Thousands of paintings and other works of art have come into existence by John Briggs’ hand, and members of MAKE Plant City got a special look into the painter’s creative process on Tuesday night.
Briggs opened his entire Collins Street studio to the group for its monthly meeting and also served as guest speaker. He shared details of his journey as a painter and creator in a Q&A format, fielding questions from the audience and also answering prompts prepared in advance. His candid, almost self-deprecating perspective captivated the MAKE members as he covered topics including his start in Plant City, painting the railroad mural before its building was torn down, how he works and the transitioning from theme to theme throughout his career. He also encouraged the audience not to get discouraged by competition opened up by the Internet and to keep striving to make their work the best it can be.
“Whatever you do, aim for the moon,” Briggs told the audience. “Not the outhouse.”
After the Q&A session wrapped up, MAKE members mingled with Briggs and each other and admired the painter’s vast body of work displayed throughout each floor of his studio.
The next MAKE Plant City event will be held June 11.