Brad Morlock | Artist
Bailarín Cellars celebrates those who do what they love. Their passion for life is unstoppable and their enthusiasm is infectious. We celebrate these heroes and learn from their words of wisdom as we chase our own pursuits.
This month we celebrate Brad Morlock, a talented local artist who uses brick charcoal and printmaking paper to create large format pieces that challenge value and perspective. He has won numerous awards including “Best in Show” at the Union Gallery at Sacramento State University and two “Awards of Merit” at the California State Fair Art Show. His photorealistic works are stunning and upon closer inspection reveal textures to create images. We were thrilled to commission Brad to create a piece to showcase California’s incredible topography that creates the internationally acclaimed wine growing regions we enjoy.
WHAT MAKES YOU DANCE?
"Running headlong down life’s twisty roads”
Even calling myself an artist gives me an inner jolt of imposter syndrome: not because I doubt my ability or the quality of my work, but mostly because of how this amazing ride came about. In pursuit of a reinvented life through a new educational and career path, I was required to take an art class. I could have easily taken a class like art history, stayed quiet, and walked with my grade. Instead I took a drawing class that introduced me to the first true advocate I would find on this particular journey (thanks Gioia!). Our final project was a charcoal drawing. It’s still hanging proudly on my wall.
I could have left it there. In retrospect, I couldn’t as the desire to draw—and draw BIG, grew. Soon I was making art for my blank-walled apartment. Next, on a summer afternoon something possessed me to stop at a mural being painted and asked if the artist needed help. Enter advocate #2 (thanks Maren!) whose answer to every insecure art question I had was: DO IT!!!
It’s been almost 5 years. This incredible experience has yielded participation in group shows all over Northern California, awards at the California State Fair, a solo show, and most importantly the opportunity to create transformative moments in people’s homes. My work asks viewers to consider what the experience in that alternative world might be. Will you walk into your bedroom or into this strange landscape with endless possibilities?
The message is this: the art world brought me joy, the excitement of putting myself out there, the inquisitive faces of those viewing my work, and the first accidental date with my now wife. I wouldn’t be who I am without taking the turn down that road, and running like hell. I hope you’ll do the same.
-Brad Morlock
