As a kid I always wanted to paint and draw all day long. I remember Ms. Stock’s third grade art class where we wore smocks and had aspirations of being the next Picasso. That didn’t work out for me but Bryan Blue aka Blue The Great gets to follow his dreams every day of his life by drawing and painting. I got the opportunity to find out what has inspired some of his work and what he has in store for us in the future.

Who is Bryan Blue?

Just a dude trying to live off of something he likes doing. Constantly experimenting and trying out new stuff.

When did you first get into art?

I’ve been drawing and making stuff all of my life. In highschool I did a lot of custom shoes. After having a clothing line and building that for a few years in college, I got into painting more and moved to Cali and committed to painting.

Who inspired you to get into art?

I’m not sure. My dude Jeremy Biggers is pretty tight at painting. My mom encouraged me a lot with art as a kid. Both of my brothers are tight at making stuff as well.

What’s one important lesson that art has taught you?

No one knows what’s cool. You just have to believe in yourself and keep going as cliche’ as that sounds. I was never taught how to draw. I still believe I draw kinda ugly most of the time but I like that. It’s my signature in the drawing.

How do you survive financially as an artist?

Still figuring this out.

Who is your favorite artist? Why?

I really like Keith Haring. I think his style was so simple but very efficient. It had so much style also. I remember seeing his stuff as a kid so much.

You did a piece on the LA riots… Could you talk a little bit about why you did that piece?

The photo is one of my favorite pictures of all time. I’ve wanted to paint it for a while but was kind of intimidated by having to paint something to live up to the photo. I felt like we were getting back to that point or wondering if something like that could ever happen again.

We all can contribute to the culture in some lasting way. When it’s all said and done what do you want people to remember you for?

I just want to be known for going for the gold. Like at the end of the day I just want to say that I truly gave it a shot. Like really committing not half ass committing and saying i gave it my all. I think it’s cool that one day I won’t be here and my paintings and thoughts will still be here for my friends and others.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?

Having to pay rent keeps me pretty motivated. Spite also helps. I think constantly seeing how others push the bar is pretty motivating.

How has your art impacted your community?

I think in a very small scale I’ve maybe inspired a few people to think about pursuing their passion as opposed to the standard route.

What makes your art unique and different compared to other artist out there?

It’s something that comes from me. I’m just an artist developing a style and still learning how to really paint. I think I have a concept that i’m building out the only way I can.

What are some projects that you have coming up that we should look at for?

I just did a video interview with Complex x Honda for the Honda fit #FitForYou campaign. I have a Billboard I designed painted on Melrose for the show #WelcomeToFairfax (pictured below). I’m going to be at some events at Art Basel also. I have some other cool stuff I can’t talk about.

Blue is changing the culture one paint stroke at a time. Keep up with everything he has going on and be sure to check out his work in LA.

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