Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Stenzel.
Hi Brianna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised in a very creative family. My dad has a background in screen printing and my mom was a fine artist. She excelled in photo-realistic oil painting. Growing up I remember drawing and coloring as much as I could. One of my mom’s favorite works of mine was a pickle I drew at age 4. I found it a few years back and have it framed in my art room. Throughout grade school, I was featured in the Z.E.D traveling art show.
In second grade my still life painting made its way to the capital. Art was always my favorite subject. My sister and I often drew on the back of placemats at restaurants and in the summer time we drew with chalk any chance we could. During my senior year of high school, I was a post-secondary student at RCTC. I massively enjoyed my art classes and felt at home. In April 2010 my mom died from a pulmonary embolism. It was a result of compounding health issues and surgery. It was a huge loss that affected me greatly.
As the youngest of five daughters, I had the least time with her and was at a pivotal point in my life. Life quickly moved on while I tried my best to cope. I attended Winona State University and received a Studio Art minor, an Early Childhood Education major, and an Elementary Education major. Upon graduation I worked in Early Childhood settings, first spending time in Indiana.
While living in a different state my husband (fiance at the time) and I planned our wedding. With the busyness of working and planning a wedding, I felt my grief creep in and overwhelm me. I needed an outlet. I began learning how to play the ukulele and began painting with great intention. I painted about the experiences I went through and the people that impacted my life and emoted through color and symbolism. I felt determined to put my art self out there.
Fast forward a few years later. My husband and I moved back to Minnesota. I accumulated a series of paintings and approached SEMVA Gallery. I became a member and volunteered my time for a few years. I continued to paint and also dipped my toes into creating greeting cards and working with upcycled items and resin. I currently have work in Threshold Arts, Clover and Rose, and Cafe Steam.
Throughout our time back in Rochester there have been many life-altering moments. I switched lanes a bit moving from an Early Childhood setting to a Montessori school, RMS. I’m currently working full-time and am in an AMS Guide training program through VMTEC. During this time I’ve fought a battle against my health. I’ve had two abdominal surgeries, one to remove Endometriosis, a large Angiomyolipoma, and my left kidney; and a second to remove more Endometriosis and an Endometrioma on my left ovary.
I also had wrist surgery to remove a cyst and snip a tendon due to De Quervian’s tendinitis. Recovering from surgeries has been a challenge physically, mentally, and emotionally. These days I am focusing on finishing my guide training and working. It has been harder to make time for art making, but when I do I ensure I am making art for myself as well as producing for the public. I have begun a private project inspired by my health journey and our path to fertility.
I am focusing on self-care by taking time to meditate, planning healthy meals, and making more space for movement. I feel thankful to those in the community supporting me and my art, as well as my friends and family who have been sounding boards when necessary. I am grateful to have a supportive husband and of course, I give thanks to my mom for being an inspiration and passing many of her qualities onto me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having so many surgeries has been a result of several chronic conditions. I have been learning to live with Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and more. Being a creative, hardworking, goal-driven individual is very difficult to do when living in a chronic state of pain and fatigue. I often feel down on myself about not producing enough art or doing enough around our home, but I always try to remind myself “I’m doing my best” and “Slow progress is still progress”.
I’ve been processing grief in different forms, from losing my mom to losing a “typical” fertility experience. Through my experiences, I have learned about my strength, endurance, and my capacity for empathy. In the words of my mom’s favorite quote by Khalil Gibran, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest of souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love painting in different mediums. I enjoy Plein Air painting with oil paints, acrylic pour painting, and painting with watercolors. I am known for punny cards, most of which start as watercolor paintings. I am inspired by nature and often paint birds as well as other creatures and botanicals.
I am conscious of the wasteful aspects of art making which inspired me to use materials in different ways. I upcycle functional items, like serving trays, and reuse poured paint remnants. I create hangings by encasing these remnants in resin and suspending them using metal loops and chains.
What sets me apart from others is the use of color theory. When pour painting you cannot guarantee what product you will get, however choosing colors wisely can reduce muddy colors or enhance complimentary colors. I feel color can express what isn’t directly portrayed.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I am a highly sensitive person and I feel my empathy for others is very much related to my success. Even in the case of my punny cards, I can connect with people, whether it’s a laugh or acknowledging feelings toward a lost loved one.
I want people to feel seen. I also feel my resilience has been a contributor to my success. I have been through very low times and pulled myself up, often from the support of those close to me.
Pricing:
- $3-$5 Cards
- $15-$60 Prints
- $15-$150 Resin and Pour Remnant Hangings
- $25-$200 Upcycled Functional Items
- $40-$500 Original Paintings
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cecescollective
- Facebook: @Cece’s Collective
Image Credits
Jean Harvey Barck
