Meet Cliff Powell | Artist

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

Hi Cliff, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a young age, I was obsessed with the arts—drawing, painting, and making music. At twelve, I received my first guitar, and my love for music began. Days and nights were spent learning, practicing, and playing along with my tapes and CDs. Even though I didn’t know how to play, I wrote tunes. In high school, I was known as the long-haired metalhead guitarist. Summer breaks were filled with making and recording music in my bedroom. I composed, played, and performed all songs, and I designed all the album cover artwork and cassette tape inserts.

After high school, I joined the metal band GONEMAD, which toured the country. We released four albums and performed at iconic locations such as CBGB’s in NYC, Stone Pony in New Jersey, and Mama Kin, Aerosmith’s former club near Fenway Park in Boston, MA. The internet was still in its infancy, so all promotion, communication, and exposure were done through grassroots and guerilla marketing. Everything was self-funded and created by us. GONEMAD opened for bands like Godsmack, Hatebreed, Exodus, Powerman 5000, Corrosion of Conformity, Black Label Society, and Suicidal Tendencies.

As I transitioned into the workforce and corporate America, I was in architecture and interior design leading a team of designers creating concepts for commercial facilities across the country. Later transitioned into another role in Real Estate Development and Construction being the Western Region’s Director of Development and Construction over-seeing multi-million dollar projects in California, Arizona, and Washington, which had me travel from FL to the West Coast regularly. Honestly, that position was all work and had almost no room for creativity, and after a while, it started to take a toll on me. If you’re a creative person, not having some kind of outlet can leave you feeling really empty. For me, it was like something was missing. I had always loved collecting art, and being surrounded by it inspired me to think, Why not create something myself? So, I picked up a paintbrush, grabbed some paints, and just went for it. What started as a way to fill that creative void quickly became my outlet—my sanity. Painting gave me a way to reconnect with that part of myself I’d been missing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a contemporary surrealist passionate about transforming stories and otherworldly visions to life on canvas. My paintings often possess a celestial or dreamlike quality, drawing inspiration from fantastical landscapes, the natural world, and elements of science fiction. What sets my work apart is its foundation in allegory and symbolism, allowing me to delve deep into universal themes that speak to the human experience. Each piece is layered with meaning, inviting viewers to uncover stories that resonate on both personal and collective levels. I describe my style as “a juxtaposition of the raw and refined™, where the gritty and polished converge to tell stories that resonate.” The thing I’m most proud of is the connection my work fosters with others; when someone sees themselves or their own story in one of my pieces, it’s an incredibly fulfilling moment.

My path to becoming a professional artist has been anything but linear, and every twist and turn has played a role in shaping who I am today. I’ve worn many hats throughout my life—musician, general contractor, interior and architectural designer, and even real estate developer. Each role has left its mark, equipping me with unique skills and perspectives that now influence my art. Whether it’s the structural sensibility of my architectural background or the emotional storytelling of my music, these experiences have become threads in the tapestry of my creative work.

It hasn’t been easy, and the challenges have been both personal and professional. Balancing the demands of creativity with the realities of running a business is no small feat. There have been moments of self-doubt and external setbacks, but I’ve learned to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Every challenge has pushed me to become more resilient, disciplined, and intentional in my work.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of community. Engaging with other artists, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a supportive network has been transformative—not just for me, but for everyone involved. When we genuinely help each other without expecting anything in return, we create a space where creativity flourishes and where we all grow together. I’ve also learned the importance of staying open to growth and evolution. Art is a journey, not a destination, and every step along the way—whether it’s a success or a failure—offers a chance to refine my vision and expand my skills.

At its core, my work is about exploring duality—harmony and tension, the raw and the refined, the real and the surreal. I want people to see my art as a bridge between the tangible and the imagined, a way to connect with stories and emotions that go beyond words. My journey is proof that creativity doesn’t have to fit neatly into one box. From music to architecture to visual art, every chapter of my life has contributed to my identity as an artist. I’m driven by the belief that art has the power to spark introspection, foster connection, and remind us of the beauty in paradox. My goal is to create work that inspires others to see the world—and themselves—through a more imaginative lens.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh boy, planning a week-long itinerary would definitely push me out of my introverted comfort zone! If it were up to me, the week would probably be packed with gallery visits, museum tours, and art exhibitions—I could get lost in those for hours. But let’s be honest, my wife is the real social director in our household. She’s the one who finds all the new restaurants and fun things to do, so I’d definitely enlist her expertise for the more exciting parts of the trip. She’s the extrovert who balances out my inner “recluse artist” tendencies.

That said, I’d make sure to include a visit to the Norton Museum of Art or the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens to share a little of my world. We’d also hit some of the fantastic spots in downtown West Palm Beach or Palm Beach Island, like Subculture Coffee for a chill morning vibe or PB Catch for incredible seafood and cocktails. For something truly unique, we’d take a trip to Lion Country Safari—it’s the closest thing to an African safari without leaving Florida. Driving through and getting up close to lions, giraffes, and rhinos would definitely make for an unforgettable experience. It’d be a mix of art, great food, and a touch of adventure, all balanced with plenty of time to relax and catch up. And if my best friend wanted to take the lead on the rest of the itinerary, I’d happily follow along and enjoy the ride!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped guide my journey. First and foremost, my parents, who have always supported my artistic endeavors and encouraged me to follow my passions. I also want to give a huge shoutout to my good friend, old bandmate, and incredibly talented artist Craig McInnis. He’s been a source of inspiration and encouragement throughout my creative journey. Through Craig, I became part of an amazing artist support group in West Palm Beach called Brass Tacks. It’s a collective of like-minded creatives who are not only incredibly talented but also genuinely supportive of one another—it’s been an invaluable community for me. And of course, my wife and best friend, Wendy, who has been my rock. She’s always there to lift me up, be my sounding board, and believe in me even on the toughest days. I’m so grateful for all of them and the roles they’ve played in shaping my story.

Website: https://www.cliffpowellart.com

Instagram: @cliffpowellart

Facebook: @cliffpowellart

Image Credits
James Tu
Sergio Gomez