We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Henry Bosak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Henry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

When I am painting or creating any sort of art I am in my own world. Time stands still and I am focused on my art. I am utterly happy. I listen to people who are questioning their job choices or unhappy with what they are doing. I’ve asked myself, “What would you do if you didn’t paint or create art?” I have had regular jobs when I was younger. I worked in a grain elevator and I worked in a factory. Both were jobs that paid the bills but they were not what I wanted to do. In both cased, they were a temporary situation until I could find a job where I could use my artistic skills. I have been working as an artist/graphic designer/illustrator for over 35 years now and I would not change a thing that has gotten me to this point.

Henry, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always wanted to be an artist or do something related to art since I can remember. I had no other ambitions. I took art in high school with a wonderful art teacher and she made me realize that I could do some sort of art for a living. I attended and graduated from a community college that had a very good commercial art program. After school I didn’t have the confidence to “sell myself” to an ad agency so I worked at a grain elevator for a couple of years. I got a call from a community college classmate who asked if I wanted to work with him for an inhouse art department. It was a great opportunity and from there I got another job for an ad agency. All the while I was getting a chance to do graphic design but better yet, I was getting to do some illustration which I really wanted to do. I have worked for several national marketing companies since then. I am proud of the fact that people think of me and my work as very professional. I do take every job very serious and try my best to give them what they want even if it takes that extra effort.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I was starting out as and illustrator and painter, I wanted my work to have a look of other artist work. I tried and tried but was never satisfied with the results. It took some time but I realised that the only style I could do well was my own style. I know that sounds corny, but it is true. Every artist has their own style, it just might take a while for them to find it.

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

For me what is most rewarding is being able to see something, just an everyday item or scene and think that I could paint or illustrate that subject and make it intriguing or interesting to someone who views it. When I do a painting and I hear from someone, “I would have never thought of that as art but now I see it differently”. That is a pretty good feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: henrybosak.com
• Instagram: #bosakfineart
• Facebook: henrybosak