Meet Baley “Billy” Bodden | Artist & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Baley Bodden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Baley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
About 2 years ago, I decided to move into painting full time and selling my work. Since I was a child, I have always created artwork for myself and those closest to me, but when I had more to say with my artwork and felt it time to do so, it was easy to transition into the world of a full time artist. The current collection of artwork is a mature, raw expression of our core human desires. I have always been drawn to the human figure and expression. Human beings are so complex in the ways we think and behave, especially in relationship. I don’t think there’s anything sexier than two people completely immersed in one another, committed to doing whatever it takes to have the relationship work. Commitment is sexy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I describe my art, I call it “intimate pop art”. I am excited for how my work has evolved and continues to reflect thought processes and experiences of relationship and intimacy. In my first collection of work, “Phases of Intimacy”, The collection was all about faces of relationships. The beginning of a relationship where it tends to be a little more playful and light leading into darker tones of aggression and protective behavior. I think it’s beautiful the human nature of relationship and how it can be portrayed and interpreted depending on the spectator’s experiences. My second collection of work, “In the Mood” is a series of works was created during a time of deep shadow work I was doing, really getting to know what the darks sides are and the parts of myself I had deemed unlovable.  I have found that when these parts of myself and others are repressed, these emotions can become damaging and self-destructive. It is an ever evolving experience one has with oneself, truly embracing the good, bad and the not so pretty. Both of these collections are definitely ones I felt very vulnerable to release out into the work and am extremely proud of the vulnerability it took to do so.

I held two self-curated solo exhibits in Nashville and in Miami during Art Basel through the end of December last year. I really just wanted to show my work even if that meant making it happen on my own. I really enjoy hosting events and parties so curating a show that tells a story is something I have really enjoyed. There were definitely challenges in finding the right spaces and timing, but I have learned anything worth creating has it’s welcomed challenges and that is what makes the finished piece even that much more enjoyable. I am currently working on commission pieces and a new collection of work for Art Basel in December 2022 and I am proud to say my collections of work live at Gallery 23 NY in New York City.

Most people see my work and find it provocative or scandalous. My heart behind the work is actually the opposite. When I see the couples kissing or being intimate in my paintings and drawings, I see couples committed relationships and married couples. People in love and dedicated to keeping their relationships alive through intimacy and connection. Raw, vulnerable moments that create value for the individual or the couple. I don’t think there’s anything sexier than two people completely immersed in one another, committed to doing whatever it takes to have the relationship work. Commitment is sexy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I am visiting Miami, I am absolutely taking my best friend to have dinner at Sexy Fish in Brickell, Bottled Blonde in Wynwood, Bal Harbor for shopping and an aperol spritz at Carpaccio, and 1 hotel South beach for margaritas and a swim on the roof.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely want to shoutout my family for being the most supportive and loving through the hills and valleys of the creative process, my shows, the travel and always showing up when it matters most. My sister Blair Bodden, my mom Kala Bodden and our manager Brant Lyons are the best partners I could ask for. My pastors, Jd Ost and Kelly Roberson for supporting and encouraging the creative and curating process since day one. Alex Smetsky, David Peretz and Sarit Peretz at Gallery 23 NY for taking a chance on my work and the creative space for my solo exhibit. Joseph Asido, Brett Nuss and Zach Mason for being my ride or die support in my corner. Robyn Williams and the Choice Center community for incredible coaching in my business and relationships. I want to shoutout all of my collectors and all of the people that have believed in my work and the heart behind it since the day I started creating it and continue to encourage me and each other to keep creating. The community in Nashville, especially the creative community, is like nothing the world has ever seen and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

Website: www.artbybilly.com

Instagram: @Baybodd

Twitter: @baybodd

Other: NFTS https://opensea.io/BaleyBillyBodden

Image Credits
Ali Brown @miss.alirose

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
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