Conversations with Brian Giammasi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Giammasi. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been artistic for as long as I can remember. Growing up I had always been into art and creating things from whatever was around. Whether it was making a skateboard from a 2X4 or spray painting my bike I always tried to be creatively different from everyone else. Fast forward to adulthood, I started out in the sign-making business creating graphics for vehicles and I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of it as well as working in the “creative arena” so to speak. I also really liked working with wood and felt a real sense of accomplishment as my skills improved over time and eventually switched gears to carpentry work. Little did I know, I would spend the next 25 years in the carpentry industry, doing everything from building my own house from the ground up to installing custom trim in multi-million-dollar homes. My interest in art continued through the years but I hadn’t taken the next step to go for it until about 3 years ago when my wife suggested that I should try and sell some of my stuff online. I quickly found out, as most of us have, that it is not as easy as it sounds. I came up with a great website after a few tries but really struggled with driving traffic there. With all the SEO stuff, keywords, and whatnot it was a little overwhelming to say the least. At that point, I decided that for now, I would focus on selling in person at art shows and doing commission work which has been great. Building relationships and connecting with art lovers is one of the most enjoyable parts of doing live shows for me. I love to hear what people see in my work and find it inspiring for new pieces. As a matter of fact, I draw a lot of my inspiration from people I meet who help generate new ideas and perspectives. I also get inspiration from architecture, nature, great music, great conversation, and of course my cats. 

My current works are unique pieces that I describe as wall sculptures. I incorporate a solid wood frame as a part of the work itself and finish them with epoxy resin to give them bright color and depth. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any honest person can say that they have had a smooth road when it comes to art. I think my biggest struggle was believing that my art was actually good enough to sell to anyone initially. Once I started to actually sell a few things and receive some positive feedback, it really turned things around for me. It is amazing what a few kind words can do to help someone! 

Another big struggle is the whole website thing. I am getting better at it now thanks to great site-building places like Squarespace, but initially, it was a nightmare. 

Looking forward for Giammasi Artworks one of the biggest obstacles is getting into the larger “juried” art fairs such as Westport and the plaza art fair. With thousands of applicants applying for 240 spots, it is hard to get in. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create one-of-a-kind handmade abstract artworks that I like to call wall sculptures using acrylics, enamel, ink, and various other mediums. Combining my woodworking skills with my artistry, I incorporate a solid wood frame in every piece that is a part of the work itself. Most of my pieces are filled with bright colors, interesting shapes, and unusual configurations that most people find very thought-provoking. I am most proud of conquering my fear of public acceptance and following my heart to create something uniquely mine that no other artist is doing. 

To be quite honest I started “pouring” paint after watching a few videos on you-tube but felt that it was just a thing that anyone can do and get a very home-made looking piece of artwork. After hundreds of hours perfecting those techniques and creating many new ones, I have arrived with something that goes waaaay beyond that to create very unique abstract artwork. 

What’s next?
Most recently my art has taken on a new dimension- literally. I am now evolving my pieces to have angled surfaces incorporated into them which adds a whole new element to it. I am constantly improving my techniques and creating new ones to help bring my ideas to life. 

I am currently working on art daily to create enough pieces for my next show. 

Contact Info:

• Email: briangiammasi@gmail.com
• Website: www.giammasi.com
• Instagram: giammasi_artworks