Brian J. Bush
Mixed Media

Carnival Sculpture

I have been fascinated by the carnival traditions of New Orleans for as long as I can remember. As a child, the old wagon wheeled floats of Comus became the much needed creative outlet I was yearning for. This later led me to work in the local float building industry. For years I worked with many talented artists. These experiences, and the never ending influence of the Crescent City continue to inspire me to create.

I use as much recycled material as possible in my art. Corrugated cardboard boxes, brown paper bags, newspaper and telephone books are some of my regular materials. From theseand other assorted and recycled items, I create walking heads/puppets, carnival flowers, small, and large sculptures. Everything I make, depicts in some way, New Orleans unique, musical, cultural and carnival tradition, which is ever evolving.

Brian J. Bush was born in New Orleans in 1971. A paper mache’ artist and former carnival float builder, Bush has demonstrated in the Folk Life Village at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 7 times in recent years. From 2011-2015, he was hired as Artist in Residence for the festival’s Children’s Village demonstration tent. He is the founder of Carnival Sculpture (established 2002) a company specializing in paper mache’ art using recycled materials. His art can be seen regularly at the monthly event Art in the Bend and daily at the following shops/galleries: Downtown Gallery on Frenchmen St., Miette on Magazine St., Home Malone on Carrollton and Magazine, Sans Souci in Lafayette, La GUILD in Canal Place and Fleurty Girl in Old Gretna.