Meet Conrad Hunt | Artist & Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Conrad Hunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Conrad, why did you pursue a creative career?
Within the 12+ years of this career and—especially in the pandemic—my, “Why,” has become crystal clear. It has been calcified and galvanized throughout COVID. We need art. In all it’s forms. I need it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Ha! I’m pretty much a one-man band, so, as you can imagine, it never really stops. I’d like to think I’m improving at the whole, “work-life balance,” but, is that even a thing?

What keeps me busy is my willingness to spend time with my guest’s and their needs. Many artists cannot handle or, are not interested in, the complex projects. The emotional, involved, large-scale or symbolic pieces… I love it all!

I want to have fun days at work too, but, I specifically structured Lantern Arts to be able to slow down with guest’s—at any point of the process—and give them space to ask questions, be nervous, vulnerable, try different ideas, sizes and placements, have a breakdown (or breakthrough), ya know, a typical Tuesday!

My art, shop, and style have all been hard-earned, yet, are completely intuitive. They come from—again—a constant attempt at balancing my mind, body and spirit. I create art to help others as art and tattooing help me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Oh, this one’s easy! I live in the Tetons so, naturally, we’re surrounded by magic. There is no other word for it. I feel so incredibly grateful to be where I am. This was my great-grandmother’s favorite place on the planet and I ended up here. While this area presents many challenges, it is powerful. Energetic. Comforting.

Whether cruising around trying to catch a glimpse of wildlife, basking in the awe of the mountains and resorts, strolling through the world-class galleries, or indulging in the equally top-notch cuisine there is no shortage of things to do here! East or West-side of the Tetons (my shop’s on the West) you will be able to find something to connect with.

Recently, the Western-slope has had a huge boom in the art scene and, consider me biased, but I would have to recommend my friend and fellow artist, Katy Ann Fox. She owns FOXTROT Fine Art in downtown Driggs, ID, about a block from my private studio gallery. She provides an (admittedly larger) gallery-space too but—more importantly—a gathering space. A communal space.

There is a LOT happening here—in and outside of art—and I feel so privileged to contribute to this valley!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

First and foremost—and even my partner understands this—I HAVE to say my great-grandmother. She was a professional oil painter and, after she retired she was living with my family and I for awhile. I was five years old at the time and, with her foresight and wisdom, she could easily recognize what “little me” had in store. One afternoon she—in a way only a great-grandmother could—reached out and held my hand for a moment. Without saying too much she invited me into her temporary home-studio.

That afternoon changed everything.

It’s her. She handed me this gift, taught me this magic and showed me how it heals.

Website: cradhx.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @cradhx / @lanternxarts

Facebook: @cradhx / @lanternxarts

Other: cradh@hotmail.com

Image Credits
Ben Chapple, Rylee Al-Ghetta, Personal