Biography
Beau Buchanan (aka Beau Roque) rediscovered his love of creating art while living in Aomori Prefecture, Japan when a dear friend sent an old box of broken soft pastels. Since then, Beau has relentlessly been adventuring with color via all kinds of mediums. While he has yet to have any works in a permanent collection—a dream of his, he strives to learn something new each day and will follow his heart to create works that connect with others.
Beau’s formal training lies in oboe performance, having earned his Masters in Music performance from the University of Delaware (2011). Additionally, he graduated with a Band Instrument Repair diploma from Minnesota State College (2003) and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of South Florida (2004).
Beau lived, taught English and performed abroad in Aomori, Japan which profoundly impacted how he views the world. He is passionate to help others achieve their dreams and goals and will stop at nothing to bring positivity to our world. Beau currently resides with his two cats, Silas and Gonzo, in Seattle, Washington where he works as an HR Program Manager. There he also continues to build a musical community as a Music Director for the Amazon Wind Ensemble, an affiliate to the Amazon Symphony Orchestra of which he was the founding Chair.
Artist Statement
My hope through art, music and poetry is that others feel connected and emotionally empowered to find the healing in light and color, rhythm and tone, and the words we share. Throughout my life journey, struggles and celebrations, art has always been accessible in some form, and I choose to see the beauty around us. As I continue to explore, I hope you can join me on the adventure.
Since 2017 and the sudden death of my late husband, I have been using art to explore my thoughts and emotions when there simply haven’t been enough words to express such a great loss. I have found through the intense emotional (and physical) pain of grief, that I continue healing by following a path filled with rich vibrant colors. Fortunately and unfortunately, I feel that amidst the grief that I have gained a different understanding of happiness and what it means to live in each moment.
When I am in my creative flow, I hope to capture the spirit of being alive in-the-now and all the colors it brings. Each moment provides a different palette of emotions. As my art teacher, Ted Matz, would say, “Don’t let the path end!” I hope you will walk with me on this path and see beauty in the colors and light.
The majority of my art-making is with watercolor—The flow and release of how the pigments react is much like how I feel about life. Sometimes you just have to let go and go with the flow. In addition to watercolor, I enjoy using wax, ink and collage techniques to find footing with the depth of my emotions. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to connect with each other with art.