Arnie Casavant shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Arnie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
We as artists feel that each of our paintings are special. The next will be my best. Then these treasures sit and sit in our studios, or galleries, waiting for a client to connect with them. I’ve learned that there is a person out there who will feel strongly about each of those paintings. It’s simply a matter of bringing those two forces together. I’ve had paintings that I didn’t feel that strongly about, but someone who walked into my studio had to have it. My customers continue to surprise me each and every time I studio sit. They come from various backgrounds and levels of sophistication. I love them for those reasons. I love selling to a client who is purchasing for the first time. I love the repeat customer. They are all part of this wonderful journey. What I’ve learned from this is that they enhance the life of this painter.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I retired from the classroom twenty years ago as an art educator/administrator. I attended college on the G I bill following four years of honorable service during the Viet Nam conflict. I was very fortunate to meet so many wonderful young men and women during my 30 years as an educator. To this day I’m still in touch with many through social media. My studio mate in Studio222 at SoWa Arts District in Boston is a former high school student. Her name is Michele Boshar and her work is amazing. We have transitioned from the Teacher
/ Student relationship to being dear friends to friends. Since retirement in 2005 I’ve focused on a second career as a painter. As wonderful as teaching was, this new journey as a painter has been just as rewarding. I wouldn’t change a single thing. Nearly four years ago, I lost my wife of 50 years to Alzheimer’s. Just weeks ago, I married a wonderful person I met over a year ago. Life can present all of us with challenges. When I was faced with challenges, I always had a paint brush to keep me busy.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Communication, or lack thereof, can challenge all relationships. We see it in our own families; we see it throughout the world. We are individuals with strong opinions, likes, and dislikes. When bonds between people break, I’m not sure that the relationship can be restored, I’m always willing to try. I grew up in a very blue-collar family with two parents and five siblings. We had no hot water, nor telephone. If someone would have predicted my journey, I would have been in disbelief. Art came into my life quite by accident following my military time and it has provided me more than I could have ever imagined. Art is a great healer. It has the power to bring people of all backgrounds together. Visit an Art Museum and take the time to look around at the paintings but also look at the people who stand in awe at the beauty before them.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
As I mentioned previously, my wife’s passing presented me with enormous challenges. That is the biggest wound. It doesn’t heal completely. I’ve learned that the dim light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter once again because of friendships, family, and of course for me, meeting a very special person. Painting is always a constant. Showing and selling paintings is a thrill. Hearing those special words, ” I love your paintings” is something I never tire of. Having someone by my side in this journey to share all these experiences is the best medicine. Art and Love.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Through difficult times my closest friends would remind me that I’m a wonderful person and worthy of happiness. I turn to those close friends for their opinions and input about personal issues and artistic challenges. Their unwavering support continues to keep the light at the end of the tunnel to shine brightly. My closet friends would encourage me. They kept telling me that my smile would return along with the bounce in my step. They were correct.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
There is no retirement for an artist. Painting is the gift that just keeps on giving. There will always be a blank canvas. There will always be people who will encourage and admire our creativity and talent. Painting will always offer the opportunity to enhance our journey through life. One brushstroke at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: arniecasavant,com
- Instagram: Arnie Casavant
- Facebook: Arnie Casavant
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