Hello Steemit Community, My Name Is Logan Walden Fantastical Science Fiction Artist

Hi, I'm Logan Walden. I create fantastical science fiction and surreal art for a living.

How did I get here? Let's start from the beginning! This is my story.

I was born in Northern Kentucky in 1986 and was raised in rural southern Ohio. My father, Christopher B. Walden, paints wildlife for a living.

My mother, Joan Angst, exposed my brothers and I to as many creative outlets as possible during our youth. Sometimes she pushed us to do things we didn't want to because she knew it would be good for us. We dabbled in art, music, dance, theater, travel, improv comedy and much more.

Many hours spent using our imaginations outdoors was routine for us. I give enormous gratitude to my parents for paving the path for my artistic career by exposing me to the possibilities of using my imagination constructively.

Destined for a creative field, I studied film at Full Sail University and worked in the film industry for 7 years throughout Florida and California. I've worked on major motion pictures like Transformers 3, reality shows like The Bachelor, and music videos for independent and major artists such as Tiesto and The Black Keys.

However, I was constantly torn between different art forms. I love music, comedy, art, writing and travel. I wanted to do it all. I was unfocused and the film industry was losing it's luster every time I found inspiration in another art form. 2010 proved to be a year of transformation as I explored the world of Music and Art Festivals, such as Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle, Burning Man and others. This new alternative culture blew my mind. I had never felt more in my element than when I experienced such relatable people gathering to celebrate progressive music, absolutely insane art and a heightened sense of community.

Exposure to this new culture and progressive level of art was inspiring to the say the least! I felt a calling! I needed to transition from working in the film industry to learning the world of art. It made too much sense. My father is a painter! I have the genes! After my first transformational music and art festival I spent a lot of time traveling the west coast, soul searching and spending time on self discovery. I worked up the nerve to make a change. I formed a plan to leave the film industry and become a graphic designer to help pay the bills which would also contribute to reaching my goal of becoming a professional painter!

In 2012 I made the leap from Los Angeles back to my hometown, West Elkton, Ohio, to study under my father using acrylics. Landing a graphic design job for an ad agency came quicker than I'd expected and I began a new career as an in-house designer for Platinum Marketing Group in Cincinnati where I grew to be a professional designer over the next 3 years. My plan was working!

Designing by day and painting by night, I quickly broke into the Cincinnati live art scene in 2013 when Essential Productions accepted my request to paint at a local concert.

Since the first Essential Productions show, I have been involved as a live painter, Gallery Coordinator, Art Director, Installation builder and DJ in various festivals and concerts throughout the Midwest and West Coast. My obsession with techno and house music led me to the roll as Art Director for an entertainment group called Freshlist, which is now one of Cincinnati’s prime outlets for the underground EDM/local art scene.

In 2016 I set out on my own as a freelance Graphic Designer and Visual Artist.

Since launching my own art and design business I have painted live at major festivals around the country such as Burning Man, Electric Forest, Desert Hearts, Lucidity Festival, Reggae on the River, Resonance and many more. I have designed graphics for numerous clients, big and small, including the rising DJ and music producer, Manic Focus.

I still reside in my home town in Ohio where I continue my art and design career. I also work sales and online promotions for my father’s wildlife art business. Together, my father and I work on innovating ways to thrive as artists.

This is my artist statement:
"As if broadcasting through my own radio station, my art has become a public channel through which I can reinterpret and express the worlds’ influences on my own lifes‘ journey. When I’m asked what inspires me I usually say the music I listen to. It works as a kaleidoscope that fragments my memories and ideas into something new. I listen to house music obsessively because it creates the energy and space for my mind to wonder. I love designing a piece that spotlights unpredictable subject matter, yet is cohesive in a way that just feels right. At the end of it all, I am a story teller. We all are. Once a painting is finished its story becomes clear, and when it resonates with someone I feel like we have shared a connection that comes from some place deeper. Creating that connection is my favorite part of this whole thing.”

Thank you for reading my story. You can see more of my work at www.loganwaldenart.com. I hope you stay tuned and follow this crazy ride. Onward and upward!