We recently connected with Brandon Surtain and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Growing up in New Orleans, I didn’t come from an environment that necessarily fostered painting talents. Art wasn’t something people around me saw as a viable path, and as an artist, I knew it would be hard to get people to care about my work at first. But I realized early on that I couldn’t wait for someone else’s permission to pursue my passion—I had to give myself permission. There were times when I would book a venue to show my work without having the other logistics figured out, just to push myself to make it happen. It was a risk, and I knew it. But taking that leap was the only way to force myself to keep moving forward. I learned that sometimes you have to create your own opportunities, even when everything around you says it’s not possible. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments of doubt, but those risks were what ultimately allowed me to grow as an artist. In hindsight, I realize that those uncertain steps were some of the most important decisions I ever made for my art practice.
Brandon, 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?
Growing up in New Orleans, I was surrounded by a culturally rich environment, even though I didn’t have immediate family members who were painters. My love for art began in elementary school, where I would watch older friends draw Dragon Ball Z characters with such skill that it made me believe it was possible to create beautiful art myself. Those early experiences sparked something in me, but it was the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that truly shaped my artistic vision. Observing my neighborhood in the wake of the storm, I found myself drawn to the nostalgic moments that reminded me of what life used to be. My work became a reflection of that place and time, capturing the essence of a community that was both resilient and vibrant.
I decided to focus on the celebratory aspects of life in New Orleans, highlighting the joy, music, and culture that make the city so unique. Through my art, I aim to preserve those memories and share them with others, celebrating the spirit of New Orleans in every piece. Even though I didn’t have a direct path into the art world, those early inspirations and my connection to the city have guided me. My paintings are a testament to the beauty that exists in even the most challenging times, and a celebration of the enduring culture that defines New Orleans.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is seeing people connect to the personal narratives in my paintings. There’s something powerful about knowing that my work can evoke emotions in someone, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or even a sense of longing. When I create, I’m not just making images; I’m crafting something that can foster meaning and build a sense of community. Watching others find their own stories in my art is deeply fulfilling, as it shows that what I create resonates beyond my own experience. It’s a reminder that art has the power to bring people together and spark conversations that matter.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Being a creative person means my mind is always buzzing with ideas—I can’t just turn off my creative thoughts, no matter how much I might want to sometimes. It’s a compulsion to create, a constant drive that non-creative people may not fully understand. There’s this persistent feeling that there will never be enough time to bring all those ideas to life. We’re always seeing the ideal in things, envisioning how they could be transformed or elevated. It’s both a blessing and a challenge, living with this relentless desire to shape the world around us through our art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Brandonjuansurtain.com
- Instagram: @brandonjuansurtain
