Leaning In To Comfort

This year has been a tough one, but you guys, we’ve made it so far! Personally, this has been a year of significant growth and development set in dramatic contrast with the fear and tedium of COVID-19. I feel as if I’ve been straddling a very divide between immense gratitude and disheartenment*. I acknowledge that I’ve experienced this year from an extremely privileged vantage point, but it’s okay to acknowledge that this is hard for everyone on different levels. Even if you weren’t on the front lines, you’ve faced your fair share of loss and fear this year. I’m recognizing that in myself and being deliberate about the things I tell myself heading into this winter. Specifically, it’s okay to lean into comforts. Bring on all of the cozy blankets, pancakes, and candles.

I’m dedicating December to rest and reflection, and approaching work in the studio without expectations. While I work with both oils and gouache year round, the focus shifts away from oils as my process comes inside for the winter. It’s a relief to be able to approach this new cut paper work from a place of play and experimentation. For now, showing up and being present is the goal, and anything beyond that is just bonus. This month is for me.

Take the time you need to reflect on what you need right now. Do what you can to offer it to yourself among the pushes and pulls of your daily responsibilities. It’s not selfish, it’s not lazy, it’s important.

All my love and wishes for a safe holiday season,

Bri

*I had to ask Google if disheartenment is a real word because it feels like there is one too many suffixes, but IT IS! Yay for words!

A Collective Deep Breath and Launching Work from Wagon Hill

Ever since the country, and the rest of the world, was able to take a collective deep breath upon the announced 2020 election results, I’ve found myself bathing in waves of gratitude. Our country has way more work to do reaching for social justice, addressing the threats of climate change, and tackling election reform (the list could go on), but this week called for a moment of celebration. Saturday’s election results sparked a bit of optimism for the future, opening up brain space for more personal reflection and less news feed refreshing in my life.

There is one thing in particular that continues to show up in my moments of reflection. I am so grateful for the opportunity to make art in times of stress. As an artist, I find that every life experience influences my work, sometimes clearly influencing a palette choice and other times in less conscious ways. Although the heart of my recent Wagon Hill Farm paintings are rooted in the practice of plein air landscape painting, abstraction, and color, they are inextricably linked to the political, social, and emotional climate of the past few months. The content of the work doesn’t always reveal those feelings, but they will always sit on the same shelf in my mind. They are a reminder that even amid stress and pandemonium, we are capable of being still and absorbing the beauty that exists in the world. Each piece is documentation of a moment of pausing to observe and be present. May we all strive to be present in each day.

Seeing this collection come together brings me an immense sense of gratitude. I’m thankful that I have committed to holding quiet space for myself throughout this past year, but I’m also thankful for the ability to share that with you. I am currently framing and photographing the first batch of Wagon Hill paintings in preparation for a shop update this Monday, November 16 at 4 pm EST. Newsletter subscribers will receive priority access 24 hours in advance.

As always, thank you so much for caring to read my thoughts and explore my work. I’m sending so much love!

XO

Bri

4 Reasons to Buy Original Art

1. Buying Art is Empowering.

   There is this huge misconception that buying art is for the elite. Sure, there’s a lot of art with hefty price tags, but there are also ways to start an original art collection on a budget. Here are a few of my tips:

   1. Pay attention to emerging artists in your community and on instagram. Emerging artists are typically pricing their work lower as they experiment with their voice and establish a following.

   2. Follow artists on social media. Buying art directly from artists is a fabulous way to score a deal. Sometimes artists just need to clean out the studio and offer pieces that are no longer serving them at a reduced cost. Instagram flash sale, anyone?

   3. If you fall in love with a gigantic painting, but are cringing on the price tag, consider a payment plan. Many artists are happy to coordinate an agreement that will help you land that perfect one-of-a-kind piece. 

   4. Pay attention to galleries that pride themselves in making art accessible and have developed creative ways to make that possible. My favorite spot is Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, NH. They coordinate the Enormous Tiny Art Show in the Spring and Fall at their gallery and maintain the effort online year-round. All pieces in this show are 10” x 10” or smaller, and you can find art from established artists at a “tiny” price. 

   5. Keep your eye out for art in unexpected places. I bought my first piece of art from a “YartSale” (So punny, right?!) on the side of the road in my hometown. It was quite literally a yard sale with art. The piece is a humble 4” x 4”  pastel cityscape (image below), and I don’t even know who the artist is, but it brings me so much joy. 

   6. If you can’t swing the price tag of an original, check an artist’s website to see if they offer prints! Artist made prints are typically high quality and limited edition, so you are still getting something special while supporting that person’s work.

YART SALE FIND

My First Original Art Purchase, 2014

My favorite Nesting Bowls from Kayla Granoff

2. Own something one-of-a-kind.

We live in a world where almost everything is mass produced, even wall art. I urge you to resist the Target art isle, or at least mix the collection on your walls with original work. There is something really special about having a piece of art in your home that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Left: Original Collage, Elizabeth A. Curry
Right: Print of Deer Isle Marsh, Sarah Madiera Day

3. Directly Support an Artist’s Work.

Unlike buying something commercially produced, buying original art directly benefits the artist. Even a small sale is a big push and means a whole lot. It can be a very personal transaction. You are not only buying an object, but you are investing in a vision.

4. Art is Powerful.

Everyone connects with art differently, but when you find a piece that speaks to you, it’s magic. Art can trigger memories, bring joy, and make a statement. When you’re hunting for the right piece, pay attention to what resonates with you rather than trying to match it to your couch. If you have a connection with a piece of art, it will fit into your world long after you redecorate your living room.

Bri Custer, The Best View in the Park, 36” x 66”, 2014