Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Fogt.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I found my way to art through childhood craft projects such as knitting, macramé, and batik. These led to taking a wonderful art class in seventh grade. I thought I would continue in art, but for some reason other priorities took over, such as sports, student government, etc., and I didn’t really get back to making art until I was in my early 30s. I left a career in government and public policy in Washington, D.C. and moved to Texas to get my BFA in art at the University of Texas at Austin. I’ve never looked back since.
Please tell us about your art.
I am fascinated by the creative process itself, by how one action leads to another and another until a piece is complete. The question “what would happen if….” drives my artwork. I experiment with a variety of materials, such as discarded objects such as old chairs or old catalogues from Sears. My process is one of cutting up objects and then reassembling them, often combining them with other reassembled objects. In my sculptural work, I think a lot about how things balance and how that is related to how we as humans maintain balance when walking or even sitting.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Like other creative professions, there are many more artists than there are venues to show art, so it is by nature competitive. Even the most accomplished artists will face obstacles along the way, including rejection. It is challenging to stay positive in the face of rejection, but if you can use the rejection as motivation to work harder it can be useful. It is also challenging to balance the demands of a day job with a creative practice. Fortunately, it is well worth it. There is nothing like the freedom of the studio, where you can try just about any wild idea that pops into your head. Surrounding yourself with support is key. Chicago has so many opportunities for visual artists through organizations like the Chicago Artists Coalition and the Hyde Park Art Center. Chicago also has a strong DIY culture, as does my new home, Houston, so artists can create their own opportunities.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a website at www.brentfogt.com. I am also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1111 Durham Dr #424
Houston, TX 77007 - Website: www.brentfogt.com
- Phone: 7344762658
- Email: fogtbrent@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentfogt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brent.Fogt.Artist/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brentfogt
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-fogt-b422a713/
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