Lindsay Bryant – Horse Artist Interview

Name
Lindsay Bryant

Website & Places you can find my work online
www.horsesbylindsay.weebly.com
Primary Colors gallery in Jordan, MN

Where I am
Midwest Minnesota

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I am a recent graduate with a B.A. in fine art. I have an emphasis in painting (using mostly oils), but am beginning to incorporate more photography into my work. I grew up on coloring books and always knew I wanted to become a professional artist. Although I was born in Wyoming, I have spent most of my years living in Minnesota.

Though a large part of my inspiration comes from the American West, I thoroughly enjoy the beautiful creation of the Midwest as well.

Which came first, art or horses?
Art came far before horses. I remember scribbling in my mother’s books with her multi-colored highlighters as a 3 year old, and since have simply traded in my crayons for paint brushes. I have always known somebody who has horses, and grew up with the neighbor horses within a stone’s throw of my backyard. However, it was not until 7 or so years ago that I contracted the horse fever with which so many young girls just seem to be born.

Do you paint other subjects as well, or are you strictly a horse artist? 
My inspiration comes mainly from the horse, but I am also largely inspired by the natural beauty found in landscapes and natural surroundings, thus my subject matter stays rather focused. However, I am also interested in the muscle car, and how it is so connected to the horse. We measure our car engines by “horse power,” we drive Mustang convertibles, and yet we tend to forget that we were once dependent on a mere draft animal for our primary means of transportation.

The other correlation I am drawn to between the muscle car and horse (specifically the wild Mustang) is the iconic American symbol they have both become.

Who are your main influences?
I identify most with the work of the 19th century artist and cowboy, Charles M. Russell. His work tells the story of the Wild West, as well as reflects his first-hand experiences of it. I also have been influenced by Richard Prince and his muscle car collection and Marlboro Man series. However, my most recent influence is the contemporary black and white film photography of Juliet Harrison, who is also an equine artist.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
Out of all the horses I have seen or encountered, there are certain ones that stand out more in my mind. However, I do not think that there is one in particular that has become my muse. I am sure when I do get the opportunity to adopt my own horse it will undoubtedly become my main influence.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
I usually “get in the zone” by listening to some good country music or turning on some classical piano, it all depends on my mood that day.

How would you describe your work?
I have always been drawn to work in a representational or realistic manner.

I try to make my equine art something truthful yet fresh and interesting, with an underlying American Western aesthetic. My goal has always been to make art that can be appreciated by both the common cowboy and the art connoisseur.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
Looking at other artwork usually gets me excited to work on my own. Mostly though I become inspired by the natural beauty of the outdoors, especially that of the mountains.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
In general, I think the Internet has had a great impact on the art world. However, at the same time the Internet has cheapened art, because anyone can post anything and define it as “art”; there is an overload of images by which we are constantly bombarded. Yet, the Internet has also made the artist’s path easier and more efficient in that it has opened up more venues of sharing and advertising work, expanded the artist’s audience, and made image sharing quick and easy.

Has it had an effect on yours?
I certainly think the internet has been a helpful tool for me, and I imagine it will become more and more important as a means of contacting and advertising.

Yet, at the end of the day it all boils down to me and a canvas, not me and a computer screen.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
I do have a personal favorite, I love the way one of my horse portraits turned out, though it is one of my early works. It is a head shot of a wild mustang, and there is a sense of freedom and defiance in the face of this horse, and in some cheesy way I identify with it.

Would you ever sell it?
I am frequently asked if I struggle to part ways with my work. There are certain pieces that are harder give up, the ones that I feel really came together, the ones that capture the essence of my intent, and the ones on which I did my very best. However, my philosophy is that with a good copy in hand I would sell the piece, because I can always make another.

What else are you passionate about?
Outside of horses and art I enjoy spending time fishing and finding new spots to cast my line. I love going to rodeos, and doing anything outdoors. My deepest passion, however, lies with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the true inspiration and passion behind everything else.

Working on anything new?
I have been working through a new series. In my work there has been such a focus on just the horse, I have never included any reference to the human. However, I am becoming interested in pursuing the idea of how people interact with horses and vice versa, the different types of relationships the two can have, and what that can look like.

More to Come

Thanks to Lindsay for answering the interview and sharing her work. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers. Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.