Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles S. Brantley.
Charles, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am an artist. That word is used so commonly. Artist. What is that when you think of it? At the core, I am an Imagineer, creator, and communicator of human experiences, whether they be from my own experience, observation, from a “from-scratch” imagination or simply an interpretation of my neighbor’s appreciations and experience. I began experimenting with this rather general trait “artist” with sketching as a young boy. I tended to sketch architectural scapes and spaces. I liked the city skylines, nice interior design, portraits, and street scenes. I noticed at a young age that I had an advanced appreciation for music as well. That naturally led me to pick up the piano as a teenager. Jazz was and still is my taste.
I wonder if the frequencies one hears in jazz resonate with the kind of visual beauty or beauty in general that I (or anyone can) appreciate. Not that I think everyone should like jazz. But, what if (even at a sublevel) my understanding of what makes jazz beautiful can be used as a tool to be wielded in an attempt to make more beautiful things. Quite a far-fetching theory, but I have faith that there will one day be a science that can explain that. I started a journey as an artist to find this resonance from studying architecture at the University of Houston to graphic design at Houston Community College. Always a natural enthusiast of photography, I studied it formally in college and became a professional. I have and still do work as a portrait and event photographer. While practicing the craft, I learned even more of my passion for recording moments that are the most beautiful for people.
At present, I am designing fine wall art for observation in people’s private or business spaces that display a name or text of their preference. On this side of the journey, I’d like to see if I can discover a kind of continuity in the art that I appreciate and offer it as accommodation in other people’s lives. I genuinely believe that there is jazz in my photography. I believe now that it is deeply embedded in any artistic venture that I embark on. My latest project is BrantleyDecor.com.
Has it been a smooth road?
Like most artists, without an abundance of resources, you start starving. Am I right? Of course “starving” in this sense means that one will attempt to use his craft as a means to make a living only to discover that it is really, really hard. So to answer the question: There have been struggles along the way. It is the ultimate challenge: Sharing the beauty of the world through your eyes in hopes that people will empathize. #bars But, what a joy it is when they actually do and willing to support your craft! It’s always special whether it happens often or not.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My company is Brantley Decor and Designs, brantleydecor.com. Here I graphicly design fine wall art portraits. At the moment, the primary designs are initial letter monograms. Theses designs are crisp, clean and sharp. A patron will choose a monogram and inscribe it with whatever name or text they wish right on the site. My vision, eventually, is to include fine-art street photography, digital paintings and other portraits. I am proud of this company because I believe that will one day offer all kinds of beauty for your space: visual, audible, and even aromatic. My pieces are intended to communicate to the observer the pride and beauty the owner has in their name or statement. I use elegant, clean lines, bold contrast, a sense of depth, playful improvisation, and typically asymmetrical based composition. My work is produced by one of the business’s most experienced printers/framers in the country and will be delivered to the owner, usually less than one week with free shipping. Always.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a wonderful city to be an artist as deep in its culture is the appreciation of diverse artforms. From Jazz, Country, Hip-Hop, to Tejano, Houston represents music. We have more historical museums than any other city in Texas, and we even do an Art Car Parade. If you are good at what you do as an artist, you will be appreciated. The only trick now is to get enough people to see it.
Pricing:
- My art pieces start at just $75
Contact Info:
- Website: brantleydecor.com
- Phone: 713-701-9951
- Email: info@brantleydecor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brantleydecor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brantleydecor/?modal=composer
Image Credit:
Photography By Charles B. Photography
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