Brian Travers is known worldwide as a Founding member and Saxophonist of British Reggae superstars UB40. A Band which has sold more than 120 million records, had number ones in the USA and all over the world, who still sell out tours globally almost 40 years after they first formed in Birmingham, England .
However, in more recent times his Art career has grown wings and Brian has hooked up with some old comrades who saw great potential in his talents and formed Brian Travers Art Studio. His work is being exclusively marketed in the US with prestigious gallery, Mary Martin Galleries.
Brian began an interest and participated in art from 11 years old at the Moseley Road School of Art where he met most of UB40. It was built specifically as an Art school by a local team of Architects.
" I learned that 99% of making art is looking. We had Art appreciation and art history classes"
So what is the parallel between art and music ?..." You try to create an aural picture when you are writing songs, to create this place that people can imagine ".
Brian has , since he was a young lad, always painted and never stopped. For years he has given away his work to Charities and kept some paintings for himself and his Family....Some people have bid in excess of £20,000 for one of his paintings. But in the last few years , the commercial side of his Art has taken off.
How does he see himself as an artist. In which camp ?.." I fancy myself as an abstract impressionist . The abstract is purely to provoke thought "
There are many sides to Brian's art, however, including historical portrayals of events and Pop Art creations. He is constantly trying to reach the places he feel he has not reached previously in order to leave indelible and subliminal messages.
" Music is a team sport. Art is just you and an idea "
Brian has recently completed five star shows in London and has been commissioned to complete paintings of David Bowie and Muhammed Ali, after they both passed away.
" I always have music on when I paint. It really makes a difference. It's a journey between my heart and my head. " It's a kind of therapy "
" I am always thinking of the next painting. It's a nice, quiet time, which I haven't been used to for 38 years "
