BT Livermore: RECLAIMED
“There are endless resources out there to find inspiring objects that have outlived their original purpose.”
Summer I 2023 Artist-in-Residence at Home ReSource
BT Livermore
How was your experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence?
My time as an Open AIR resident at Home ReSource in Missoula played a much-needed jumping-off point for my artistic career in the near future. As a parent of three, I do not get the opportunities to travel for residencies and long-distance enrichment opportunities that I did in my younger years. Not that I would change that for the world, but being able to take part in a residency that is only an hour and a half away from my home in Butte allowed me the opportunity to spend time with my family when needed and not feel like I was completely abandoning my partner and kids for a whole month.
Home ReSource, as a residency location, aligned so well with my current artistic practice as well, with ample access to their reclaimed materials, woodshop, other tools, and the creative minds of staff members and customers alike. Being able to spend more time with other artist friends, new and old, in Missoula will hopefully lead to opportunities for me in the near future and beyond.
Artwork created by BT while at Home ReSource
What was your research process during this time?
My process was more hunting and gathering, rather than research, during my time at Home ReSource. Every day, upon arrival, I would walk the entire store, inside and out, seeking out newly acquired materials that may inspire me. I had a general idea of the type of work I wanted to create, but the use of reclaimed materials requires a bit of luck that is often more important than planning or research.
In progress artwork at Home ReSource
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
At this exact moment, in fall 2023, I am mainly focused on my client-based sign painting and gold work and making small, sellable pieces for a handful of end-of-the-year art sales. Taking a month away from my family for my residency was a lot as well, so I'm trying to be an active and present parent and partner.
What keeps you returning to this subject, body of work?
As far as my junk lamps and other pieces that use reclaimed materials are concerned, there are endless resources out there to find inspiring objects that have outlived their original purpose. Even when I am not actively building a piece, I am always on the lookout for something cool to add to my various bins and boxes because you never know which piece will become the inspiration for the next piece.
In progress artwork at Home ReSource
Any new projects in the works?
I am working on a large, new body of work that will be debuting in the fall of 2024. These pieces will be inspired by much of the work created during my Open AIR residency at Home ReSource in summer of 2023. Most pieces will use reclaimed materials, and there will be a focus on interactivity and use of lighting, as well as my gold leaf and sign painting techniques. Many of the pieces I have planned will be larger and more involved than many that I have had the opportunity to create and show publicly, which is very exciting to me.
Artwork by BT
Tell us about your artistic background.
I have known that I have wanted to work in some kind of creative field since I was about five years old. My interests have varied from cartooning, special effects makeup, printmaking, web design, illustration, woodwork, sign painting, and so many more; I have sought out skills and techniques whenever and wherever I could. Like many self-employed artists I know, I have struggled with feeling like I must constantly make my interests and hobbies into income opportunities. In recent years, I have been able to pare down the activities that can help me pay my bills while also finding things that are just fun to do, such as helping my kids make things or volunteering my skills when needed, to various local non-profits and events I want to support.
Mural by BT in Butte, MT
To learn more about BT, check out their Instagram @bigtimelivermore and visit their website btlivermore.com
