Austin has always been a colorful city that attracts artists from around the world. Every Month Miller IDS showcases Austin’s creative energy by highlighting a resident artist and their work. We love being a trusted resource for painters, illustrators, designers, and visual artists and, in turn, show our gratitude to the talented folks that keep returning for the highest-quality prints in the city.
Featured Artist: Brandon Lack
September 2015: This month, we are delighted to highlight the artwork of Austin artist Brandon Lack. Though Brandon began his meditative art career as a toddler and has drawn throughout his life, his output has literally exploded only since January of this year.
Born with Downs Syndrome, Brandon has been challenged with a rare disease and multiple surgeries, car accident with broken bones and, most recently, bladder cancer. Yet Brandon, now 42, is relentless in his positive attitude and continues to live his life with a sweetness of character and happiness that is profound. He has a loving and supportive family and has been a devoted community volunteer throughout his life, currently volunteering at the Open Door Preschool in Austin, Texas.
His family believes a second cancer diagnosis was a tipping point for him. Brandon responded by channeling challenge ramifications into creativity, developing an artistic way to impose some control in his life. His art is almost completely a process-driven gratification for Brandon, and the product of his art is a gift to his family and to the world. He acknowledges and appreciates that people enjoy the results of his creative self-soothing efforts.
The paintings Brandon is currently producing, including our feature, one of a series entitled “Tiny Bubbles”, are complex and sophisticated and many are pointillist in style. Additional pieces may be viewed and purchased on his website (www.brandonlackstudio.com) and Austinites have the opportunity to purchase many of his pieces at the Open Door School’s 40th Anniversary Fall Fete, where Brandon will receive the Visionary Volunteer Award from the school. Ticket and sponsorship information are available on the Open Door website, www.opendoorpreschool.org).