Life as an artist wasn't always the direction that Seth Bastian had imagined for himself. Growing up surrounded by artistic influences – an interior designer mother, an illustrator uncle, a renowned sculptor grandfather, and a singing grandmother – one can say that creative pursuits were woven into the fabric of his life. Yet, marine biology initially captured his heart, leading him to Roger Williams University.
A random encounter with a portrait of Jimi Hendrix, however, sparked a shift. With charcoal and paper, he replicated the image, igniting a passion that couldn't be ignored. In 2013, at just 18, he traded textbooks of marine life for art supplies, transforming his parents' garage into his first studio. Soon, commissions from family and friends followed, fueled by their unwavering support. His time at the University of The Bahamas opened new doors, exposing him to AbEx, Bahamian Expressionism, and a world of artistic movements. His self-taught journey continued with portraits of friends and family filling his "dingy little garage," a space that now felt less like a studio and more like a part of his destiny.
At Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and University of the Arts London, Seth further honed his skills, acquiring essential tools for his evolving visual language. Inspired by David Reed, his work invites viewers into a dialogue, free of self-projection, focusing instead on the interplay of forms and the emotional response they evoke.
The "Cruise Port Series," which was inspired by the recent redevelopment of the $300 million Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) and surrounding waterfront, delves deeper, forging connections between the past and present. The intricate marks, created with a printmaking squeegee, represent the workers who built and redeveloped the port. An Androsian sea sponge forms the underlayer, embodying the spirit of the hands that laid the foundation of the old Nassau Harbour. Here, a dialogue unfolds between the formal elements, each form interacting with its counterpart and coming together to create a visual experience that transcends words.
"The Edna," a tribute to his 2nd great-grandfather, Captain Fred Woodside, who was a survivor of a devastating storm in 1929, is a powerful testament to resilience. The canvas, designed to evoke a sail billowing in the wind, symbolizes the open sea, contrasting the tumultuous storm and its aftermath. While honoring his ancestor's courage, the piece also acknowledges the lives lost in that tragic disaster, finding beauty and poetry in the absence of realism. These pieces are proudly displayed in the main foyer of the Nassau Cruise Port Arrivals Terminal.
Exploring personal history and Bahamian identity through his art fills Seth with a sense of pride and purpose. From his humble local beginnings to staging exhibits in international galleries, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of artistic expression and the enduring spirit of creativity.
