Sean Ward shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Sean, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
As an artist, there is so much more going on behind the scenes than simply creating my own work. My work inspires others, which leads to conversations, which leads to providing others with moments or opportunities to succeed, simply by opening conversation. I take every conversation I have, as a moment to help another grow, by connecting them to someone else in my network. Over the last ten years, I’ve done this for over 1000 different individuals, which cost me nothing at all, other than creating a secondary introduction to another. I’m proud that I have done this and never stopped continuing to do it!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sean Ward and I’m a painter and director of operations for a concert production company, entitled OPFX! My painting style is unique in the sense it is a modern day approach to op art and nostalgic glyphs/memories of those from the days of our past. This style of artistic approach connected me directly to my production company, in which I am lead animator for creating “trippy” style of digital backdrops for dj’s and musicians to jam in front of. It was a full circle moment when I could intertwine my art with my profession.
Currently, we’re working on creating a private concert hall and recording studio, which seconds as an art gallery, and utilizes 360 immersive visuals, lighting, lasers and art, whether that is physical or projection mapped, to create an experience that holds no static bounds, but allows our guests to be immersed within art and music.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
This is a very simple question to ask, but it comes with major heartbreak. My father taught me everything I knew about business and survivability without a 9-5 occupation. I’ve looked up to him and his advice my entire life, but sadly, last month, he passed away. It has been incredibly challenging coping with the thought of my lifelong teacher and best friend passing away, but that is part of life. Thankfully, my creative inspiration, my mother, is still here with me and I’m forever thankful I still have that.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success comes with a lot of positives, but suffering… Suffering teaches you that in order to reach success, sometimes you have to go through the grinder. You have to go through months, or years, of failure, just to reach success. Suffering is what showed me who was truly there for me, when I wasn’t constantly succeeding. Suffering showed me that my family is more important than flaky friends or partners that only stuck around while the going was good. Suffering is a part of life that everyone has to bear, but it is also a part of life that truly makes you a stronger individual.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie that the industry tells itself, is that your Cirriculum Vitae defines who you are. Sadly, while it helps get you gigs and art exhibitions and the like… It has absolutely nothing to do with the art and the person behind the art. Focusing more on perfecting your idealogy of art has a far greater impact to find collectors and followers, than any resume line ever will.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop trying to impress people and get off of social media completely. It sucks you dry, from the amount of time and dedication you need on it, just to stay relevant. This time you spend there, takes away the time you have in the studio. It takes away the time you have with your family and loved ones. It is merely a short lived fix to fill a void, but does nothing long lasting for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seanchristopherward.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticalfantasy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartofseanward
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