Austen Brantley is a figurative sculptor from (and based out of) Detroit, Michigan. He initially had little to no knowledge of his artistic abilities until he reached his junior year at Berkley High School in 2011. Austen was inspired by his High school ceramics teacher who saw his potential to succeed in things he thought weren't possible; as a result in 2013 after a mere two years of sculpting Austen began receiving local and statewide recognition for his creations and won a gold key with his portfolio in national scholastic's competition. Austen's art has been displayed at various prominent galleries and venues, the Charles H Wright museum , the Detroit Institute Of Arts in conjunction with the 30 Americans Exhibition, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. he was the winner of the Kresge Gilda Snowden award. He was also chosen for the commission for the highly honored civil rights activist known as Viola Liuzzo in creating A life size monument in her likeness.