If you’re heading to Basel later this week, make sure you check out artist Brent Estabrook. He’s famous for his big, colorful oil paintings of stuffed animals, and he’ll be painting live at the Maddox booth AM219 on Thursday and Friday. The Los Angeles-based artist gave us a sneak peek of what to expect.
What artwork are you showcasing at Basel this year?
I’ll be presenting 12 pieces from my “cRaZy stuFFed aniMAL” series and a fun piece from my “Quilt!” series called “A Little Overwhelmed.” It’s kind of a self-portrait, showing how swamped I felt with so many creative ideas. Another special piece is “After Party,” which has tons of confetti and a celebratory vibe. “I LUV U” is one of the cutest paintings I’ve ever made. I’m also debuting “Adventure Time” from my “Quilt!” series at the fair, and I’m super excited to see how people react.
You’ll be live painting at the Maddox booth. How long will you be there, and what will you be painting?
I’ll be painting live from 11 am to 2 pm on Thursday and Friday. I’ll work on pieces from my “cRaZy stuFFed aniMAL” series and will decide which animals to paint on the spot, but chances are, one will probably be a bear.
Why do you enjoy live painting moments like this?
What I love about painting live is seeing how people get inspired right there and then. Many people never see the process, just the finished product, so it’s a unique experience for them. I enjoy chatting with visitors about their own passions and witnessing their excitement grow.
You have a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Are you actually a practicing dentist?
I graduated from the University of Louisville in 2014 and I’m licensed in California, but I never worked as a dentist. I was always painting whenever I had free time in dental school. When I sold my first big painting around graduation, I chose to follow my passion instead of a career that didn’t excite me. It was the second-best decision of my life—marrying my wife Tara was the first! I think everyone should pursue what they love and take more risks. Life’s way more fun that way!
How has your dental education influenced your art?
Dentistry involves a lot of artistry! The biggest impact my dental training had was on how I set up my work. I’m a very clean and orderly painter, similar to how a dentist preps their workspace. You’ll see it at Art Miami. I prepare my palette with the same care as a dentist.
What do you enjoy most about Basel Miami?
What I love most is seeing all my creative friends in one place. I get to connect with other artists and hear their unique stories. Meeting artists in person who I usually only know from social media is awesome. I also really enjoy the food! My wife books dinner reservations for six each night, and we never know who’ll be joining us, but we always end up with great company. And of course, the art itself is inspiring. Even though it can be overwhelming, there are always pieces that hit home and motivate me to keep creating.