Snakes are often used to portray evil
incarnate. In another light, they, as we
ourselves, are just fellow occupants of
the planet. It’s folklore that gives them the
analytical reputation. Brandan toys with
our preconceived notions of these figures.
Stripping them of the sinister, he makes them
appear as friend. Beelzebub is no monster.
He’s just the fella sitting next to you at bar with
many good stories to tell.
Morgan Febrey: Turn of the century French
circus, punk rock, folklore, and religion. Your
art draws from a veritable buffet of influence.
How’d you arrive at this style?
Brandan Styles: I feel that art is not something
that should be entirely new, but a passing of
the torch. I love so much from art and history
and I feel that my art is a smash up of all
my influences. I want to pay my respects to
those that came before and at the same time
create something fresh from all the inspiration.
I don’t know if I have arrived, as I am always
searching and have a lot to learn. What I have
come up with thus far is everything from my
experience and journey in life, culling all of
that into my art, pinpointing my existence at
that moment and hoping it resonates with
others.
Morgan Febrey: You’re also a tattoo artist.
What are some of the differences between
your fine art medium and human flesh?
Brandan Styles: Well I’m working on becoming
a tattoo artist, not quite there yet. It is a new
medium with a new tool and skillset to learn.
Putting ink into skin is quite a bit different from
putting it onto paper or wood. You can feel
when the needle is in the skin properly as
the skin will start to vibrate in a certain way. I
am hopeful and excited that I will be able to
add tattooing to my art skill set and transfer
my style into tattooing, a most ancient and
respectable art form.
Morgan Febrey: It’s pretty rare to be a full time
artist. I know you work your ass off. What’s it
really take to make this possible?
Brandan Styles: I am a full-time artist on top
of having a little part-time job at a coffee shop.
I think being a full time artist just means that
you put most of your time into your vision and
art, it comes before anything else. I do art
festivals across the country which is my main
way of getting art into the hands of collectors,
as well as show with some galleries. It
takes total dedication, love, endurance, and
adaptation. I say make art to make art. If you
want to make a living off your art than you
have to find ways to make it happen. It is not
quick nor easy, and certainly not for those
who can’t hang on for the years it takes to get
anywhere. I’ve just had a simple goal, make
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