Meet Preston Light | Artist, etc.

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

Hi Preston, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My friends and family. Having that support system around me from the beginning has allowed me to have my art grow up in public a little bit and help me build the confidence to move forward to where I am now. You can’t get anywhere in isolation and they all have done a great job at not letting me do that to myself. Art is subjective, but to have most of the people around me enjoy, share, and purchase my work is the reason I’ve been able to keep it up thus far. It’s paid for better paint, bigger canvases, a home studio, and at times has helped me even pay rent. I love my family and friends. They inspire me to no end and I hope I can do the same for all of them someday.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As if the world needed one more painter, here I am. Mostly because I don’t have a choice though. I think as a creative person you’re compelled to do the work and your medium is what is speaking to you at that time. Since I was a child I have loved abstract images. I believe there is a healing power and quality that a great, specifically abstract, painting can have on or for someone. I know I have felt it from them in the past. I want to make comforting and moving images that the onlooker creates their own narrative to. I didn’t go to art school or pursue any formal training. I started making the work, putting it out there, vending at concerts, retail stores, hair salons, anywhere I can post up. I have self-employed parents and I think that notion of your success is your responsibility rubbed off on me.

I think if I had to say one or two lessons that anyone starting out should know is that you should only make what excites you and start calling yourself an artist now. If you are choosing this path you know exactly what I mean.

And the thing I am most proud of right now is my solo show at the Jannette Kennedy Gallery running from May 1st to June 14th. It’s my first solo show in Dallas. My first show in a real gallery. I am so immensely honored by the opportunity and proud of the work. I hope everyone has the chance to go see it if this comes out in time. There are a number of works in there that I think are the best I’ve done to date.

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.
For Fort Worth, the first thing on the list is coffee at Ampersand on Beldsoe St. and then waltz across the street to The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. I have many profound experiences there as a young teen and am really looking forward to their upcoming exhibit Women Painting Women. Next on the docket would be lunch over at Kintaro Ramen (Dracula’s Bane with habanero paste is my go to order). Maybe pop into the Amon Carter (Always free, please make a donation though!) or the Kimball (public collection is always free) next to find some more inspiration. If you don’t want another museum go take a nice long trek over at Airfield Falls Trailhead. Eventually, it’ll be time for dinner maybe catch a reservation at Pacific Table or Tinie’s. After than see who’s playing at Main At South Side, Tulip’s, Lola’s, or one of the many great Fort Worth venues. Next day brunch at Righteous Foods and you’ve got a great day.

For Dallas, start with coffee and maybe brunch at Ascension Coffee in the Design District. The check out as many galleries as your eyes and feet can handle. I highly recommend ALG Collective and Craighead Green. Have lunch at El Bolero, but don’t sleep on the Dallas Contemporary. You’ll love it. Go. Then head over to Deep Ellum. Get there early it’s a miracle how many parking spaces appear in the daylight. Walk around and check out the shops and boutiques there. There’s way more than you may have realized Deep Vellum being a favorite of mine. Have a nice vegan Dinner at Tiki Loco (because you can have Mexican food twice in a day) or Deep Ellum Sushi if you feel like splurging. Get a ticket to see whoever is playing at Deep Ellum Art Company and go have a great rest of your night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I cannot possibly name and mention everyone, but my family (related or not), my fiance Alexandra Farber, the DFW Deadhead community, and anyone else who has my stuff on the wall or listens to The Broken Lighthouse.

Also, a special thank you to John and Kari at Deep Ellum Art Company who have hosted me in the Art Yard many times over the last two years. It may seem like a small thing to many, but a visual art career is grown more in person than online. Having that opportunity has allowed me to create a nice little name for myself in certain circles… and catch a good handful of Phish shows. Both of which I cannot begin measure my appreciation for. Thank y’all and thank you to everyone!

Instagram: @LighthausCreations

Facebook: Lighthaus Creations

Other: Check out The Broken Lighthouse wherever you stream your podcasts! I also have a show where I interview creatives about their life, work, mental health, and all sorts of things. Season two is in progress right now.