A View On: BrianStudio
BrianStudio is owned by artist, Brian Davis, and he is the talent behind the gorgeous murals and paintings that the studio creates. You probably have recognized some of his magnificent murals around town such as on the outside of the Wifi Wine Bar & Shoppe!
Q. Tell us about BrianStudio in about 10 words.
A. A creative service company providing fine art (my first passion) to public art.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q. Why was it started and what was the vision?
A. There really was no vision; just an attempt to do what I’m gifted in doing and my attempt to make it into a business of creative expression. Since then, I’ve never really worked a day in my life.
Q. When did you start painting murals and what was your vision for how it could potentially impact our city?
A. A few years back when Andres Duany was brought in to revamp the scene in downtown/uptown HP, I brokered a space for the first of my murals with local French Interiors owner William Thorpe…and here we are.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q. What was your first mural? How did you feel about it after it was completed in terms of how it would/could influence additional murals around town?
A. As far as HP’s murals, the tree frog on English Rd was the first and is still one of my favorites – due to size and simplicity of the imagery.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q. What is one thing people would be interested to learn about you/Brianstudio?
A. I have great taste in music! That, at one time in my life, when I was in a desperate state of depression and emptiness, it was then that I made myself a vow to make a living doing what I love to do – or die trying. There was no plan B.
Q. What inspired you to do your mural work in High Point?
A. Dorothy Darr and Ryan Saunders are the two that were the catalysts for my entry into the city’s birthing of murals and public art during the Ignite High Point campaign years ago.
Q. If you could paint anything you wanted, what would you paint and on what building?
A. I don’t know that I have an answer for this one, other than to say whatever inspiration hits me at the moment. If I could coordinate it all, I want the tallest, most prominent building here!
Q. What are the highlights and challenges of creating your artwork in High Point?
A. The highlights are the reactions from the people I talk to and how it makes me feel seeing my work on display.
Challenges always include wind (I seriously dislike wind when I am trying to paint murals!) and my current skill level limits me to what I render versus what I wish to render.
Q. How has High Point changed since you started painting murals here?
A. Well, it has more color than before! Seriously, I believe HP now has some momentum and more openness to public art and creativity at large.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q. How have the citizens and community of High Point supported you?
A. With open arms! They love the color coming to their city.
Q. What are you excited about for High Point’s future?
A. That we are now in a time and place, with the right people in positions of influence, to really establish the creative desires that many have had for so long to see in their city.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q. As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams – what three pieces of advice would you give them?
A. 1. Consider being a part of a vision bigger than yourself. 2. Invest in the city of HP your time and resources and hopes. 3. Dare to believe YOU could be the next big addition to the puzzle!
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Q. Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?
A. I actually visit most of them; but I have had a long history with DeBeen Espresso.
Q. Restaurant you can’t get enough of?
A. I do enjoy a weekly trip to East Coast Wings on South Main (especially on Monday nights during football season). The staff are great there.
Q. Favorite place to grab a drink?
A. Depends on what I want at the time. I don’t have a “place”.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q. Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?
A. The High Point Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is neither a company nor business, is worthy of my praise for all they do and the people that work there. I would have to mention Red Egg, because I have known Carol Gregg for years and admire her. Miro Buzov’s Penny Path Crepe and Cafe is a great story that continues to be written. Plus the people of Mill Collective for their community focus and vision.
Q. Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?
A. Easy. First go to HPCVB Visitor’s Center, meet with them, grab some literature, and then head to The Penny Path to eat, and plan your day!
Be sure to follow along on Brian’s Instagram, @brianstudio to check out his latest murals in High Point!
A View On is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point businesses to share their view. Past guests have included Pure Light Yoga and FosterHobbs Coffee.
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