ARTIST INTERVIEW - EDWARD L. BARTHELEMY

So we’re going to start with the difficult question: sum up your creative process in one word/phrase, and explain why!

My creative process can be summed up by stating that it is “difficult”. The reason I used the word difficult to sum up my creative process is due to the challenges I face through having an internal battle with negative intrusive thoughts that are not of my own making. I struggle to remain positive and keep my mind focused at times because of a diagnosis of Bipolar 2 with manic episodes.

Were you always an artist, even as a child?

Yes I feel that I was always an artist even as a child. My creative thinking has always been something that has set me apart from the “inside the box” way of normal society.

What was your path to becoming an artist?

My path to becoming an artist started through my childhood because I have always had a different way of observing things around me with a unique vision upon the world as a whole.

What is your medium of choice, and what drew you to this particular medium?

I started utilizing photography when I was in my teens but became more focused on it later in life which made it my medium of choice for now. I walk everyday to help my mind and take photos. It makes me happy to capture what I view as beautiful to look at later. I also utilize literature through writing out my thoughts when I am overwhelmed so that the thoughts do not stay stuck on my mind. My medium is ever changing just like the only constant in life. Change.

Is there any particular experience, person, place, or thing that inspires you to create? Tell us about that.

The person who inspires me is my son, Malachi. He inspires me everyday to get up and keep trying to have some success. He is the only blessing in my life that has turned out successful. I hope to make a life that is less stressful for him through NFTs.

What is it like showing your work to people, and what do you hope people take away from it?

It is exhausting showing my work to people. I am an empath and it drains me to feel everyone’s energy at times in twitter spaces.

I hope that people take away a smile and a good feeling in their hearts when I share my artwork to them.

What was it about the NFT space that drew you in?

I had a conversation with my son about how he wants to create artwork to match his stories and characters that he has been typing up in his notepad and Google docs since he was in 7th grade (he will be in 12th grade this year). I told him he can design his characters because I believe in him and he doesn’t need to rely on someone else to do the artwork for him. I googled “how to make an NFT” and landed on Rarible at 2-3 am. I minted the photos that Malachi liked the most that I have taken and started from there.

What advice do you have for other artists who may be looking to get their work exhibited?

My advice to artists wanting to get their art exhibited would be to take your time and be true to yourself. Be authentically and unapologetically yourself and the right exhibits and people will gravitate towards you when the time is right.

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Contact information:

Website: https://linktr.ee/EddieLee21_