The Butterfly Effect – Interview with Bran Symondson Sculptor and Photographic Artist

Steven is in conversation with sculptor and photographer Bran Symondson in this absorbing episode exploring his passion and journey as an artist.
He is considered to be one of the finest reportage artists of the 21st century and his unique sculptural work involving AK47’s takes something of fear and transforms it into something of beauty and intrigue.
Bran uses his work to heighten awareness of worldwide issues and is also known for his philanthropic work with donations of his work raising, to date, in excess of £580,000  at charity art auctions
Bran and Steven discuss the journey, passion, belief and influencers in this episode which captures a very personal and intimate view of this influential artist.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Beginning
I have a background initially in photography followed by a period in the special forces reserves.
The regiment taught me an ethos of human humility and discipline. The experience shapes you and your character and gives you a value in life.
My work is attached to my experiences in Afghanistan and the onward journey.
The AK47
It’s the most iconic weapon in the world standing for terrorism, freedom and for revolution.
The design has very few working parts in it and it is very functional.
It’s a beautiful shape and its curved magazine gives it its identity.
Butterflies
Depending on the narrative I’ll use a particular species of butterfly. They symbolise lost souls and can represent the fragility of nature.
All my weapons come from conflict zones and have a story of their own.
The bullet casings are filled with materials that reflect the story and commentary of the piece.
The future
I’m a great believer in visualisation if you want something you have to go for it
I want to raise the bar for myself, you have to keep moving forward and reinvent yourself.
I didn’t realise when I got into art I’d be so politically driven because I’m not politically driven as an individual.
When you are in a position and earn a living from your art then reinvestment is key.
We live in an instantaneous society but it can take 10 years to become an overnight success.
Do whatever turns you on, Concentrate on what drives you and stick with it.
You have fucking dark days and days with no money, you’ve got to believe in your goal and in yourself and then, in the end, things start to come around.
You do have those ‘pinch me’ moments and it’s good to reflect on those but it’s not about living in the past it’s the importance of moving forward.
You must remain strong, keep focused and believe in yourself. If you create work you are proud of and keep going in the pursuit of excellence over time it will define your character It’s the 1% a day – the vital element of trying every day incrementally to improve.
When you look back the worst moments they can be those where the light shines and your life changed, takes a different direction and is defined.
 
BEST MOMENTS
‘It was a mindset I didn’t think I had it but I was determined not to give up and now I just apply that mentality to everything I do’
‘It’s the only gun that appears on a flag and it has killed the most people in the world’
‘Don’t fucking do it for anyone else, you have to do it for yourself when you are making art don’t be a crowd-pleaser you got to do what turns you on’
‘Success is failure after failure with no loss of enthusiasm’ – Winston Churchill, this is a quote I live by every day’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Steven Sully Study Podcast
Bran Symondson website
Bran Symondson Instagram
 
ABOUT THE HOST
The Steven Sulley Study is my take on success. My view is you should have multiple focuses to be a well-rounded individual. Success shouldn't be just one thing like money, for example, it should also consist of a healthy fit lifestyle and thriving relationships. As a person who has made a success in life and also made huge cock-ups I feel I can offer suggestions and tips on how to become successful or at least start your pursuit. My 'Study' has taken resources from reading and education plus being around, my perception, of successful people and I, know a lot of successful people from all walks of life. My 'Study' coming from my experiences in business, investing, sales (my core background), training, boxing and education has enabled me to become well rounded and successful.
 
CONTACT METHOD
http://www.instagram.com/sulley.steven
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