B. D. Graft On Reframing Your Work
Project: Double V Gallery Showcase
Words & Photography: B. D. Graft
My relationship with my own work has been quite an evolution, the essence of which was nicely captured in my 2021 online showcase—spanning my more well-known collections like Bees and Planted Thoughts to my ceramic Pothead sculptures—with Double V Gallery.
For me, art first served as a distraction, a way to break up the monotony of staring at screens all day during my time at university. In the evenings, I made collages to clear my mind. My hobby slowly turned into my career—I had an office job as a writer until I was making and selling enough art that it became unsustainable to do both.
Early on, I was confronted by feelings of imposter syndrome. There were (and are) so many talented contemporary artists out there producing technically difficult and complex works. My self-doubt led me to attempt more intricate, challenging pieces. Not only did I enjoy the process less, but the end results also resonated with people less. I often went too far and had to scrap works altogether. Over time, I have overcome a lot of my reservations. I have learned to fully embrace the playful simplicity in my work, to see it as a strength.
Be confident in your work. What you might think is your flaw could be your biggest strength.
B. D. Graft is a German-born visual artist living and working in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. His work is exhibited internationally and he has collaborated with brands such as Off-White, Veuve Clicquot and Rimowa. His colorful practice spans painting, drawing, ceramics, and collage, while his subject matter ranges from landscapes to plant-lined interiors and lush floral bouquets.