Meet Trevor Coopersmith | Artist

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

Hi Trevor, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

My favorite quote is from a 20th Century American painter named Edward Hopper. “If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” This has always resonated with me because it reaffirms my belief that painting is a translation of experience. Painting has always been a healing process for me, one to help me reflect while creatively producing something positive. The work I create often ends up in a place for people to enjoy and can help transition someone’s house into an ecclectic home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a professional artist in-the-making, I have come to realize that giving back to the greater community that fosters your work is a major foundaiton for success. Volunteering, donating work and spending time in the community will help network and grow a greater understanding of yourself and your creative practice.

I’ve overcome financial struggles and come from a dysfunctional/ abusive household. No home is perfect behind close doors. Creative self-expression was my saving grace, and I wish to share my affinity for art with people and help others succeed. I make sure to set aside time daily to sketch, paint, visit galleries and focus on my creative skills.

My goal is to teach art at the college level which requires a Masters in Fine Art degree. I will be starting my MFA at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles starting this Fall, and will be expounding upon my painting and social practice. I recentley completed a summer residency in College Station, Texas where I created an interactive sculpture, a series of 12 paintings connecting bodies to landscapes, volunteered weekly by helping students in the juvenile detention system, and mounted a solo exhibition at the Arts Council building. This was a major milestone in my creative practice and the MFA program at Otis College is similar to a residency, where I develop my practice in relation to a myriad of social issues today. I’m very much looking forward to developing my work in preparation for a professional career as an artist.

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?
Personally, I can’t get enough time outside in San Diego. The botanical gardens, art museums like the Timken in Balboa, Annie’s Canyon hiking trail and beaches along North County like Terramar are my favorites. A trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a California burrito and a trip to Torrey Pines for hiking and some surf.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family, especially my father who is a professional artist. I’ve learned many special techniques from him and have learned from his mistakes as well. My family is very special and I am thankful for my brother Shane who is teaching sustainability and my mother who has a serious passion for gardening and social equality thru teaching. My familie’s combined drives for creativity, the outdoors and social change has greatly shaped who I am as an artist today.

Website: https://www.trevorcoopersmith.com/

Instagram: @infinitesprayart