Brian Gilbert shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Brian, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently found and bought a 2002 BMW Z3 convertible with only 36K miles on it. I love riding out to Tybee Island on the weekends to take pictures and get a Spiced Chi-Tea Frappe from Tybean. I took my daughter out a couple weeks ago and we had a blast. The weather has been perfect!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“My name is Brian Gilbert, and I’m a mixed media artist specializing in abstract and assemblage work, currently based in Savannah, Georgia. My artistic journey truly began in earnest after I left the corporate world in 2013 to focus on my creative passions full-time. After studying art in college, I’ve always stayed connected to design—often working with Adobe products to create logos as a side hustle. My experiences traveling and working in both the military and corporate sectors fueled my love for photography, which remains a significant part of my artistic practice today. Locally, I’m best known for my coastal abstract pieces, and I’ve been fortunate to serve as the resident artist at several notable Savannah venues, including Victory North, The Ann Street Lofts, and currently, The Line Luxury Lofts.”
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
“My work ethic is something I owe entirely to my grandfather. Growing up with my grandparents—both dedicated educators—I witnessed commitment and creativity every day. After teaching, my grandfather transformed our garage into a studio, painting signs late into the night. Coming home from school, I’d often see wreckers, school buses, or race cars in the driveway, each awaiting his signature hand-lettering. Back in the 1980s, before the advent of car wraps, printing, or vinyl die-cutting, I was fortunate to help wherever I could: painting backgrounds on large plywood sheets and snapping blue chalk lines to guide his meticulously created pounce patterns. He used One-Shot paint, and as I watched him letter hundreds of signs by hand, I learned invaluable lessons about color theory and graphic design that continue to inspire my work today.”
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to have more patience and trust in the gradual evolution of your artistic style. Finding real meaning in your work comes from embracing every life experience, both the highs and the lows. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—and something echoed by many artists I admire—is the importance of engaging with the creative process every single day. Don’t wait around for inspiration; it reveals itself once you find the discipline to simply begin.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
As my work evolves, I’ve become increasingly dedicated to expressing myself across multiple disciplines. While many successful artists build their careers around a single recognizable style, I’ve found creative freedom in exploring beyond those boundaries. My coastal abstracts remain central to my work, but I also venture into photography and digital collage. Recently, I’ve begun incorporating sculptural and assemblage elements inspired by fish forms. Shifting between these mediums keeps my work dynamic—each new exploration refreshes my perspective and deepens my engagement with my signature style.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
Surprisingly, I find myself most at peace when working under a deadline, especially with a clear theme for an upcoming show. That sense of structure helps me focus, allowing me to slip into the creative “zone” where ideas just flow. With all my of paints, brushes, Posca Pens, oil sticks, and painter’s tape laid out at my fingertips, I can immerse myself and produce a flurry of work in a short time. Few things disrupt that momentum/peace more than running out of something and having to pause the process to make an art store run—a frustration I’m sure is shared by many an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dailydoseofcoast.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
