will come. Nothing can stop it. Opening up the walls of the city brought Artists from all over the world to paint without having to fight the red tape. The big galleries followed close behind. LA has the most thriving art scene in the world. I am happy to be part of it and represented by Avenue des Arts DTLA.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a Solo titled “Flying close to the sun” with Avenue des Arts Gallery 807 S. Los Angeles Street DTLA 90014 opening this December 14th 2018 6-10.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @brettcrawfordart
• Facebook: Brett Crawford (Start Vault)

Image Credit:
Photo of Red and purple mural of woman’s eyes with cherry blossoms Mural Photo by Ed Choi.

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