Conversations with Brad Anthony

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Anthony.

Hi Brad Anthony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My artistic was initially inspired by one of my older sisters who won a ‘draw Pinky the Mouse’ contest through a Reader’s Digest ad promoting the Minnesota School of Art correspondence course. My sister had a natural talent that flourished as she engaged with the course and witnessing her creating elaborate drawings and ‘Pop Art’ styled paintings inspired me to pursue mastering my own art making skills. My early interest in drawing as a child and teen was also fueled by the Golden Age of comic books and graphic novels. As a young collector and aficionado of the genre I found creative escape in writing stories and creating my own characters. Upon the recommendation of a friend, I decided pursue an Associate Degree in commercial art illustration at the then, Madison Area Technical College (now Madison College) right out of high school where I honed my skills as an aspiring illustrator and story teller. While enrolled in the illustration program I was introduced to both oil and acrylic painting. My aspiration to master the painting medium was fueled by my admiration for many old master painters throughout history. I enjoyed mimicking technique styles and incorporating mixed media approaches of contemporary illustrators. This led me to pursue and obtain a BFA in Painting from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design ’93, and an MFA in Painting from the University of Mississippi ’03. Upon obtaining my degrees I established my career as an art professor/instructor/teacher at community arts organizations, public/private and collegiate level schools, created original exhibited and or commissioned works of art, and designed and painted public art murals, The culmination of these experiences are what have gotten me to where I am today as a practicing artist, art professor and arts advocate.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The most challenging aspect to being an artist is pursuing a sustainable livelihood as a self employed entrepreneurial venture. Even securing reliable employment within an art related field is either highly competitive or sparse depending on location and amount of opportunities available. Wisconsin is listed 48th as one of the lowest funded states in the country. This makes the pursuit of arts related grants that much more difficult to obtain due to high competition and limited funds.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have established my art career as a collective ‘hybrid’ of professional endeavors as a working artist, art educator, and community advocate. As a working artist I have created many interior and exterior public art murals, executed portrait commissions, exhibited various bodies of work and established a modest patron base in the Mid-south and southeast Wisconsin areas. My work ranges from symbols of identity, culture, geographic location, conventional portraiture, to abstract forms representing the industrialization of human behavior, sexuality, and spiritual phenomena. My studio work uses figurative narratives fueled by personal insight, interests, and observations. My public art murals vibrantly celebrate and depict the diverse history and culture found around the city of Milwaukee.

My teaching experiences have expanded the full scope of art education having worked with local youth serving community art councils/organizations, youth clubs, alternative schools, high school, and college academia, as well as, developmentally disabled, and mentally challenged populations.

As an art advocate I have coordinated arts and culture events that have celebrated or provided opportunities for artists to showcase and sell their artwork, developed public art mural tours and brokered paid commissions for local muralists.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am also a recording artist and have been a singing enthusiast and lyricist for as long as I have been a visual artist.

Pricing:

• Commissioned painted portraits – $2500
• Indoor Wall Mural – $150 per sq ft (this does not include materials and supplies)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bernardartstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernardartstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradanthonybernardart/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-anthony-bernard-3884b77/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BernardArtStudioLLC
• Other: https://www.bwyzdom.com/