We recently connected with Brett Holverstott and have shared our conversation below.

Brett, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

When I was 18, after my first year of college, I flew to the island of Rhodes, Greece to spend the summer at the studio of an artist. Michael Newberry was a “representational” artist who painted figures, nudes, landscapes, and still-lifes, and was constantly experimenting with color pastels to find new combinations of vibrant colors. He then translated that vibrancy into his large oil paintings, some of which took years.

Newberry was a mid-career artist doing incredibly innovative work but had found the art elite opaque to representational art. His idea was to start an art foundation to advocate for the return of representation, humanism, and innovation in the arts. We created a nonprofit foundation that summer, and a year later held an event at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan directed to museum directors and art critics.

Twenty years later, much has changed. There is a world-wide resurgence in the figurative and representational arts driven by the accessibility of atelier training. Thousands, even tens of thousands of young artists are learning how to draw and paint the figure, building on the technical knowledge of the previous generation, many of whom were largely self taught had to “rediscover” classical techniques in their youth.

With the mission to support and advocate for this community of artists, I started the Figure Ground Art Gallery in the heart of Seattle’s Pioneer Square, a historic district where my uncle once lived alongside hundreds of artists in brick buildings that have since been redeveloped.

In our first 18 months we have given first-time solo shows to maturing artists, hosting big group exhibitions that had student work alongside seasoned artists, and held shows that have earned the gallery an international reputation for its cutting-edge curation.

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

I have an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, which I earned after studying Chemistry & Physics for three years and working for a hydrogen energy laboratory. I later went on to publish a book on physics and hydrogen energy for a wide audience.

During college I ran an online art gallery as a side project. I later went on to earn a Masters in Architecture and become an independent creative architect. I design green, custom homes in the Seattle area. As a side project I started the Figure Ground Art Gallery, and occasionally write about art. I also am learning to be a figure sculptor in clay.

I am interested in a mix of activities that advocate for my values and give me opportunities that are both technical and creative.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My approach to the art gallery is to first have an absolute commitment to curating the best work; this is building the reputation for the gallery. Creating an atmosphere that is really supportive of artists as well as inviting for a younger crowd of collectors who have never bought art from a gallery before goes a long way to set the mood.

The art itself is also accessible. Representation, the opportunities for visual excitement as well as story-telling gives the work a universal appeal, as opposed to more abstract or conceptual work.

The space is not austere, but has beautiful wood floors and paneling and feels comfortable to relax in, as opposed to a “white box” gallery. We serve wine from a custom built wood bar with real wine glasses.

Finally, that I talk about my love for artworks from the heart leaves a huge impression on artists and collectors. It shows that this is less a business than a mission.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The ability to spend every moment of the day working on projects that are an expression of the self, both emotionally and technically. And the independence to select projects, select clients, choose your own schedule, all gives an experience to life that is rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: figuregroundgallery.com
• Instagram: figuregroundgallery