Austin Blue
San Francisco native Austin Blue (aka Proper Blue) is one busy artist. When He’s not painting movie sets, he does fine art, murals, and curates the Stacks Squares Mural Project. In September of 2021, Austin Blue answered some questions for the Atlanta Street Art Map:
What are the highpoints on your journey through time from your early years in San Francisco
My highlights from back home all involve the people I’ve met and the lessons learned along the way. Although I’ve been an artist for most of my life, I didn’t start taking myself seriously enough to pursue a career in it until I was in Atlanta which dates to almost 11 years ago. My highlights for Atlanta would be me becoming part of the art community, meeting my now Fiancée, and joining the film union. Atlanta has a very special place in my heart.
How would you describe your artwork to someone who hasn’t seen it yet?
Thats always a tricky one, Id say contemporary geometric with vibrant colors.
I understand that you always drew, but started painting relatively recently. What attracted you to painting?
I honestly just got tired of black and white, I wanted to know more and expand. I particularly didn’t like feeling limited.
Please talk a little about your collaboration with T.I. on the SWATS house.
This was a 2018 project with Elevate Atl and the OCA celebrating black artists that came from the South West Atlanta area (SWATS).So T.I was the curator of the images that were to be wheatpasted over the abstract mural that I was commissioned to paint. This was a pretty big project as it was all to be done in 2 weeks. Its definitely the biggest mural project that Ive done so far as the building had about 7 sides to it varying in size. I had the privilege of meeting several artists that were featured in the mural including Katheen J. Bertrand and Ceelo Green, which was pretty dope.
How did you get involved with Stacks Squares and why is this project important?
John Dirga had reached out in search of someone that would be willing to take on such a project using the 10 squares and was directed to me. I accepted when I got that call and its been going for 4 years now with 60+ artists. To me its important because it gets artists involved in the public art realm, which can be tricky to initially get started with. I also see it as a potential source of inspiration for other aspiring creatives.
What do you like about murals?
I love the concept of paintings in large scale formats, especially in relation with architecture. Seeing a mural is what made me want to be a muralist myself. Its such a grand level of expression to me, to have your works shown on such a scale is incredible.
Bears are a recurring theme in your artwork. Why are bears significant to you?
The polar bear in my geometric style to me is a symbol of uniqueness, as I’m showing the viewer a familiar subject, in a different light. I’m big on the concept of being yourself and embracing it.
Anything else that you would like the readers to know?
I’m ambidextrous! Haha. I’m also grateful for the art scene and a big shoutout to those that have supported and voiced positivity towards Stacks Squares and even my personal journey as an artist. That support means a lot.
Link to Austin Blue’s website: https://www.austinblueart.net/
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