We recently connected with Brandon Dudley and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

You know, it’s quite fascinating how most people struggle with the idea of stepping outside the conventional box. Throughout my life, I’ve been known as a person who dances to the beat of their own drum, always doing things their own way. Back in school, the football coaches did their utmost to push me onto the football field ( this was likely because I was 6″ 3 and 300 lbs, I was a football coach’s dream), but I stood my ground and opted for choir, despite their persistent efforts. And as I grew older, even when I was a drag queen, I decided to ditch the wigs because they just didn’t feel right anymore. This tendency to defy norms has both its advantages and disadvantages.

In the art world, I face significant hurdles. You see, I lack the formal classical training that many artists possess. I don’t hold a BFA or an MFA degree, and my paintings? They burst with vibrant colors, defying conventional aesthetics. And you know what? That uniqueness has made it quite challenging for me to find my audience and secure representation. But here’s the thing—I stand firmly behind the work I create. I embrace the fact that my art isn’t meant to please everyone. It’s the kind of art that either captivates your soul or provokes intense dislike, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a certain beauty in such polarization. What I create doesn’t fit neatly into a single category, and that’s why it can be perplexing for some audiences. I’ve come to realize that people crave order and clarity. When it comes to art, they want clear-cut distinctions—abstract should be unmistakably abstract, and figurative should be just that. But when art straddles multiple worlds and blurs those lines, it becomes a challenge for them to grasp.

My art is actually a reflection of who I am—a person who defies boundaries and embraces the freedom to be themselves. I exist in multiple worlds simultaneously. I’m of mixed race, I’m an artist, and yet I’ve managed to build a successful corporate career. I’m pansexual, expressing myself with vibrant colors on the canvas while usually dressed in head-to-toe black. I am a former devout Christian who now is far from it, yet so many of my paintings take on Christian undertones. You see, I don’t fit into a single box, and neither does my art. It’s no wonder that sometimes people struggle to fully comprehend it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always been into painting and expressing my creativity in various ways. But it wasn’t until a few years back that I finally decided to take the leap and pursue it as a professional endeavor. I guess you could say I’m just a creative person at heart.

When it comes to my art, I see it as something truly profound—an act of sharing and connection. It’s through this creative process that I reveal a part of myself, a glimpse into my essence, and I invite others to explore their own emotions and experiences. Every brushstroke, color choice, and composition reflects my unique perspective and how I navigate the world around me.

Through my artwork, I strive to convey the intricacies of straddling different worlds while trying to survive and remain authentic. Each piece tells a captivating story, capturing the subtle nuances, challenges, and triumphs of embracing multiple identities and the courage it takes to stay true to oneself when faced with adversity. I purposely choose vibrant colors because even in the darkest of times, I believe there should always be a glimmer of light.

Sometimes, I just want to create something that brings a smile to people’s faces, while other times I intentionally challenge them to reconsider their perspectives on the world. Ultimately, my art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the universal longing for understanding and acceptance. I hope that through my paintings, viewers embark on their own introspective journeys, gaining insight into their emotions and experiences while finding comfort and inspiration in the shared human experience.

Although it can be tough feeling like an outsider at times, I take pride in the fact that I always stay true to myself and my vision. I mean, sure, it would be easier to create art that I think would sell, but I aspire to do so much more than that. I genuinely want to be a trailblazer, someone who creates art that’s ahead of its time. I’m not sure if I’ve achieved that yet, but that’s what I strive for in my career as an artist—to be taken seriously and make a lasting impact.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’m really passionate about bringing something fresh and innovative to the art world, as I mentioned earlier. My goal is to be a true trailblazer, presenting something that’s captivating and distinct from what everyone else is doing. Although it can be challenging to have complete certainty that what I’m doing or creating is the right path, I continue to forge ahead. My ultimate aim is to contribute more beauty to this world and create artwork that resonates with viewers. Even if they can’t fully relate to it, I want my art to provoke discussion and intrigue.

Being an artist is far from an easy job. Many people have this misconception that all we do is randomly paint things. However, there’s so much more to it, and at times, it can take an emotional toll. Navigating art fairs, galleries, and building a social media presence can be quite demanding. It’s a balancing act of not taking others’ opinions too seriously while also being both an artist and a businessperson. It’s undeniably challenging, but what truly drives me is the desire to see my art proudly displayed in the homes of others. I want people to engage with my art, discuss its meaning, and have it hold a special place in their hearts. That’s what truly motivates me.

To be honest, I have grand aspirations of becoming the next big thing in the art world. However, I’m also willing to accept even the smallest impact on the art world. It’s about leaving a mark and making a meaningful contribution, no matter the scale.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Honestly, one of the best decisions I’ve made on this artistic journey was hiring a consultant. When I first entered the world of fine art, I had no connections and absolutely no idea how to navigate this complex industry. Thankfully, this consultant has been an incredible asset. With years of experience in the art world and having previously owned a gallery, she knows the ins and outs of how it all works. We have regular monthly meetings where I update her on my progress and she helps me plan my next steps. Her advice has been invaluable, and perhaps most importantly, she keeps me from giving up. Even when I just need someone to talk to about my feelings as an artist, she is worth every penny. There have been numerous occasions where she has talked me off the ledge, providing much-needed support. It’s truly comforting to have someone in the art world who believes in me and my art as much as I do.

Apart from my consultant, I’ve also found immense value in connecting with other fine artists and observing their approaches. It can be easy to feel a twinge of jealousy when you see someone else’s success, but I’ve learned that if you can move past that emotion and get to know them better, you’ll discover that many successful artists are willing to share their knowledge with you. Stepping outside my comfort zone and networking with others hasn’t always been easy for me, but I’ve realized that it’s absolutely necessary if I want to thrive in this industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandondudley.com
• Instagram: brandon_dudley_art