Interview Directory 

ART

Name: Brent Estabrook

Occupation: Artist

Residence:  Los Angeles

“I like to think that even as adults, when we do things that expand our imagination, it really does take us to a place where anything is possible and that’s a beautiful place to be.“

Mr. Estabrook, why is the teddy bear so important in your work?

Teddy bears are important to me because to me they represent a moment in childhood when anything is possible. People say one of the big themes in my art is nostalgia and I think that’s true. I use teddy bears to put people back in a state when they were kids and expand their imagination. I like to think that even as adults, when we do things that expand our imagination, it really does take us to a place where anything is possible and that’s a beautiful place to be.

“It came down to a choice between what was safe and secure and what brought me joy. I choose joy.“

As a doctor and an artist, I could imagine that two hearts beat in your chest. Can you describe your transition from dentistry to art for the readers?

I studied art while I was getting my undergraduate degree in preparation for dental school and I absolutely loved it, but I didn’t consider making a career out of it at the time. It wasn’t until in my final year of dental school, when I realized I was really unhappy with my work and honestly dreaded my future, that I started to consider the possibility of actually pursuing a career in art. There was a moment of total clarity that year when I just knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life doing something I didn’t love. 

I knew that even though it would be challenging to pursue a career in art, I would love it and find it rewarding despite the challenges, or even because of the unique challenges. It came down to a choice between what was safe and secure and what brought me joy. I choose joy. I think that’s a big reason I choose to paint themes that inspire joy for my viewers. I want my choices and my work to inspire everyone to create lives full of joy.

Got Some! Big Belly Energy this ones me uniCAN!  bronze sculpture Photo by Jonathan Jovel

Best Buds Portfolio, Courtesy the artist

You seem to be a consistently positive person. Your positive works could almost be therapeutic - is that in your mind? Or could you imagine painting a completely different tone, a much more serious one?

I’m definitely a positive person! It’s very authentically me. I’m blessed to have a good life and I want my work to convey those same feelings to others, regardless of if they had a good childhood or feel like positivity comes naturally to them. We live in a world that unfortunately has so many horrible things happening in it and I have no desire to add to that. I want to do the opposite, create work that inspires positivity and joy in everyone it touches. If that ever changed, I think that would be a bad sign for me.

Were you surprised by your rapid rise to fame?

I don’t think I was necessarily surprised by it, but I’m definitely grateful for it. I think more than anything I didn’t really pay a whole lot of attention to it, and I still don’t. I’m only at the beginning of my career and it’s very exciting how much more potential there is for my growth, my work, and the positive impact it can make on the world.

“I always say that my work attracts people from age 2 to age 102, from tech billionaires to entrepreneurs to young families, and everything in between. “

Which buyers or collectors are interested in your work?

I always say that my work attracts people from age 2 to age 102, from tech billionaires to entrepreneurs to young families, and everything in between. I do attract a lot of first-time collectors though, which is exciting since that means people are buying my work, because they love it and want to hang it in their homes or offices and appreciate it rather than acquiring it as an investment piece they plan on reselling. Art is both individually and collectively very powerful, and I love being people’s entry point into it. 

I have read that you feel influenced by the Impressionists? Is this reflected in your painting technique?

I’m very much influenced by impressionistic artwork, Monet in particular. I don’t have a vast knowledge of art history, but I know impressionists. They emphasize the feeling of the painting over the technical aspects. They didn’t try to over analyze what they were creating, they were just present in the moment, doing the work of creating. I really identify with that, not giving the adult mind the chance to overthink the creative essence of the piece. You’re just creating an impression of the feeling in that moment. That’s why I tell people it’s more important to view my art in person. It’s the feeling that matters and I want people to viscerally feel something when they look at my work. 

Can we look forward to you exhibiting in Germany one day?

I would love to! I’m getting into a new phase in my work where I am more and more inspired by parks and gardens and I’ve heard great things about Berlin and its art scene. It would be really cool to exhibit there.

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cRaZy stuFFed aniMALs Art Miami Maddox Gallery Photo by Brent Estabrook

Third Times a Charm uniCAN! faceplant uniCAN! polished bronze Photo by Jonathan Jovel