Spreading Love in Sarasota...
The Wonderlist x Brandon Thrift (We look like siblings!)
Brandon’s latest work, LOVE ONE ANOTHER, can be found on the corner of Cocoanut and Pineapple Avenue in Downtown Sarasota.
Check out our interesting conversation below!
Sarasota, Florida is a town that has always been a flourishing community for musicians, artists, and the creative community. We are home to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the Florida Studio Theater, The Ringling Museum, and even The Sarasota Film Festival, all of which draws crowds from around the globe, pushing Sarasota as one of the top cities with a hot art scene. But what about street art? I first fell in love with street art when I watched the documentary “Exit Through The Gift Shop” about Banksy and became so enamored with his epigrams and dark humor, I was thirsty to find out more. Moving back to Sarasota this past march, I was determined to seek out new, emerging street artists that were making an impact on my hometown. Say hello to Brandon Thrift - the young, talented, and passionate street artist that is causing quite the buzz around the city (most recently highlighted in Sarasota Magazine). Brandon’s message about “Spreading Love” is exactly what this city needs right now, a message of hope. He’s a native of our blossoming city and it shows in his work. I’ll never forget when I first saw one of his pieces. I was walking through my neighborhood and spotted a sign that said “Spread Love” and it painted a big smile on my face. I sat down with Brandon recently and we talked about his inspirations, what moves him, and we even toured a few of his colorful walls that he had been commissioned to paint. Pictured above is his latest mural, located on the corner of Pineapple and Cocoanut in the heart of Sarasota. In honor of Pride Month, he conveys a powerful message: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Aside from his beautiful work, I found out that he has the sunniest disposition, a welcoming demeanor, and the coolest heart-shaped sunnies you will ever find in town. Here are some tidbits of my conversation with Brandon:
WHAT GOT YOU INTO STREET ART?
“Street Art has always peaked my interest. Particularly for its renowned anonymity, the way it provokes curiosity and inspires creativity. I’ve always been into street art but started experimenting with street art in middle school.”
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR “SPREAD LOVE” MESSAGES?
“My Spread Love journey began in early April 2020 amidst a global pandemic from the ashes of mental tribulation, the necessity for cathartic rebelliousness and personal development sprung forth an innate pursuit of youthful expressionism. Utilizing my surroundings, I fueled my artistic fire with anything I could get my hands on; broken down furniture, used canvases, mirrors, even old bedsheets. I was a phoenix that was rising up out of the global darkness that we were all living in. In June 2020, I spent about a month on the road alone, traveling over 13,000 miles from state to state sprinkling around hundreds of Spread Love pieces for people to receive the message. Since then, I have continuously traveled to 43 states sharing the fundamentally connective message of love.”
HOW MANY SPREAD LOVE PIECES ARE OUT THERE?
“From the inception of this project, I have created and shared almost 3,000 individual pieces of art!”
THAT IS INCREDIBLE! WOW! WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR ART LOCALLY? (VENICE, SARASOTA, NOKOMIS)?
“I have a few murals scattered around downtown Sarasota, and soon to be St. Pete and Tampa. As for the art drops, keep your eyes peeled everywhere! (For those who don’t know, an art drop is where artists place their art or hide their art around the world so people can all havethe opportunity to see it.
WHERE IS “SPREAD THE LOVE” TRAVELING TO NEXT?
“I’ll be traveling heavy the next few months, aiming for international travel.”
WHAT STREET ARTIST DO YOU ADMIRE OR PULL INSPIRATION FROM?
“I love Keith Haring!”
OFF TOPIC: HOT DOGS OR PIZZA?
“Vegan Pizza > Hot Dogs (I try to be vegan!)”
FUN FACT: He is a Pisces! (Birthday is February 21)
ARE YOU LIVING VOGUE?
Spreading Love in many different ways
This mural is located on 1540 N Main Street in Downtown Sarasota. It’s located on the back wall of The Living Vogue Real Estate building.
It is clearly evident that Brandon has a bright (and colorful) future ahead. He’s currently in the process of finding the right studio space for his artistic endeavors and hopes to help the younger generation find their voices as well. If you live in or around Sarasota, be sure to look out for his message: SPREAD LOVE all over town. If you do find it, take a pic and post on IG! Tag @artbybrandonthrift and he is great about regramming!
His sunnies match his heart and personality. Fun, colorful, and full of love!