Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Contino.
Hi Brian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
In late 2018 a friend’s wife bought an epoxy resin painting. I loved it! I did a little bit of research, then just dove in. I spent the whole of 2019 and most of my savings creating a large array of samples and a sizable catalog ready to showcase and sell.
In early 2020, I finalized my business plan and sales route through the suburbs of Philadelphia, down to the New Jersey shore points. At the beginning of March, I loaded up my car with the samples and a few select pieces and was ready to hit the scene! Unfortunately, during the first two weeks of implementing my plan, Pennsylvania was forced to shut down by the government. 15 days turned into months until it was all of a sudden, it was 2021, and I had never even gotten the chance to display my art. I was devastated, both emotionally and financially. That was when I decided to find a way to move to Florida. I scraped together every last penny I could and made the move to Jacksonville to start my new life.
In March of 2022, two years after initially loading up my car in Pennsylvania, I was accepted into my first-ever art festival (Mandarin Art Festival, here in Jacksonville). During that weekend, I finally discovered how people perceived my art and what it made them think and feel. I have since been invited to many other local shows/events and have art in dozens of homes, businesses, and private collections.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I detailed most of my struggles in my previous answer, but I will gladly summarize.
Before I could make a name for myself and before I could try to be accepted into galleries, festivals, showings, etc., Pennsylvania shut everything down.
I was going to sell river tables to boutique restaurants and cafes but all were shutdown and financially gutted. They were no longer a viable prospect.
Art Galleries were simply closed. So with no prior name recognition, that market was also cut-off to me.
Hotels and businesses couldn’t afford to update because their businesses were shuttered for a year by the government.
So, in summary, I quit my job and spent an entire year and most of my savings pursuing this newly found dream. Unfortunately, I never got to show anyone my art but friends and family. I then had to take a job that I hated in order to move to Florida. My car engine died about a month after I arrived here. I was recently let go because the company had to purge 60% of its workforce due to mismanagement. I believe that covers all the major woes to date. But I am here now and have started creating again!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I do with river tables is unique. Having been a woodworker for years, making river tables was an easy transition for me. And I have a particular method for how and when I work with the epoxy in these tables. There is a unique depth and design to the river component of each table that I make. I prefer to do commissions so that people can get the wood, colors, styles, etc., that they desire.
With respects to the epoxy resin wall art and glass I create, I find a few exciting and incredible things that exist on their own and figure out a way to combine them. Then I figure out a way to further make it my own. This has resulted in my art having a unique composition and look.
My personal coffee table, which I use as my primary display table at events, is my best creation to date. I can only describe it as one of a kind and a perfect visual aid for understanding my mind!
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Creating. Whether it’s music, furniture, or art, I have always been a creator. It isn’t so much that it makes me happy, rather it gives me purpose. And seeing other’s get drawn in by what I create is a great bonus!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BCEpoxyArts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcepoxyarts/
