We recently connected with Austen Brantley and have shared our conversation below.

Austen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I first started seeking out private ceramic sculpting lessons from professional sculptors because I was dissatisfied with the progress I was making on my own. Working one-on-one with a professional sculptor has been an absolute game-changer for me. First and foremost, the level of personalized attention received during private lessons is unparalleled. Additionally, because of the professional sculptor’s extensive knowledge and experience in their craft, they can bring a unique perspective to my work that I may not have considered on my own. Private lessons from professional sculptors can provide budding ceramic artists with a comprehensive understanding of the art form that they would not be able to receive otherwise. Private ceramic sculpting lessons from professional sculptors are invaluable in advancing your skills and techniques. Not only do they provide personalized attention, but also offer a vast array of knowledge and experience in the field which can help expedite your growth as an artist. With private lessons, you have the opportunity to work on your areas of weakness as well as further developing your strengths. early in my career i found the means to take classes in rome, where I was able to have one-on-one sessions with renowned sculptors. This experience was truly transformative for me as an artist.

Austen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello readers, my name is Austen Brantley and I am a ceramic figurative sculpture artist. I specialize in creating unique and detailed sculptures that tell a story through their design.
I have always been interested in art, but my passion for ceramics began during high school where i started teaching my self sculpture techniques using clay.
I find the process of working with clay to be therapeutic and calming. Over the years, I have honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends traditional techniques with contemporary design. My journey has been long, but my love for art and ceramics have kept me motivated. Through hard work and dedication, I have been fortunate enough to turn my passion into a successful career. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do what I love every day and share my art with the world. My sculptures are known for their intricate details and lifelike qualities, which capture the essence of the human form and emotion. Each piece takes a great deal of time and effort to create, and I pour my heart into each sculpture to ensure that it is truly one-of-a-kind. Overall, my art is about storytelling and creating unique pieces that reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience. If you haven’t seen my ceramic figurative sculptures before, I would encourage you to take a look at my work. I believe that my sculptures offer something truly special to art enthusiasts and collectors alike. As an artist, my journey has been fulfilling and exciting, full of learning experiences that have allowed me to grow as a creator. Through my passion for ceramics and dedication to my craft, I have been able to turn my love of art into a successful career. My sculptures are a reflection of my journey as an artist and my love for the human form. I believe that my sculptures resonate with people because of their emotional depth and intricate details that bring them to life. I hope that my story inspires others to follow their passions and turn them into successful careers. a problem that I’ve faced would be the challenge of balancing the creative aspect of my work with the demands of running a business. As an artist, maintaining the balance between creativity and business can be challenging. However, I have learned to tackle this challenge by approaching my work with a strategic mindset and developing effective time management skills. I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to create a successful business while still pursuing my passion for art. some of the problems i solve for my clients include helping them bring their visions to life through custom sculptures, providing unique and meaningful pieces for special events or gifts, and adding a creative touch to public spaces and commercial projects. I believe that art is a powerful medium that has the ability to touch people’s lives in meaningful ways.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a black ceramic figurative artist, there is nothing more rewarding than creating art that speaks to the experiences and stories of my community. As a creator, I have the unique ability to portray elements of black culture that are underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media. Through my art, I can honor the beauty and strength of black people in a way that is authentic and relatable. There is something truly special about working with clay and seeing my creative vision come to life. The process of molding and shaping the clay into a meaningful piece of art is incredibly fulfilling, and it brings me great joy to share my work with others. Moreover, being a black ceramic figurative artist, I have the opportunity to join a community of artists who share my passion and appreciation for art that embodies our experiences and culture. It is through this sense of community that I can find inspiration and encouragement for my work, as well as make connections with other black artists who are using their art to make a positive impact in the world. By representing and celebrating the diversity of black experiences through my art, I can challenge negative stereotypes and uplift marginalized voices. As a black ceramic figurative artist, I feel a sense of responsibility to use my art as a means for social change and representation.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As a ceramic sculptor, I have faced several moments where I had to pivot in my career. One such moment occurred when I realized that my usual approach to creating sculptures was no longer satisfying me. I had spent years perfecting my technique of creating intricate and detailed pieces, but I began to feel as though my work lacked a certain level of depth and meaning. Rather than continuing down the same path, I knew that it was time to pivot and explore different techniques and mediums. This shift in my artistic approach was not easy, as it required me to step outside of my comfort zone and experiment with new materials and styles. However, by being open to change and willing to take risks, I was able to discover a whole new world of possibilities that I had never considered before. Through this experience, I learned the importance of being adaptable in both business and life. Pivoting can be scary, but it can also lead to innovative and rewarding outcomes. As a result of my willingness to pivot, I was able to take my sculpting career in a new and exciting direction. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or in any other profession, it’s important to be open to change and pivot when necessary. By doing so, we can unlock new opportunities and reach our full potential. In the face of change, it’s important to remember that pivot can be an opportunity for growth and innovation. Ultimately, pivoting requires courage and adaptability but can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career or life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.austenbrantleysculpture.com/
• Instagram: @austenbrantley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austendrakebrantley?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: Austen Brantley
• Twitter: @austenbrantley

Image Credits
Darrel Ellis