We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sparky LeBold. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sparky, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been doing alot of fishing lately…seems to be a good place to be quiet and reflect on the circumstances of life…what we find important and vital…the only thing I hate about fishing is cleaning the fish after catching them…can’t seem to get that fish smell off my hands…maybe drown them in turpentine!…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an honor graduate of Art Center College of Design…1986. I consider this institution to be the finest in the world. I started my career off in advertising illustration in Pasadena,CA, but I was tutored in Fine Art and just could not waste my time on illustration…I needed to make my own statement in the realm of painting. I really try to produce my own voice and stay true to work and honest voice…I do find an unlimited quality in the sea and land; sometimes interesting Still Life…I started my own school in Colorado Springs in the mid 1990’s and taught classes in painting and figure work…led many Plein Air workshops in Europe and really enjoyed my clients…I mostly stick to myself these days and work on insights into my own paintings…
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I had some of the best instructors at Art Center…people like Michael Spooner, Harry Carmen, Phil Hays and more…they taught me that nothing is given, it is earned. Some people do get breaks they don’t deserve, but you cannot run through life on that “hope program”…we do not always get what we deserve…but you must keep working and know that your blessings from God will keep you growing. Sometimes painting can actually be painful, because you feel at times no one sees what you are trying to say…it can be quite frightening and frustrating, but the act of work and the accomplishment of working hard is the reward…it really is the process and not the outcome. Life is full of hope and beauty, but we have to seek it out and not just hope it runs across your path…life is there, but reaching does not always mean you are going to get to your destination…life and God is the destination…we need to find solace and harmony within our own souls…
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was not a time to give up…there were times to find disillusioned feelings and not knowing where to go from where I was standing…the key for me was to always choose to take a chance. When I was unclear about where to go or begin or change a direction, I took some of the biggest risks of my life and I’ve been lucky that most worked well. If it was love or Art, I have come away with my heart and soul still in my hand…not completely unscathed, but happy enough and content with my choices…life is not promised, but granted through work and endurance…”diga, diga”…that means “tell me, tell me” in Portuguese…tell me everything and anything to let my day go by easier rather than harder…
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells us is, that quality matters. If you have enough money to advertise, ANY MAGAZINE will publish you and pretend you are accomplished and vital. If you have enough funds to advertise, they will praise you…it is the big lie in Fine Art…look at Hunter Biden, NO ONE WANTS HIS WORK ANYMORE!!!…no money, no power…Art magazines work the same way…money to advertise, they will praise your work, even if you suck!…there are so many really good Artists that will never get noticed because they don’t have $20,000 a year to spend on advertising in the very magazines that supposedly supports Artists. It is the big lie in my industry…it is why you only see the same couple dozen Artists being featured in articles…it is a sham and disgraceful!…I wish Art was on merit and not money and influence…we condone the lack of merit as long as they have money to pay for the advertisement to make the public believe the lie of quality.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I hung myself…glad to let everyone know that I am alive and well…when I sold my school and moved to Portugal 🇵🇹 the little so and so that took it over was utterly greedy, she told my students I hung myself in an adjacent studio! I was in Portugal for a week and a half when a friend called me and said everyone thought I was dead…this girl and my best colleague from my school wanted so much to be charge they started this rumor and then actually told the media that they founded the school!…it is just greed and a lack of character that drives most Artists…which is sad, but true…I do hope some will remember me for my love of Art and the truth with which it carries, we’ll see…only time will tell. I am alive and doing well, having a grand time painting and traveling…beijinhas e Obrigado meu amigos.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: sparkyinportugal
- Facebook: sparkyinportugal
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