We recently connected with Hiromitsu Hubbard and have shared our conversation below.

Hiromitsu , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first realized that I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic career when it was time to start applying for colleges at the end of high school. Before that I had never seriously considered what I would do when I grew up and suddenly faced the decision of choosing art school or a regular college like the rest of my classmates. It quickly became clear that art school was the only option for me and I am very thankful that I had the support of my family to help make it happen. From that crossroads it has been a long, difficult, crazy, incredible and rewarding journey. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hiromitsu , 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 am a representational and surrealist painter with a focus on both large scale murals and fine art. My artwork draws inspiration from a patchwork of adventures, stories and images I have archived while engaging and bonding with a diverse assortment of Americans along my travels across the United States. In sharing these experiences with the viewer, similar bonds are formed over each image, through windows into beautiful, unfamiliar and often surreal scenes that capture the full spectrum of human emotion. Through my work I document the roads less traveled, the outskirts of reality, uncharted territory filled with excitement, beauty and mystery. From the urban underbelly, to remote mountain peaks, to imaginary dreamlike destinations, my work transports the viewer to places they may have never seen or will ever go. It shares a story of adventure and companionship to remind people that there is a whole world of friendship, beauty and mystery out there for those who choose to look for it.

I currently live and work in my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, where I returned after travels across the United States, building my career over the past decade. I first left Baltimore to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. After graduating, I worked as a graphic designer and fabricator before transitioning to a career as a fine artist and muralist, a setting that allows for fuller artistic expression. In my studio practice I create paintings using acrylic paint applied with both brush and airbrush on canvas and custom handmade MDF panels. Outside of the studio I create large scale murals using acrylic latex paint and spray paint. I have had two successful gallery exhibitions in Baltimore and have painted murals for a variety of arts festivals, public art programs and private clients in Baltimore and across the east coast.

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

After graduating from college I spent seven years working for corporate graphic design firms and sign fabrication shops, choosing a steady paycheck over the uncertainty of being self employed. I learned a lot from these experiences and they helped ease my transition into adulthood, but eventually it was time to take the leap and work for myself. This will be my fourth year being a self employed artist and I will never go back to the corporate world. Being self employed is difficult, uncertain and a lot more work, but the rewards outweigh it all. There is nothing else like doing work that you believe in and staying true to your own creative vision and ethics. Having the ability to find work and collaborate on projects with friends is also an incredible experience that I often enjoy more than working alone. I have many great friends who have helped make all of this possible by giving me advice, support and creative work when I needed it. I would rather spend countless extra hours working to build something for myself and the people that I care about than work for companies that can never reciprocate anything more than a paycheck.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part about being an artist is being able to bring people happiness and connect with others through the work you create. Painting public murals in a variety of cities has made me realize how much of a positive impact art really has on communities and individuals. There is a universal appreciation of art shared by people from all backgrounds and walks of life. I have had conversations while painting on the street with so many people I would never have crossed paths with in everyday life. They have offered beautiful perspectives, stories and lessons that will stay with me forever. The appreciation and joy that complete strangers have expressed in response to my mural work is a strong force that keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hirohubbard.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiro.hubbard.studio/

Image Credits

Portrait photo by Antonino Costa