Markus Sebastiano is an artist-entrepreneur who made waves at SXSW 2019 for his “PowHERful” piece for SAP promoting gender equality. Sebastiano has come a long way since fighting for his achievements beginning with his childhood days working in his family metal shop. The mixed media artist has installations across the country, and he curates art locally at popular destinations such as the W Hotel in Boston. If you’ve gone to a hotel or restaurant in Boston recently, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Sebastiano’s work. He’s also the founder of Blochaus, a studio-gallery hidden in the old mills of Lawrence, MA connecting buyers with contemporary artists.
We visited Sebastiano’s studio to discuss these accomplishments, his youth-community work in Lawrence and much more for a special BSU recording. You can listen on any of your favorite audio platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, SoundCloud.) Also find the pre-podcast Q&A below. Enjoy.
Where did you grow up? Methuen, MA
How would you sum up your childhood? Ordinary
What word would your loved ones use to describe you? Sensitive
When did you identify you were an artist? 3rd grade
When would you say you officially became an artist? 2014
What most inspired you to become an artist? Texture
How would you describe your artistry? Vintage future
What is Blochaus? How do you describe the mission? Contemporary Art Gallery - Original
Blochaus is in Lawrence, an eclectic and diverse city. What’s your relationship with the city? Inspire
Are there any local Lawrence initiatives you’re a part? CHILL
What the biggest struggle you faced becoming an artist? Personal Resistance
What’s your advice to a young, struggling artist (or any young, struggling individual)? Situations are temporary
Besides art, what is your biggest passion in life? Philosophy
You’re a big note taker. What’s the subject of an interesting note you recently jotted down? Make a movie
Your friends with recent podcast guest Michael Bernier. How’d you two meet? Landscaping
You recently traveled. What is your favorite place you’ve visited? El Salvador
What would you change about the world? Judgement
I.E., What problem facing the world would you most like to see solved? Understanding we are all the same.
Before we close, what’s a new initiative you or someone else is up to that you’d like to share? Mutt Society
You can follow BSU on Twitter at @BostonSpeaksUp and discover more inspiring stories at the Boston Speaks Up blog; and you can recommend BSU guests by contacting bostonspeaksup@gmail.com.
