Bro. A. Brian Zampier, SM

Andrew Brian Zampier: artist and Marianist brother... Since 1979 I have made a mark almost every day in a sketchbook journal (currently on my 91st book!). I see it as a form of prayer, a way of checking in with my Creator, and giving thanks for the day. My current method involves working in three different books using a color pencil, a color pencil stick, a fine line color marker, and a bolder color marker, changing the colors daily. My love of drawing extends from using a black fine line marker to drawing on metal with a 40,000 degree plasma cutter. Joy flows through what I do because it is fun and spontaneous. With a sketchbook journal I am free to play and experiment. On-location drawing, abstract work, cartooning, imagination drawing, collage, and writing all appear in my sketchbook journals. My inspiration comes from the world around me and a variety of artists from Albrecht Durer to Vincent Van Gogh to Charles Schultz to Saul Steinberg to Keith Haring to David Hockney. A daily dose of inspiration also comes from working with Bro. Mel Meyer at Marianist Galleries in Kirkwood, Missouri (melsmart.com). The love I have for art started in kindergarten at Barneveld Elementary in upstate New York. I have been blessed with some wonderful instructors from K through 12, Mohawk Valley Community College (Advertising Design and Production), State University of New York at Buffalo (Communication Design), and Syracuse University (Illustration). My career in art has extended from being a graphic designer at a community college, a small publishing company, to an art department at General Electric. Since becoming a brother with the Marianists (an international Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers) in 1986, I have experienced art as ministry through Marianist Press, freelancing in graphic design and illustration, being a student of art therapy, and since 2003, as an artist assistant to Bro Mel. Through my ministry with Marianist Galleries, I have expanded my work to metal wall hangings, small metal sculptures, and handmade paper. People enjoy the whimsical side of my work and I love it when spirits are uplifted.