A new work by artist/muralist Kristin Brandt now graces the exterior of Buffalo Proper. Kristin has completed an image that is tasteful, discreet, and representational of an old world sign that might have been around during this city’s heyday. The painting is a take on Buffalo Proper’s logo, although Kristin was given creative freedom to make it her own. To do that, she added metallic paints to the color palette, including copper pain flecks that will patina over time. “The work gives people something to look at as they are waiting in their cars to get on Route 33. The Albright-Knox mural is just down the street, which turns this corridor into an artsy place to be.”
Kristin completed the work while Buffalo Proper owners Jon Karel and Ed Forster were out of town. The two were recently invited to cook at the James Beard Foundation. “Jon is a master craft cocktailer, and Ed is a gastronomical genius,” Kristin went on to say. “I was able to work on the wall when they stepped out of town to attend the distinguished event.”
When not working at Buffalo Proper, Kristin is heavily involved in for-profit and non-profit art work. She is the co-founder of the Urban Canvas Project, along with artist Cassondra Argeros. She also has her own art outfit called Ignorant Art, where she tackles private commissions.
When asked about her thoughts pertaining to public art in Buffalo, she exclaimed, “I’m really proud of Buffalo these days. I’m a re-patriot and I’ve lived in other cities. Buffalo is taking great steps – I can’t see being anywhere else but here. The stronger this city becomes, the better the public art becomes. This city is starting to become a real canvas, and I love collaborating with other artists to make it even more remarkable.”
Lead photo by Alana Adetola