Purple Vase with Blue Flowers Painting

More than 25 years ago, an art teacher told artist Benjamin Bryant that he had no artistic talent and should find something--anything!--else to do with his time...in front of an entire class of 8th grade students. It was humiliating and lasting--aside from a few doodles here and there (and learning the basics of Photoshop), Bryant never endeavored to make visual art again. That is, until October 13, 2013--in the midst of the Government shutdown mess, incredible stress at work (compounded by the loss of the furloughed workers), and a serious case of creative writer's block, when he impulsively marched into a nearby art store during one of DC's famous rush hour delays, and decided he would teach himself how to paint. Bryant recalls he purposely chose painting because he was scared of it, and believed himelf to be absolutely devoid of talent in the pursuit. How times have changed! Nearly six years later, art continues to be a deeply satisfying ride for Bryant, one that has become both personally and professionally satisfying. Bryant started with a simple exercise he felt he couldn't get wrong: the drawing or painting of a vase full of flowers, a theme that recurs in his work to this day. He reports he seeks to forever learn, experimenting with different styles of painting regularly and with intentionality. "What I don't know, I set out to learn from a mentor, living or dead, and to self-teach, using learning methods both classical and modern in nature." Bryant wistfully notes how he wishes his six years of painting (influding four years as a relatively successful professional artist) had wiped away the original sin of the art teacher who set out to break my creative spirit, but he notes he no longer thinks that will happen, nor does he desire it to. "I don't think that will ever happen, and I am grateful," he says. "I've learned to lean in and embrace it, and use the memory as both motivation and inspiration."