Today we’d like to introduce you to Assandre Jean-Baptiste.
Hi Assandre, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The beginning of my art career I suppose was around 2015-16 where I started painting seriously. I was attending the University of Texas at Arlington where I was pursuing a Business Marketing degree. During that time, I was a member of an organization called “A Collection of Brothers.” The purpose of the organization was to help the men on campus hone both leadership and communicative skills, develop their respective talents, increase their social circle and network, aid in academics, and create a sense of camaraderie amongst its members. Every year, COB would host an event titled “Honoring Sisters on Campus” where accomplishments of the female students on campus were highlighted and showcased. At that time, I was asked to paint a special painting for a winner as an award. Before that point, the last time I could recall really painting anything was while I was in grade school, so I was a bit nervous to take on the task. However, the other members were so confident in my abilities that it difficult to decline. To be honest, if it wasn’t for those members, who are still great friends of mine now, I probably wouldn’t have found out how fun and relaxing painting was, so I owe that much to them.
After the event, I found myself painting with any free time I had in between classes. During that time, I would buy books and/or look up videos on how to improve my overall technique. I would do studies on anatomy in order to get more comfortable with making more dynamic poses. I was slowly becoming invested in becoming a better artist. I started creating ideas for series that would have a theme and each piece told a part of the story. It became more and more fun to create and witness my ideas come to life!
It wasn’t until after the first shutdown for COVID-19 in 2020 that I really decided pursue my career in the arts. I figured what better time to start making/selling art if I’d be stuck home for what could be months. I created my first website in July and began selling prints of previous work. It was then I believed, after so many hours of just creating, developing my skills, and brainstorming on concepts, that I could actually make something of myself through my work and build a name. The next few months would just be a rinse and repeat of creating work and posting it on my site available for sale. Once 2021 came around, and outside was “open” again, I made a conscientious effort attend as many pop-up shows and events to get more eyes on my work. I attended shows like Pancakes & Booze and Chocolate Art Show and met other incredible artists who have been an inspiration to me and my work. I started meeting artists through social media who informed me of local open calls and galleries like 500x and Daisha Board Gallery.
Now I’m focused on building my name, obtaining a designated studio, and attending more events to connect with other artists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all. It still isn’t easy. However, I believe that’s with anything that’s worth having and, to be honest, I would be skeptical if it was too easy. One of the tallest obstacles I had to overcome was having the confidence to actually call myself an artist. It may sound laughable, but it was incredibly difficult at first to answer “What do you do?” and say “art.” I was always hesitant to bring it up in conversation because, and I hate to say it, I was ashamed for a while. I believed that until I was famous with my work it would be a waste of time to bring up in conversation. Confidence, even after all of the hours I had invested into being master of my craft, was what I lacked the most starting out. I realized it was something I had to find for myself, that no matter how much faith others had in me, I needed to be the one who believed. I wanted to break away from myself, I needed to, so I traveled. For a couple of months, I visited several art museums and events around Texas to take in the art to remind myself of why I fell in love with it in the first place. It was there I would randomly strike conversations with people and mention that I do art. I was initially surprised at how easy it was to say it there. It may have been due the fact it was a different city, it almost felt like I could be anyone I wanted to be, and I could. Experiencing that feeling had put me in an incredible headspace. I came back home with not only the determination to be who I believe I’m meant to be but to also have the confidence to talk about it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a fine art painter that mostly uses acrylics as a medium. I focus on portraitures as a means to express my perspective on different concepts and ideas. I’m not sure what I’m known for if I’m known for anything yet, but that just serves as motivation to hurry up and create a masterpiece that will put me on the map. I take pride in the several series I’ve created. Each one had a theme that would take weeks, sometimes months, to fully realize. Each piece in a series was carefully thought out and illustrated to not only stand alone but also be a part of something bigger, a collection. As far as what sets me apart from others, the easiest answer would be my perspective on things. However, one crucial feature of my artwork that I implement in my work to distinguish it from other would-be closed eyelids. In each and every one of my original works the subject’s eyes are closed. I do this based off of the “It’s so easy, it could done with your eyes closed.” I try to create a scene where the subject controls and/or operates within their given environment effortlessly and masterfully.
What matters most to you?
Besides the safety and health of loved ones, probably expression. That may be the driving force behind my pursuit of being well-established in my field. Whenever someone asks me how I’m able to get so many ideas onto a canvas and so quickly, I usually answer with “I just have to get these ideas outta my head.” It may seem selfish or arrogant, but the world needs to see my vision, my perspective. I would argue that is for any artist. The world moves on ideas, so why not put it out there (If you are willing)
Contact Info:
- Email: hueydynamite@gmail.com
- Website: Hueydynamite.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hueydynamite
- Facebook: Facebook.com/hueydynamite
- Twitter: twitter.com/hueydynamite
Image Credits
Jeremy Thigpen
