making the "bean dream" a reality: Kyle Brooks

We are so thrilled with our freshly painted mural by Kyle Brooks.

We asked him for something that could showcase our coffee and our name with a little southern charm, and we think he did just that.

You can read his blog posts about the process here, here, here and here.

We definitely found a new friend in Kyle, and we hope he found a new favorite coffeehouse!

I asked Kyle a few questions and here are his answers.

What made you want to be an artist?

I feel like it found me. I think I am just dealing with something laid upon me; a colorful burden on my mind. For a long time I did not paint. I always drew but did not paint. Once I began to paint out my thoughts I have continued and done so more and more obsessively.

What is the hardest part about being an artist?

Dealing with what you have been dealt. I often realize I think differently than a lot of other folks. It is a blessing to have art skills but sometimes the thoughts that go along with it are hard to handle.

What is your favorite piece that you have created?

I have a couple paintings I made around 2000, Man and Bull in Box and Green Baby Jesus.Those are paintings I plan on keeping. Last years BeltLine Bears Mural has really been great for me career-wise.

My new wall at Hodgepodge isn't too bad either. :)

watch a video of the beltline bears here.

What are your goals as an artist?

To paint from my soul. To not limit my thought process or censor my own thinking.

Who are your biggest influences as an artist?

We are like sponges and soak up a little of everything. A few painters I admire are El Greco, Van Gogh, De Kooning and Pollock. I am inspired by folk artists Howard Finster and Katherine Michael.

Katherine Michael "Large Collage"

What piece of art would you like to own and display in your own home?

My walls are covered in my paintings (because I have no where else to store them!) I do have a painting by Sam Granger and one by Katherine Michael.

If you were not an artist, what would you be?

I dream of flying so I want to be a pilot; or a crow.

You're also a musician, who would be your dream person to duet with?

Considering I sang my first duet ever in December I can't see much of this happening. Maybe I could go back in time and sing with a early 1970's Merle Haggard.

Click to go to Merle Haggards "Mama Tried"

What is your favorite thing about Atlanta?

I am big on recent history; mid 1800's and early 1900's. I have tried to learn all I could about Atlanta history during its early years and through the civil war era. I love to study old photos and compare them to now. My family has been in Atlanta since at least the mid 1800's and I love thinking about how it used to be.

What is your favorite thing to order at a coffee shop?

A strong black coffee. Simple.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me Kyle.

We wish you so much success!

And we couldn't be happier with our cute lil' cuppa!