Cosette Grider
Artist

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
In the newly built studio behind my home, I crank up the music and just create using paint and various other mediums on canvas or paper. I have just completed my third cohesive collection. The paintings aim to connect with women who seek to experience self-acceptance, confidence, and growth while adding a touch of boldness and beauty in their home or work space. When I am not working on an art collection, I take on the occasional commissioned painting and paint murals for local businesses and homes. My latest 16 piece collection “Surrender” will be exhibited all month long in April at Lusanet Collective.

How did you first become interested in art?
When I was just a child, I discovered my mother’s fashion illustrations from her college years and my father’s hobby paintings from his teenage years. Intrigued by this discovery, as an only child, I spent a lot of time entertaining myself with drawing and painting. My mother would take me to the library to check out books on how to draw faces and animals. It wasn’t just a way to fill my time but a way to express my creativity.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways to engage with art in Burbank?
Art enriches a community in so many ways. From a vibrant mural on the side of a building to painted utility boxes and even exhibited artwork inside local shops, cafes, and other businesses, art offers not just decoration but culture and conversation. It becomes an experience for the community. It inspires thoughts, tells a story, and brings people together. It’s amazing to see how artistically diverse Burbank is becoming. I encourage people to visit the local small businesses and various pop-up events as those are great places to experience art. You’d be surprised to see how much talent our community has!

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
Being open minded and allowing yourself to experience art in a number of ways in our community can be so fulfilling and thought provoking that it might even encourage your own boldness. You just have to pay attention to what you’re seeing and the feelings that arise inside you.

To find out more about Cosette and her work, visit cosettegrider.com