Andrew Brister
Andrew Brister was a resident artist with us from 1 to 15 June, 2025
BIO
I am an artist, musician, and student (Mississippi State University) from Winona, MS born on July 24, 1998. Growing up, I spent a lot of my time playing video games, watching Dragon Ball Z, and learning how to draw by making fan art. As I got older, I got involved with the gifted arts program at my high school where I took those loves and learned how to create art in those mediums more effectively, as well as finding a passion for environmental watercolor paintings. I also discovered a passion for songwriting and music at this time and got my first guitar in 2015. Since 2022, I have been traveling the state of Mississippi performing as a solo act, as well as with my band.
GOALS for RESIDENCY
I’d like to participate in this program for two major reasons: The first being that I would like to seek a new kind of inspiration for my work. I think that being in an environment such as MARS would help me find that because of the location itself being so disconnected from the usual loud and busy city life, as well as studying the legacy and works of the previous residents in parallel to my own discovery. My second reason is that I think this residency will help me prepare for my senior thesis year at Mississippi State University. The MARS program would be an excellent place for me to learn new artistic skills to apply to my thesis in the Fall, but it will also help to facilitate a better understanding of how to put together a cohesive set of artworks set around a central idea instead of being too broad. Overall, I’d like to use the time at MARS to better myself as an artist personally and professionally.
WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Media Links
Commercial Dispatch: https://cdispatch.com/lifestyles/nostalgic-jam-band-frontman-fine-artist-comes-to-mars-residency/
Porch Talk Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2maAOzOoKYpjOmmHQsSinh
Comments about the MARS Residency by Andrew Brister, June 16, 2025
Being out at MARS (MacGown Artist Residency & Studio) was a massive privilege and I really felt like it helped me grow as an artist. I went in with a specific creative goal but decided to forgo that for experimentation. While I was there, I made several artworks based around Chronophobia and how time makes me feel. I expressed that through charcoal, pastels, and whatever else was calling to me.
I found a more productive workflow, as well as had an easier time being inspired without a deadline being attached. I don’t get outside of my comfort zone much, but this experience helped me find a way out. I felt encouraged to make art that wasn’t perfect or what I planned on, but I think that made everything so much better in the end. I left a plaque that quotes a song I wrote, and I felt like it captures the essence of my time there.
“…and so far, this dream’s been worth it, it seems
and it seems there’s no end in sight
and in time I’ll find a first-class flight
all the way to my Crush Proof Life”
