Everyone strives for different things in life be it physical, personal, professional, mental or emotional. They all require some focus, some change and some disciplined and honest self-reflection and action on our part. In that journey of striving, the key thing is to let go of getting it perfectly right. Instead, give it your best and you can finish your day fulfilled and wake up refreshed the next day to do just that much or may be even better. Celebrate every success and failure along the way, as long as you get up, keep trying and keep making progress.
Beau Bernier Frank is a French-American oil painter based out of Big Sur, California. Since graduating from high school in 2011, Beau has pursued a life of traveling and adventure. He spent the last 6 years exploring all the various aspects of life and recently came to the conclusion that art was something he really enjoyed. Art, for him, is something he could envision playing a larger role in both his life and others. His trips abroad have inspired him to return to his artistic roots.
When asked what is purpose of art in his life, Beau says, “I do these things for me. I share what I do because it helps me understand and find meaning to my world. This allows me to connect with a larger audience. However, no one is going to care about me as much as I do. So, I’ve taken the initiative to pursue my creativity, listen to my gut, contemplate my possibilities and try my best to make my goals a reality”.
His series “Off The Grid” features a combination of black and white portraits with colorful landscapes highlighting places from his surrounding area as well as places he has travelled to. The need to capture the feelings of longing and nostalgia around the places are mirrored through the various destinations featured in each of his works.
His artistic process involves organizing his days and catering to the art so that he can spend as much time in his studio while honoring his duties to family, friends, health, and other pursuits. He photographs the work he is creating, shares the work in progress and documents the arc of a painting through time-lapses and videos on his Instagram handle @beaubfrank or his YouTube channel. He markets online to spread the word and gets feedback which encourages him to strive for improvement and grow his network.
Beau is fascinated by how much time people spend reminiscing or looking forward to moments that are intangible, yet are so deeply impacted that their state and behavior are influenced. It’s a disconnect that can be painful to recognize but also a reminder to return to one’s roots.
Artist depiction of cover- Inspired by his daily commute along Highway One from Pacific Grove to Big Sur, Beau would drive over the historical Bixby Bridge each day on the way to work. In many ways, it felt like crossing a threshold of sorts from being in society with its street lamps and grocery stores to the untouched wilderness of the Central Coast. To some, it’s a place of escape, possibly a way to reconnect with their inner selves on a journey into the unknown, or in any case, a stop on the map for a weekend getaway. No matter the inclination, a unifying truth can be agreed upon thanks to the remarkable landscape of Big Sur, true beauty exists.
“Mr. Bixby” is a tribute to the state of mind that washes over when one crosses Bixby Bridge, and steps into the land of redwood forests, limestone mountains, and hidden beaches. Beau says, “I want creatives to see the ins and outs of the beautiful but challenging process of pursing an interest and making it a part of a daily routine. To not fall in love with the final product but the steps in between that made it all possible”.
To know more about his artwork, visit the website beaubernierfrank.com.