Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brent Estabrook. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brent, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

What my parents did right was the biggest stroke of luck in my life. I had incredible parents, both my mom and dad were amazing. We were a middle-class family, not wealthy but not struggling either. But what mattered most was that my parents were loving beyond measure.

I can hardly recall a time when I heard my dad raise his voice in anger, and the same goes for my mom. My dad was always happy, and my mom was nurturing and caring. It was an incredible childhood. Their influence on me is undeniable. I’m practically a carbon copy of my dad, and anyone who meets him sees the similarities between us.

Seeing how influential parents can be, I’ve come to appreciate my friends who are also great parents. I witness firsthand the positive impact they have on their kids. It truly is a matter of luck, not getting to choose who your parents are, and I feel blessed to have had amazing parents.

What my parents did right was shower me with love and support unconditionally. They created a warm and nurturing environment that made my childhood awesome. Their ability to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully, rarely raising their voices, taught me invaluable lessons about emotional management and conflict resolution.

Moreover, my parents served as powerful role models. I can see their positive values and behaviors reflected in me. They’ve influenced me greatly, shaping the person I’ve become.

Recognizing the immense impact parents have, I now appreciate the significance of good parenting in my friends’ lives. Witnessing the positive outcomes for their children reinforces the importance of parental guidance and positive role modeling.

To sum it up, my parents did so many things right. They showered me with love and care, created a nurturing environment, modeled effective communication, and showed me how to resolve conflicts respectfully. Their influence on me is immeasurable, and I’m forever grateful to have been blessed with incredible parents.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was an art kid growing up and majored in Art during my undergraduate degree, but was mainly focused on doing the “Traditional” route of life. I wanted to go to dental school to make money.

While I was in dental school, I was still painting every chance I got. As student debt mounted, I sought solace in painting enlarged currencies, which eventually opened my eyes to the potential of pursuing an artistic career. This pivotal experience propelled me to venture into a series of vibrant skulls, allowing me to freely explore color and technique, ultimately shaping my unique brushwork and color palette.

For me, being an artist is all about discovery, exploration, learning, and growth. I never approach the same painting in the same way twice. Each time, I look for opportunities to expand my horizons and delve into new artistic territory.

That’s why you’ll find me painting in various styles, ranging from hyper-realism to abstraction and minimalism. I simply love it all! However, one of my favorite artistic styles would have to be impressionism. There’s something truly captivating about impressionistic paintings. I adore how you can see the energy and movement in the brush strokes. It’s as if the paintings come alive, capturing a moment in time.

Lately, my mindset has been focused on creating in the moment, also known as “Prima” or “Alla Prima.” This approach involves laying down the initial brush strokes and embracing them without trying to fix or perfect them. It’s about painting with confidence and letting those first brush strokes be the ones that remain on the canvas. This mindset not only applies to my artwork but also reflects my personal growth as an artist.

Speaking of literal aspects of my artistic style, I have a profound love for vibrant colors and contrasting tones. In my paintings, you’ll often find a play of intense colors and textures, creating strong juxtapositions. It’s a way for me to express depth and create visual impact.

Overall, my artistic journey is driven by a constant desire to explore, discover, and grow. I find joy in experimenting with different styles and techniques, embracing the energy of impressionism, and incorporating bold colors and contrasting elements into my work. It’s an ongoing process of artistic and personal development that keeps me inspired and motivated.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource that I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey is the value of seeking advice from my peers. It’s incredible how much you can learn from other artists who have walked a similar path. Hearing about their experiences, both the successes and the challenges, can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Art is a field with no set rulebook or guidelines, so hearing different perspectives can broaden your understanding and help you navigate your own journey.

In addition to seeking advice from fellow artists, I also wish I had explored more art books and learned about the journeys of artists from the past. There are so many wonderful resources out there that can inspire and educate, providing a wealth of knowledge and techniques to incorporate into your own practice.

Furthermore, understanding that art is not just a creative pursuit but also a business has been a valuable lesson. I now realize the importance of diving into resources that focus on the business and entrepreneurial aspects of the creative industry. Books and resources that offer insights into marketing, pricing, contracts, and other business-related topics can be incredibly beneficial in establishing a sustainable artistic career.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly, I can share a story of a significant pivot I experienced in my life. It happened right after I finished dental school and found myself burdened with an overwhelming amount of debt. At that point, I had to make a crucial decision that would shape the trajectory of my career and life.

Initially, I started actively searching for a dental job, recognizing the financial stability it could offer. However, deep down, I knew that my true passion lied elsewhere—in art. After just one week of exploring dental opportunities, I made a pivotal choice to pivot away from dentistry and fully immerse myself in the world of art.

This decision was driven by my belief that pursuing one’s passion can lead to both personal and financial success. For me, success meant being able to spend my life doing what I genuinely loved. So, I shifted my focus entirely to art and never looked back.

Once I embarked on my artistic journey, I encountered numerous pivots along the way. Adapting to changing circumstances became crucial for my art career and the decisions I made. Some choices turned out to be right, while others proved to be learning experiences. Nevertheless, remaining flexible and open to new opportunities was essential to navigate through the twists and turns of my artistic path.

Even to this day, I continue to make significant pivots both in my art career and in life. Embracing change and taking bold steps in different directions has allowed me to explore new horizons, discover untapped potential, and continuously evolve as an artist and as an individual.

In conclusion, the decision to pivot away from dentistry and embrace art as my true passion marked a significant turning point in my life. It taught me the importance of following my heart, being adaptable, and embracing change. Each pivot I made, and continue to make, has shaped my journey and contributed to my growth and success as an artist and as a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brentestabrook.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentestabrook/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brentestabrook8738
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brentestabrook?lang=en