Meet Bryson Thurston
Bryson Thurston, born in 1996 in Pasadena, California, is a self-taught artist whose work serves as a sanctuary amid the suffering inherent to the human experience. His life journey, marked by a solitary and melancholic childhood, led him to find refuge in art. Utilizing an amalgamation of spray paint, acrylic, oil pastel, ink, and collage, Thurston channels his stream of consciousness into ultra contemporary, dreamlike narratives. In his paintings, a whimsical cast of characters gently guides the viewer, inviting them to reconnect with the curiosity and wonder of their inner child. In a world marked by uncertainty and rising tensions, Thurston’s paintings sow seeds of hope for a future filled with peace and harmony. His art is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and its ability to heal the human spirit.
Q&A with Bryson
What themes or ideas drive your work?
My work has always been driven by a longing to escape into a world of my own. In a world filled with pain and suffering, I feel a deep desire to reconnect the viewer with the imagination and curiosity of their inner child. Rather than focusing on what’s broken, I aim to create something that brings joy and hope—reminding us of what’s still possible.
What’s a project you’re most proud of?
In general, I feel proud of the direction my work has taken and how it continues to evolve. Every piece I create teaches me something new about myself and is part of an ongoing journey of self-love and acceptance. I’m especially proud of all the exhibitions I’ve been a part of. The most fulfilling part is seeing the joy and excitement my art brings to others. Knowing that my work resonates with people and makes them feel something meaningful is a huge source of pride for me. That connection with the audience is what truly drives me and reminds me why I create. One exhibition that stands out is my solo exhibition at the Carnegie arts center in my hometown. It’s a beautiful, historic building I grew up visiting, attending art camp there as a child. This exhibition was a full-circle moment for me, as I filled five rooms with over 50 pieces of my work created over the course of two years. Sharing that with others in a place that shaped my early love for art was a deeply fulfilling experience and milestone in my journey.
What do you hope to explore while at Bored Peach Club?
While at Bored Peach Club, I envision myself exploring the island and rebooting my creative process in this new setting throughout the month of June. I’m excited to embark on a project involving found objects as unconventional surfaces for painting—almost like a collaboration between Malta and myself. Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit burnt out on traditional canvas, but the idea of creating on non-traditional surfaces has been really inspiring. My focus would be on transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. In particular, I think it would be fascinating to find objects related to the sea—like sailcloth, surfboards, paddles, small boats, or fragments of boats—and use these as canvases. At the end of the residency, I would love to showcase all of the pieces in an exhibition, celebrating the creative journey and the connection between the island and my work.
MEET THE ARTIST
Bored Peach Club
Contact
info(@)boredpeachclub.com