Wayne Kerr is a Texas artist, musician and creative spirit. Come learn about his work, including his latest endeavor: an inspiring book.
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This month we continue getting to know Texas artists, this time in an interview featuring Wayne Kerr.
We first took note of Kerr on Instagram, where his beautiful paintings reflect the iconic Texas spirit. But when we heard about his new book, we knew an interview with this talented, creative spirit was perfect for our readers.
The Texas Wildflower (TW): Tell us a little about yourself.
Wayne Kerr (WK): I am from Houston, and we currently live in Fulshear. I’ve been married for 19 years with two beautiful little girls who have my heart.
I grew up as an art kid, always drawing and painting. In college, at Texas Lutheran University, I studied art. But, while I was there in Seguin, I stumbled into the piano and fell in love. I started writing songs like crazy and was about ready to drop out of school about half way through.
My parents freaked out. Making the career choice from artist to musician is kinda like going from the lower rung on the ladder of jobs down to the next lower one!
I stayed in school and graduated with an art degree. Soon after, however, I realized God had a calling on my life with music. I went to do music at a summer camp and was blown away by the kids. It was a powerful time in my life. In 1995, I became a full-time musician, recording and launching my first album.
For the next 16 years I was on the road doing music full time. I released one full albums and toured internationally. I was blessed to play some really large events like Resurrection Youth Conference in Tennessee with 12,000 students.
TW: How did you come to being an artist? A gallery owner? Who influences (or has influenced) you creatively?
WK: About five years ago, my art and painting resurfaced in my life. I really missed it. I did a little pop-up art show and was amazed at the response.
It was also really good for me to be working back in the visual arts again.
In the last couple of years, I’ve done juried art shows in New Mexico, Colorado and here in Texas.You can usually catch me at Round Top twice a year—during the antique weeks at Marburger Farm—selling my art. I currently don’t own a gallery, just sell online and at shows.
And I love artists like Mark Maggiori, Michael Atkinson and many more.
TW: Tell us about the new book, “Braving,” and how it came to be.
WK: Wow, this has been a cool journey!
Two years ago, I was given the blessing of taking a two-month sabbatical from my church worship leading position (where I now serve in a half-time capacity). I wanted to reach out to people who inspire me and just pick their brains.
As people started responding and I began having conversations … I was blown away. I thought, “I just need to share this with people.” So many nuggets of inspiration! My idea, which started out as a journal for me, morphed into this book.
The book is called “BRAVING: The Art of Pursuing What Makes You Come Alive.” In it, I share wisdom from 35 trailblazers who are following their heart.
These include film makers like Ben Masters (“Unbranded”), musicians like Dave Barnes and Fernando Ortega as well as entrepreneurs like Tara Royer and Johnny Carrabba My one-hour conversation with author John Eldredge which appears in the final chapter, was the highlight of my year. I share some of my own stories, too.
I feel like these days more than ever, the human heart is taking a pounding. And many people are afraid to follow their dream or their calling. I really hope this book inspires people to take stock and look at their hearts—and then be encouraged to go for it in their own lives.
The opening chapter is pretty hilarious, as my wife told me all she wanted for her birthday was a treehouse. I said for sure, “NO PROBLEM!” Then I quickly realized that this art/music guy pretty much stinks at construction. All that happened next was pretty hilarious, but I got it done!
In the process, I learned some lessons: be a life-long learner, fail and fail often, the importance of meraki (Greek word for putting your whole self into your work). All of these lessons became book chapters.
At the end of the book, I pose the question: “What treehouse are you building?” I hope the lessons help equip people to pursue what makes their own hearts come alive.
TW: As we enter the new year, after an especially trying time for many, what role do you see the arts, creativity and your book’s theme(s) playing In our return to “normal”?
WK: Many musicians and artists I know are obviously struggling, as calendars changed, events cancelled. I’ve had ten events cancel so far. But many whom I know are taking advantage of the time to work on their craft, to create work that matters, to bring beauty into the world. People are using online resourses now more than ever. We need to share what we are creating with people!
The arts are needed in our world. Not everything is just for function. The world needs beauty, art, music and expression.
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TW: What’s the one thing you most wish people understood about Wayne Kerr and your life’s work?
WK: I hope that people are in some way impacted by the art and the music I have made. I hope they stop long enough to look and listen. I hope people do stop and see where they are in their own faith journey. I am so thankful that God is so very creative and loves, loves for us to be creative.
TW: Thanks so much, Wayne! Readers: You can learn more about Wayne Kerr—and learn from his wisdom—through his websites (art: KerrvilleGallery.com; music: WayneKerrMusic.com) and Instagram channels (art: @KerrvilleGallery music and book: @go.be.brave)
