Rising Stars: Meet B.J. Baize of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to B.j. Baize.

Hi B.J., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Peace.. I am artist B.j. Baize, and I started with art, simply as a casual hobby or outlet. Whenever I would be alone to myself I would find myself sketching and putting lil ideas together, to create my world and shape my reality.

My training as an artist is a mixture of being self taught and my background education of Virginia State University, where I graduated with a BA in Visual Communications/ Graphic Design.

I’ve always been self motivated with leaving my mark as an artist, so I have always branded and used my last name “BAIZE as part of my business motivation. “BAIZE” serves as an ancoronym within my last name that reads “Born. Ambition.Ignites. Zealous.Expression. (TM)”.
Essentially it means ” I’m Inspired to Inspire”.

I started business in 2006 with a handpainted clothing brand “Baize Originals” which depicted famous celebrities, quotes, self portraits, personalized logos etc. , on tshirts, hoodys, hats , jeans, etc.
I would market to local barbershops, and beauty salons, show up to rap video shoots, clubs etc, growing my name and brand and expanding one customer at a time.

As I grew as an artist, I noticed I became less motivated with painting celebrities and familiar images, and decided to expand my portfolio as a creator. I made the conscious decision to move away from clothing and began creating original canvas art, with richer ideas that reflect the core thoughts of my mind, body, and soul.

In 2019 I started Baize Art Gallery LLC. I wanted to lock my focus on creating a body of work that reflects God like ” principles. The beauty of humanity and nature, family , blacklove, community, unity, self motivation, royalty, and growth.

Now I focus on continuing to grow as an artist, evolving my style while traveling with my brand, expanding within public art and murals, and doing larger scale events as a live painter, and art curator for different live ent. events, socials, and festivals.

My style as an artist is a mixture of surrealism, and story telling. I would say my niche is in developing original concepts and characters scenes that that feel familiar, yet give a hint of surrealism. You can view my body of work on social media platforms instagramand TikTok @BAIZEARTGALLERY or you can review my site and puchase originals or prints at www.baizeartgallery.com

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Early obstacles as a full time artist were maintaining and paying all of my bills, living expenses, from the sales of my personal artwork. That can be pretty difficult living in a major city. Finding that balance while remaining inspired and focused on creating over chasing money is one of the biggest challenges to seperate as an artist. My advice is to keep making great art as your focus, and the money will follow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would say I’m most proud of being a concept artist. Creating familiar scenes, thoughts and feelings through surreal imagery techniques. I think thats my lane and edge as an artist.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I would say I was very competitive and self motivated. I love challenges and exceeding expectations that others may have about me. I’ve always been somewhat naturally introverted, and observant, but always fiery & ‘never afraid of the moment’ .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.baizeartgallery.com
• Instagram: @BAIZEARTGALLERY