Tag: artist

Hip to be Square

by Brian Sostrom, posted in writing

Hip to be Square

As a kid I never painted a square painting. I liked a rectangular format that could be a tall image or a wide image.

Often on Instagram people will comment about how they like the unusual shape of some of my custom made panels. With my contrary nature it makes me avoid unusual shapes!

Again I started thinking about sanding down some huge square panels I have buried in the attic. I realized part of the draw of the square format is the extra blank quality. The shape has no compositional interest. Sure a large square has a modern appeal but to me there is something so stark and empty about the square format. The painting is everything.

Sometimes

by Brian Sostrom, posted in writing

Sometimes (maybe always)

People ask about the brush I used in a particular Instagram Story. Folks get excited, then it seems incredibly important to me. Where is that brush have I lost it or did I accidentally throw it out? Was that brush the reason that painting worked? Can a paint anymore without said brush? Seeming doubtful now…

A strange life driven to create. My motives are pure, I continue my work. Grumpy old man… I may well be.

Not sure where I put that brush…