Justin Broadbent: Absolut

“IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD OPPORTUNITIES ALWAYS POP UP”. Justin Broadbent was asked by Absolut to create an installation about that phrase for an exhibit on August 13, 2009 in a secret location, for now. To do this, Justin may use many forms of art; to create the elusion of the phrase. “Justin’s vision is an example of how these opportunities will pop up where least expected.” You can now send him ideas “Messages In A Bottle” giving him inspiration and your ideas. www.justinbroadbent.com/absolut/bottle.html

His work consists of graphic design such as posters, web design, branding, CD design, photography, music video direction, installation and more. From being a Ryerson New Media graduate, he has grown in being a successful Canadian artist. He’s worked with many artists such as Shad, Drangonette, Metric, worked with Rob Dyer (Skate4Cancer) and many more. With working with these artists, he has been nominated for two Much Music Video Awards in 2009. Follow Justin’s blog updates www.justinbroadbent.com/absolut and check out his work;

www.justinbroadbent.com

http://www.jbtakeme.com

http://www.giftedthoughts.com

http://www.hotdoggarbage.com

Follow him on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/justinbroadbent

Interview with Justin:

Q. First off, I’ve gotten to take a look at your website and it’s amazing. You have everything to do with the arts such as photography, branding, printmaking, posters and etc. How did you get involved with all of that?

A. Thank you! : ) Well, I’d have to say from a young age, my parents always wanted me to express my creativity. In high school, I starting taking classes like photography or design. I had a really shit computer, and sooner on my friends in bands started asking me to make CD covers for them for free. One thing led to another, my friends band got signed and Sony was paying me to design CD covers. The photography was a decision I made for myself. From seeing Andy Warhol and other artists, it got me inspired. I took a few portraits in University and one thing led to another where I was working with bands. Funny thing is, I’m not really a trained photographer, so it’s kind of cool I get to do all this stuff.

Q. How do you describe your photographic style?

A. Like the under side of the table. Honest and raw. I like the flash simple look, and the vintage-used look.

Q. You’ve worked with any artists and people such as Shad, a lot of Skate4Cancer with Rob Dyer, Dragonette and many more. How did you get working with these people?

A. For Skate4Cancer, Rob contacted me through a friend he was looking to do a website and he explained to me the charity and I got really interested. We’ve become good friends out of it. Dragonette, I believe a girl from Ryerson knew a band member and they contacted me and I worked with them for a bit. Shad, he’s amazing. We’re best friends.

Q. I’ve noticed you traveled to many places. I’m very jealous! You’ve traveled to India, Paris, London, New Zealand, and Spain. What did you get out of traveling to those places? Did you get attached to any of the countries?

A. Oh yes, I loved India. I just love traveling. Whether it’s to up north or to another country. It’s important to travel. Spain was really nice. All the places I’ve been to, I’ve got something out of going there.

Q. Let’s Talk about Absolut. You were asked by Absolut to create an installation about the phrase “IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD OPPORTUNITIES ALWAYS POP UP”. How did you get involved with this?

A. Absolut was looking to work with a young, up-and-coming artist on an installation in Canada.  I’m all over the map when it comes to making things, so I guess I fit the bill for being able to interpret this concept into an installation.

Q. This installation will be shown in an exhibit. When does this exhibit take place?

A. The exhibit (which is just one day / night) will pop in Toronto on Aug 13 2009.  The location is being kept secret right now.  :)

Q. What would be your process and method of thinking in creating this installation? Do you have any ideas yet?

A. I’m interpreting opportunity.  Where it comes from, how it fits with this space…  etc.  Opportunity is about a moment. It is a favourable combination of circumstances, in time, generally involving people, generally in a positive light. The idea of opportunity spontaneously “popping up” eliminates the idea of “creating opportunity” (a common notion of our current world). Opportunity popping up assumes more-so to be about chance, surprise, luck, and the unexpected.

I can’t tell you much about the actual ideas, but generally that’s the direction I’m thinking in.  It’ll be multi-media, interactive, weird, funny, good.  :)

Q. Absolut is a very well known company. In doing this installation, do you think it will open doors for you in towards future work?

A. I suppose.  It’s not my focus right now.  I’m happy to be working with Absolut on this project more than anything.  What ever comes of it will great.  I’m looking up.

Q. Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows…

A. I like Fleetwood mac.  Haha.

Q. Do you believe artistic creativity is innate, or can be developed through life experiences?

A. Creativity is just the ability to see beneath the surface.  It’s about problem solving and keeping your eyes open.  For some people, that comes very naturally.  I travel, and that is one important way for me to strengthen my creativity.  To look at things I’ve never seen, or never thought of in that light.  Eyes open.  Always.  Open Eyes.  Open Heart.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the field?

A.  Always output your best. Have an arsenal of ideas always in the back of your mind. And take breaks.

Q. Do you feel Toronto Artist don’t get as much credit as they should?

A. Yeah maybe a bit.  I think Canadian artists (all facets) don’t get as much credit as they deserve.  Some of the bands I’ve been fortunate to work with are my favourite bands and they are “indie” Canadian bands (Shad, The Wooden Sky).  I like Toronto, it feels clever and energetic.  I see good things coming.  :)