Art and Baton Rouge have always been a big part of Chad Schoonmaker’s life. From pausing Disney movies in his home as a child so he could sketch the scene to participating in local markets, he has been able to draw inspiration from the city.
“It feels like a big city sometimes with small town roots.” Schoonmaker said. “I like that.”
He said the people of Baton Rouge have inspired and encouraged him greatly.
“Any time I’m invited to be a part of an event or market, it’s always so encouraging and makes me want to dive into my art more,” he said.
While he used to draw a lot, it was color that drew Schoonmaker to abstract art.
“There’s some things in life — emotions, fears, joys — that you just can’t really put into words,” he said. “Abstract art, color, movement and balance help me communicate those things.”
Schoonmaker said he draws inspiration for his art from everywhere, whether it be from his faith, good music, silence, vacations, laughing with his wife or watching his son play outside.
With such a connection to the city, the floods last August hit Schoonmaker and his family particularly hard. Sixty inches of water seeped into his home and studio.
However, Schoonmaker said he quickly found inspiration from the community after the flood.
“I was so moved by strangers’ generosity and seeing our community come together,” he said. “After a couple months of not being able to paint, once I got back into my studio, the art just poured out. It was so refreshing and felt so rewarding to be back home and doing what I love.”
Schoonmaker is known to his clients and the community for his vibrant abstract pieces, but lately, he has been experimenting with different media.
“It’s a ton of fun, and I love the finished product,” he said. “It’s different from my acrylic on canvas work, and I think that may throw some people off.”
While he enjoys experimentation, Schoonmaker said he is currently working on “finding one voice and sticking with it.”
Another artistic challenge Schoonmaker experiences is with social media, which he actively uses to promote his art — particularly on Instagram, where he has accumulated over 15,000 followers.
“I gave myself some rules for 2017,” he said. “Make art, not good Instagram posts, and post less, play more.”
He said he hopes people see joy in his art and that it sparks a good conversation among friends.
Schoonmaker will be showcasing his work at MidCity Makers Market off Government Street. He will also be submitting some work for Forum 35’s Art Melt, a juried art exhibit in Capitol Park Museum featuring the work Louisiana artists, and adding more prints to his Etsy shop.
Former University student draws artistic inspiration from Baton Rouge
By Kaylee Poche
April 24, 2017
More to Discover