Every week we’ll profile one of our upcoming acts set to take the stage at L Bar. In case you haven’t heard, we’ll now offer weekly entertainment featuring themed nights and some of South Florida’s best local talent to go with the lounge’s chic-sexy vibe.
Our first blog post profiles Brandon Koek, a New York transplant now living in Fort Lauderdale. Brandon will be performing live art at L Bar on February 16th. We caught up with him to talk about his journey to becoming an artist and what to expect from him on Thursday night.
What inspired you to become an artist?
I have always been interested in art since I was a young kid but didn’t take it seriously until I was in 7th grade. I was living in Germany at the time and became obsessed with the German design aesthetic that I saw in advertisements. I became serious about becoming a graphic designer and when I moved back, focused on that career path. In college, my school had a very unique approach for art majors, we went two years without working in our major, instead all majors were grouped together and had to take a course called foundations. This course focused on art at its core, from color theory, to painting, to composition, etc… This course really shaped me into an artist rather than just a graphic design. It provided an opportunity for me to discover my style and explore in different mediums; as well as an opportunity to be inspired by fellow student artists.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
I think every artist has a variety of ever changing problems whether it be with a certain medium not working the way you want or figuring out ways to get more exposure. I am from a small town in Upstate New York and moved to Florida 5 years ago to pursue my career in art. The amount of opportunities in South Florida are vast and exciting, as well as challenging. My goal is to get into Art Basel in the next couple years but there is also an internal dilemma with becoming a sell out.
Who has influenced your career the most?
My biggest influences are other creatives. I try to surround myself with like minded people which allows for creative collaboration and evolution. Another major influence in my work, as well as in my life in general, is nature. Being outside, being active, and exploring gives me ideas and directly influences the art that I create.
Which painting would you consider to be your favorite and why?
It is very tough to pinpoint one painting that is my favorite. I tend to have a stronger connection to the most recent painting I have created. Obviously all new paintings aren’t the best, but in the process of creating them there is a learning process.
What are you looking forward to the most on Thursday night at L Bar?
I am excited not just to create an awesome painting but also for the opportunity to show your clients my style and creative process. As well as show them past artwork that I will be displaying.