Meet Bassam Salame | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bassam Salame and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bassam, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to follow my artistic path not only as my job, but as my lifestyle. I started drawing when I was 13 years old and haven’t stopped ever since. I’ve always been fascinated by art, movies, fashion, and music; so I’d always dream about becoming an Artist when I grew up. When you have a talent, no matter what, you always have to nurture it and make it your strongest skill. When I felt that confidence in my talent and myself, I felt ready to start my creative journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Art world is so incredibly diverse that I’m always wanting to learn more. I studied Fine Arts for a year in my hometown Valencia, Venezuela. That year was so rich with learning and experiences that made me realize that, as an artist, you don’t have to stick with only one way of doing art. Today, I work with many different techniques including oil paintings, wood burning, watercolors, pastels, drawings, origami art, floral art, and mixed media. Each medium has its unique beauty and texture that can directly impact the narrative of the piece. It takes a lot of practice and failing to learn a new technique, but all that time invested brings good results. I’m excited to keep exploring new ways of making art, and keep learning and growing. My biggest lesson, without a doubt, has been to NEVER give up on myself, even when I feel like things don’t go as planned. It’s all part of the process. I hope that my work inspires many people to keep dreaming about impossible things and knowing that they can make it happen with hard work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely, I’d take them to Delices de Maurice in the Katy area. It’s a family owned bakery with lots of delicious things to get. Also, Tobiuo, for a fantastic sushi dinner night, which is located at La Centerra, a great place for a walk with beautiful scenery for nice pictures.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is a must, of course, to spend a whole day walking around the many buildings.
We would also go for many picnics in different parks, but especially Mary Jo Peckham Park, that place has A LOT of squirrels and ducks compared to the other ones, which makes it a fun experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to every person who has played a part in my development as an Artist. To all of my teachers, my friends, all of the artists I look up to and feel inspired by, and most importantly my family, for their endless support.

Instagram: instagram.com/bassartiworld

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bassarti