Get to know Bryant Giles

What’s going on, introduce yourself to the people

Hello everyone, my name is Bryant Giles, an artist based out of Chicago.

How was life growing up?

 Life as a kid I spent a lot of time to myself. A lot TV, toys, and art supplies made up my childhood. I didn’t talk much. I noticed the world around me at a young age wasn’t the nicest so I created my own.

You recently just stated, “Yellow is a very important color contributing to how I’ve felt these days.” Where are you at emotionally and creatively these days?

Honestly, I’m unsure as to why. These days I’m not necessarily here. I don’t like answering calls and texts much. I don’t trust many. I guess I’m trying to figure out what’s real these days, one step at a time. That feels yellow to me, like slow sunrise or something.

Speaking on color, do you prefer the use of color, or black and white within your pieces?

When it comes to my pieces, both color and black/white are representations of how feel in the current moment. My black and white work is normally one emotion, a solid blast of one feel. I apply color to pieces that represent a multiple feelings.

Lets take it back for to the beginning, when did you begin to find your creative talents?

My grandparents took notice to how I absorbed I would be into my coloring books and doodles as a kid. Each week they would supply me with brand new materials since they knew it would make me happy. One day I remember my grandfather bringing poster boards into my room after work and I would spend my days absorbed into drawing. Things have never been the same since.

Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Or is it a trait you either have or don’t?

We all have the ability to be creative and some find their outlet sooner than others, while others spend their whole life thinking they’ve found it, when in actuality it’s a lie. Don’t think too hard about it, it will come naturally.

When did you then begin to realize you could make a career out of your art?

It started in 5^th grade. I would draw on my classmates’ home folders and charge them $1-2 each. I started doing this to impress the girls in the class and it worked. I had my own business off of kids’ lunch money, haha. From there I transitioned into designing comics to sell on the bus that I had made the night previous, or whenever I had the free time. My 8^th grade year I had my own clothing company at the time and by my sophomore year of High school I started making cash doing custom artwork on sneakers. That was the first time I considered myself an independent artist, an entrepreneur, and from then I graduated into one full in the flesh. I had begun posting my artwork everywhere. Facebook and Instagram were taking off during this time so I would create new artwork everyday. I put my artwork over everything, including my grades. I strived to be the best because I knew I could.

People tend to automatically say Basquiat heavily inspires your work. What’s your take on those comparisons?

We are both young black abstract artists. Actually, I watch his documentary every year to remind myself what path not to take. As far as likeness in our artwork, I don’t see any. People tend to feel more comfortable expressing their feelings in comparisons, so I don’t mind. Kudos to Basquiat, I really admired his hustle.

Do you have any big influences on your work?

Everyday life, whether it’s watching TV, record hunting on youtube, or the conversations I have with people. I see the beauty in the most temporary moments. I also get inspiration from runway shows.

As a creative, it’s really easy for us to get into creative blocks. What are some ways you get through those blocks?

When I’m in creative blocks I take a step back, sometimes for days, or for weeks. I then tend to reach for things that make me the happiest, anime, making music, noodles, you know, the small things.

Do you look to convey your emotions throughout your artwork?

Yes, I definitely do.

“Music is one of the major triumphs of human creativity”. What music are you currently listening to while creating?

Thom Yorke, Knxledge, Haruomi Hosono, Jaala, Frank Ocean, and Jon Bap.

You recently just had a gallery show at Congruent Space. How did that show turnout for you?

It was a humbling experience. Thanks to all who came out and exchanged words with me.

Fashion is something you truly enjoy as well. You’ve stated how you’re going to be working on fashion projects; can you talk a bit about those?

I’m planning a vacation to London. I’m going to design my first full collection out there I believe. I’m trying to start small, yet keep it discreet. Ultimately I want a fashion house, a presence. I believe our clothing is our heart on the outside and one of the purest canvases. Wear yourself proudly, it stands out, believe me.

Would you say you have a specific style within your artwork?

What you see is what I feel in that moment. There is no “style”. What I make today can be completely different than tomorrow or yesterdays work. Looking back on it, it makes me realize how temporary everything is.

You have built a great following where people literally love your work, would you consider yourself a successful artist yet?

I would say I’m comfortable. I could be more or less, sure, but I’m content as long as I’m at peace within. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have change in the pockets, haha.

What are three brands/artists you would like to be able to work with in the future?

Craig Green, Jacquemus, and Nascar.

When it’s all said and done how do you want to be remembered in this world?

A human. I think people forget under the uniform we wear outside is skin. People these days are only as compassionate as thick as their clothing. We are all flawed, you know?

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Written By: Nicholas Rud