Meet Blakely Bering | Artist & Creative Director

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

Hi Blakely, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Much of my success comes from my background in theater. I have a BFA in theater design from Carnegie Mellon University and having that degree has helped me be the artist I am today. Theater design taught me so much about designing for so many environments, which I use when I create art. Theater also taught me how to stay disciplined to my craft. I paint everyday, and I try to start painting before I look at any screen. Theater also taught me the importance of collaboration which is a skill I use everyday as an artist and Creative Director for JLA Art. I often hold an open studio where other artists come over and we all paint together and bounce ideas off each other. It is a great non – judgmental environment where we help push each other to the next level and try new techniques. I work with many different clients to make their brand and vision come to life, much like a theater designer listens to a director. I have worked with a national hospitality group to rebrand their rooms through art. Additionally I’ve created art for dozens of urgent care facilities and hospitals, making sure the art is soothing for the stressful environment. I love working with other artists to develop art for retailers across North America including HomeGoods, Target, At Home, and Cost Plus World Market to name a few. Currently I am working with the Martha Stewart team to develop art and lighting that is on brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has often been referred to as frozen motion. I use advice from various mentors that guide me. Michael Collins told me that when a patron looks at the work, they should see something different every time. Terrell James made mark making a priority. Patrick Palmer taught me to see forms. I am most inspired by nature whether it is a landscape, a rock formation or ocean waves. I believe that using nature as my source material I can create undulating forms that allow the viewer to see something new. I am super excited about introducing vibrant rich colors into my work. For the past several years most of my work has been in neutral tones, but now the color is overflowing from rich Fuchsias to lush greens, and vibrant blues. I am excited to head to the studio each day. Was it easy, no, if it was everyone would do it. I want to world to know that the success I have is derived from a strong work ethic and persistence to accomplish the goals I have set for myself. I deliver commissions on time, and make sure they are dry for install.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The irony of this question is that I really do by best to try and stay at the Artfarm, my home and studio. So for an Itinerary we would begin the trip in my backyard around the fire pit with Hartz Chicken, from the Pinemont location. That chicken man is our hero. Day 2 would include a visit to the Menil Collection and a stop for lunch at Aladdin and to finish the day with a round of craft cocktails at Anvil. Day 3 might include an urban hike at the Houston Arboretum and an evening of live music at the Mucky Duck.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
AH, the shoutout!!! There are so many people who have helped me get to where I am today, too many to name. Currently, I have an incredible team at the Artfarm that deserves recognition. My assistants, Coach and Jimmy, work in the woodshop, building everything I need to create my art and are responsible for my installs, my delivery, and generally keeping me sane through my day. My creative assistant, Katija, does everything else that enables me to get my art to the people who need it, when they need it, where they need it. She is a rock solid studio assistant and has the graphic skills to make any digital piece shine. The shoutout would not be complete without thanking, kids, Granger and Baylies, my partner Steve. My parents, Kelly and Norman Bering and my sister Bevin Dubrowski for all the support they give me everyday.

Website: www.blakelybering.com

Instagram: @blakelybering

Facebook: Blakely Bering

Image Credits
Nicole Denae Photography