Triston Antoine is an emerging artist and designer based in Lafayette. Often working across multiple disciplines, his work is rooted in the synthesis and communication of new and innovative ideas involving the nature of humanity and the many ways that the ever-changing world is taking our species to exciting new directions. Triston holds a BFA with a focus on Interdisciplinary Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 

Who makes up your art circle?

I like to keep my circle stacked and interesting, always with an element of something new and exciting: Photographers, DJs, Club Kids, Socialites, the Fashion Girls, Tech Acolites, Scientists, Philosophers, Film Makers, Sculptors, Painters, Woodworkers, Jewelers, Animators, Illustrators… others. I’m still finding new people to be interested in!

How do you expand your art circle?

You don’t have to be part of someone else’s art circle for them to be a part of yours. People who inspire you can be part of your circle. While you create your art, those who inspire you are right there with you. That is the powerful part of creativity. An author can be part of your creative circle, a musician can be right there with you in the studio as you work.The same goes for people who you inspire. They don’t have to be part of your circle to relate to you; they don’t have to be your best friend to find a take-away from the things that you do and say.

I also like to travel. I know people from here, there, and everywhere because I move around. Plus, I’m nosy. I like to gossip. And I wanna know who is who – doing what, when, where, why, and how! And I go and try to meet those people. 

What value do you see in having a creative community?

A creative community is vital to staying inspired and innovative. Sharing information and resources is vital for the creative mind. It’s very hard to create in a vacuum. At the same time, make sure you maintain a variety of people, personalities, backgrounds and interests in your community, otherwise things will get boring, mundane, and humdrum very quickly! Keep it fresh..

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

I always find some way to be an innovator and a provocateur. I thrive on ideas, so I collect information and I try not to be stingy with sharing it. I think that’s a pretty big contribution.