In the Studio with Visual Artist and CAC New Instructor Brandon Buckson

The Chesapeake Arts Center is excited to have visual artist instructor Brandon Buckson come teach at the Art center . His desire to be an artist started to become serious when he began a visual art magnet program at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts. After high school he sought out to have a personal studio practice as well as intern in the arts administration field and conservation. Brandon is currently teaching our students in the Teen Club through the generous support of Arundel Community Development Services. He also will be teaching classes such as Painting for Change , Youth Portfolio Development , and Portfolio Development .

Brandon co-manages a public art initiative, called the Mirkwood Mural that was launched in 2014. The Mirkwood Mural is a collaborative public art space located at the southeast corner of 33rd and Frisby Streets in Waverly, Baltimore, MD. The public space features the Mirkwood Mural Kiosk which functions as a bi-monthly exhibition platform for visual artist working in Baltimore City and its surrounding areas.

As a visual art instructor, you must be skilled in a variety of techniques and methods – Brandon has those skills, but let’s learn a little more about his process, and experience through the arts.

What does your work aim to say? My work aims to cultivate community through the depiction of my unique perspective on common situations. 

Who are your biggest influences? My biggest inspiration is the next generation of artists who will be influenced by the work that we currently create. I’m also influenced by the past generations who have provided a foundation for my self-expression.  

Did you always want to be an artist? When I was in elementary school I was often encouraged to be a lawyer or some type of academic professional. However, I always had an interest in TV characters and by the artwork that people would hang in their homes. This led me to develop my drawing skills which eventually evolved to the current practice that I have today. 

What do you like most about being an artist? As an artist I love that we are afforded the opportunity to think outside of the box. Artists are often considered problem solvers and I aim to provide the opportunity for others to feel comfortable to express themselves. 

What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without? My most important tool as an artist is my imagination. With imagination any materials can be used to create a magnificent work of art. One thing that I can’t live without as an artist is a sketchbook. I find it very important to keep a sketchbook to develop ideas, explore different materials, and improve my technique. 

Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why? Although I don’t get to often work in this medium, clay is one of my favorite art materials. I enjoy the process of working with my hands and thinking about things in a three-dimensional way whereas when I am painting I am trying to flatten the idea in my head. 

When did you realize you were an artist? When I was in fifth grade I was referred to the Baltimore County Arts summer camp. During the summer, I was able to meet with other youth artists for the first time and discuss our passions in a way that I was not able to before. I was encouraged in the program to continue developing my art skills and my identity as an artist.

What are you currently working on? Currently I focus on making paintings and developing stickers as well as other products that I can then share with my community and the Mirkwood Mural project.

What memorable responses have you had to your work? I collaborated with a youth artist on a portrait, and during the opening exhibition, he and I reflected on the piece and he said, “Is it weird that I feel like if anything happened to this picture I would die?” I explained to him that while the piece was beautiful and very valuable, the time that we spent creating it was what was the most valuable and that is something that can’t be destroyed. 

For more information on Brandon and to follow his artwork, you can follow Mirkwood Mural on Facebook or register for his classes at www.chesapeakearts.org.