Why Creating Art Should Be a Social Experience: Zachary Aronson

When you think of an artist, you can’t help but think of a shut-in that refuses to be disturbed. They endlessly pour over their work until it’s complete. Well, this may be the case for some artists, but art can actually bring people together, and not just after the piece is finished when it’s being seen by other art enthusiasts. Creating art can serve as another way to connect with people. Much like a musician connects with an audience. For this reason, we are consulting the most outgoing artist there is, Zachary Aronson, a freelance artist from Los Angeles to better understand how art can be a social experience. 

Zach literally paints with fire, using blowtorches to burn artwork into various types of wood. The LA native is the pioneer of this unusual medium and has spent the last ten years developing his ability to create realistic art on wood with blowtorches and flamethrowers. As his skills and expertise have grown, so has the recognition he has received. During this development, he has gone on to do numerous live events, eight solo gallery exhibitions, and countless group shows to date, most of which are featured on the website. 

He primarily focuses on portraiture and figurative work. All of his portraits are done freehand, from life, using only fire. Because there is so much detail that goes into creating one of Zach’s pieces, he will either work from the client’s home, ask them to his studio, or participate in live events. 

Be Willing to Travel

Zach is willing to travel with his tools to create art anywhere. You can tell by looking at the models and the finished work that a great time was had by all. Zach states, “I am not one of those stoic artists who insist you sit perfectly still. I have conversations with the person and get to know them, which helps with the portrait. I can capture more of their essence this way.” The artist and the model have an exchange of energy in the process which truly makes it an unforgettable experience. Zach explains, “They learn about something new, and I believe that when they leave, they do so having had an unforgettable experience.”

Ice Breaker

Asking if you can do someone’s portrait is a great way to initiate a conversation with someone.  “I’m also not the kind of artist that locks himself away not see the light of day until my work is complete,” Zach shares. “My art is really the byproduct of what makes me excited and happy - being able to socialize and take the time to get to know someone.”

“In the past, I would bring a sketchpad with me to a bar and just ask strangers if I could draw their portrait,” Zach reflects on a woman he met one night. “I asked her if I could draw her portrait. Though she seemed genuinely surprised, she said yes. After I completed the sketch, I gave it to her, and she just started crying. I was kind of scared. I thought “wow she must really hate it.” I mean the lighting was poor and we were talking so I didn’t think it was very good. To my surprise, she actually hugged and me and said she had never felt beautiful before. She thought the portrait was lovely. It meant that much to her.” These kinds of experiences are priceless. So, consider it. Consider using your artistic ability to meet people. You will form more relationships and maybe even create a piece that reaches the depths of someone’s soul. 

For more information about the business and to see the gallery visit: www.zaronson.com and www.instagram.com/zacharyaronson