Meet Jonathan Minton

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Minton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jonathan, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I only recently learned about this condition called Imposter Syndrome. And while I completely understand it I am fortunate to have avoided it for the most part. You see, my work has a very simple theme: Breeze Blocks, concrete building blocks used in midcentury architecture. I use these shapes as a starting point (muses if you will) to explore my own expressions of them. Simply put, I feel pretty safe in my niche of work because I see so few (almost no-one) doing anything like I do. This gives me confidence and enjoyment to create designs that almost always surprise and delight. Im even more pleased when some people have no idea what a breeze block is. I get to explain where my passion and inspiration comes from. Lack of comparison allows me to steer clear of the worry that I might not be doing it the “right” way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Inspired by the midcentury building material commonly referred to as breeze blocks, I design an array of all kinds of creations from table lamps to keychains, t shirts to ice cube trays and more and more. I have a small website presence but mostly engage in wholesale to a small group of local stores and galleries here in Palm Springs.
What’s most exciting for me as an artist is the successful creation of a new idea, whether it be employing a new material or process or just seeing what was in my imagination now in my hand fully formed. My brand, per se, really is just my expression of years of acquired skills and quirky interest. It was never my intention to conquer the world but to only do what I enjoy and share it with others.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I could not have been successful had I not had the basic drive to create. My father owned an art supply store so as a kid my toys were things like colored pencils, glue, foam core and clay. Over the decades, new materials and new techniques always intrigued me and opened more doors for expressing my ideas.

Of all the techniques I’ve come to use, molding and casting has been the most commonly employed. Whether I hand sculpt or 3D print an original, the process of replicating a part precisely, and often in an unexpected material, brings the most satisfaction. For instance, I recently achieved a goal id been dreaming of which is to mold and cast a full sized concrete block in crystal clear resin. The process of getting the mold made well is critical as well as choosing just the right material. The anticipation of un molding is palpable and when the piece is finally revealed, well just about any artist will tell you there’s no other feeling quite like it.

Knowing that my rather obscure subject matter – the breeze block – has a quirky following of its own was a revelation. Instagram helped me discover fellow “block heads”, all delightful, passionate and generous folks. I believe it’s important for us to have a tribe, a group with a shared interest to connect and exchange ideas. This group helps ground me in my work as I can always share my ideas and failures and always be met with support and encouragement.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My Father, as I mentioned earlier, was perhaps accidentally encouraging to me as a budding artist by bringing home art supplies from his store for us kids to play with. Were I not given that kind of opportunity to experiment Im certain I would not be as curious and adventurous today. My mom, an artist in her own right let me help her with her work. She had a loom, a printing press, a button maker, made amazing handmade Valentine’s Day cards. She even supported me when I purchased a rubber stamp machine of my very own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mintysdesign.com
• Instagram: @mintysdesign
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MintysDesign/