the artist collection || b.c. gilbert
As you guys know, we started a new series this year called the artist collection. Our first collection was with Riley Youngstrom, and now we would like to announce our newest collaboration with B.C. Gilbert.
We reached out to B.C. because we absolutely love his style and the technique he uses to create his block print art. When we met and brainstormed what idea or image he wanted to focus on earlier this year, we knew it had to involve the great plains around us. One of the things I love so much about our area are the rolling wheat fields and blue skies. B.C. brought this image to life for our collaboration and we are so thrilled with this work. We hope you love it too! CLICK HERE TO SHOP COLLECTION!
At what age were you introduced to visual art and the importance of creating? Honestly, I can’t ever remember a time in my life when I did not want to create. I had the advantage of having an uncle who was an artist that I was able to observe when I was very young and my family was also good friends with a man named Jake Holster who was a cowboy artist and poet. I think these two early exposures is what led me to believe at a young age that being an artist was completely feasible.
Where is your home and what keeps you there? My home base at the moment is Wichita Falls, TX. I grew up in Amarillo, TX, went to college in Lawton, OK and then graduate school in Lubbock, TX. I have somehow managed to live in a 200-mile radius of where I was born and raised for my entire adult life. I have stayed here because of my two sons and I have a job here. Whether or not I will stay here the rest of my career or life is questionable, but for now this town makes a good base of operations.
What keeps you inspired and fueled to show up in this world in a positive way? What keeps the fire burning for me as far as creating goes is the never-ending challenge that can result from it…and seeing the finished result.
Who has been the most empowering influence in your life? Probably the most empowering influence on my life is my own father. Both good and bad. There have been other folks who have had a tremendous impact on my life, but I know I get my work ethic and thought process from my dad.
For those who might be new, here is more information on why we created the artist collection!
As we continue to fill our calendar with more road trips and shows, we get the opportunity to meet some amazing and very talented artists. As a result, we’ve decided to start initiating more collaborations with others and within the styles we offer. Because of our ability to screen print our own designs, we want to work with new artists and their creativity on the medium of our T-shirts.
This idea has a lot to do with community. I believe that in order to achieve great things in this world, you have to be a team player and not attempt to fly solo. I know my designing abilities have limits, so working one-on-one with another artist who has an entirely different perspective is so refreshing! I pitch an idea for the shirt and then give freedom for the artist to do whatever they felt would fit these styles best. The results have been so rewarding.
