Steven Brouse is an art teacher and artist for hire who lives in Lake Worth, FL. Here is a link to his website:
Q: What made you interested in becoming an art teacher?
A: I always wanted to share my talents with those that I found to appreciate it the most…children. When one tells me that I’ve inspired them to create something then I become more passionate of the teaching experience and believe that this is what I’m meant to do.
Q: What inspires your art work?
A: Energy inspires me. Other people creating around me. Simplicity in life such as a sunny day or boats on a beautiful blue see. Perhaps music is a big one as well. Musicians such as Moby, Beck, Air, Thievery Corporation, Mickey Hart and of course Pink Floyd has always been my favorite.
Q: Who are some of your influences?
A: Some of the artists that influence me are Pop Artists of the 80’s which include Keith Haring, Kenny Scharfe and Basquiat. Others are artists such as Picasso, Marc Chagall and Modigliani. Besides the ones I’ve mentioned would be Romero Britto and Roy Lichenstein.
Q: What has been your greatest professional accomplishment?
A: Besides working for The Center For Creative Education for 6 years I would have to say the many public arts projects that I’ve participated in. They’ve included huge murals and painted sculptures of Buffalo and even cars where I have painted decoratively every inch of the surface. These opportunities are so exciting it is beyond words. Posters for festivals and events have all come my way as well.
Q: What has been your greatest disappointment?
A: There’s been a few disappointments. They come and go. Worse ones are when there are potential clients that take your ideas and end up doing nothing with them. People who say they’re going to buy or commission and end up not. Those “highs” usually hurt pretty bad when they come crashing down
Q: What do you like about the art scene in America?
A: I guess that there are many venues to show your art. This happens all over the world tho. Maybe with freedom of speech it is easier to express yourself more so than in any other places. America’s great tho. There are so many cultures and influences from them. The energy never ends.
Q: What don’t you like about it?
A: There’s nothing really I don’t like about it.
Q: What is the strangest thing you have ever been asked to paint?
A: A glass window. It turned out pretty nice. I was a bit concerned about the type of paint I was using on it whether it would adhere or not but it did. The customer was happy and it’s still on the window to this day.
Q: Have you ever had an art student you thought was a lost cause; what did you do?
A: Never. I’ve always looked for the creative side in my students and have found it. The important thing is enabling the child or adult to channel his abilities or skills in other talents they may have. It’s important to become acquainted with the student..learn a little bit about his/her interests and build on their confidence so that they may expand and grow their talents to other mediums.
Q: Let’s say you had to take a long road trip with either Picasso, Dali or Lautrec; who would you pick and why?
A: I would say Picasso. His abilities as an artist far exceed others in my eyes. I can also relate to Cubism more so and I could learn from him Not only that but he was quite a character from the books I’ve read and other forms of media I have seen. I see myself smoking a cigar driving as a passenger in his convertible through beautiful hills in France. Kinda like him and Modigliani did in the movie “Modigliani”.
Please note; Eliza’s interviews are done by email. All answers are unedited and come right from the lovely fingertips of her subjects:)
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