"Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up."

I was the weird kid. The youngest of five and the only artist in the family, I'm sure my parents weren't too sure what to do with me growing up, but they always made sure I had access to art supplies and cheered me on. 

Enter Mr. Burgraff, my art teacher in elementary school. He took my weirdness and creative energy and gave it some direction, and from him I began learning how to use different media and techniques. Being as awkward as I was and having more interest in art than socializing, I found refuge in his art room any chance I could get. You know those fabled teachers that are life-changing and one-in-a-million? I was lucky enough to have one as an art teacher.

From him, I learned my core principals in art: there is no such thing as bad art, and there's no wrong answer in art. All you need to do is create for the sake of creating.

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After graduating with a degree in art education, I went a different path career-wise, but continued to make art in my free time. My partner, Kellen, and my kids have always asked me why I never turned my art into a small business, but I just didn't have the time to focus on it. Cue the pandemic, and suddenly I was able to pour my time and energy into making art.

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I think this is the part where I tell you about my particular style and from where I get my inspiration. Honestly? I have no real answers. I have no definitive style, but more often than not, it's loud, colorful, chaotic, and messy. I use an array of different styles and media, and what I use depends on what feels right that day. As for my ideas and inspiration, my brain envisions something that would be interesting, weird, or just simply the thought of, "wouldn't it be funny if...", and the ideas take off running. My art may not have any profound deep meaning, but if I can create a little bit of joy in the world, I feel like I've succeeded. 

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Hi. I'm Bri, and I'm still the weird kid.