We recently connected with Brett Schenning and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brett, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

That’s a fantastic question! Legacy means our actions can make a difference. As an artist, I want to create work that touches people’s hearts. I hope to shed light on underrepresented communities in rural America, since I grew up in a small, quiet town in the Midwest. Many people have misconceptions about these communities, but most of these come from outside perspectives. Growing up in a small town with less than 700 residents, I know what it’s like to be isolated from larger societal conversations. I hope to help people understand the humanity and culture that come from small communities. In an age when the term “other” has such a negative connotation, I believe that dispelling any misconceptions about what small town life is really like can bring love and appreciation to those who don’t get much attention.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an image maker who loves working with old-school analog film photography. My photo journey started way back in the late 90s when I had the chance to study with a photographer named Ray Spicer at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. That experience totally changed my life! Studying fine art really opened my eyes to all the little details around us. It showed me how beautiful things can be, even if we don’t notice them when we’re busy with everyday life. My goal is to show people the small things we often miss and to help people connect with each other and feel more empathy for one another.

What truly brings me joy is when I can shed light on causes that hold significance for me and evoke fond memories of my childhood. I’ve been working on a long-term project that pays tribute to rural farmers, particularly those who prioritize organic and sustainable practices. You see, nourishing food is the foundation of a happy and healthy life, and I believe in giving credit to those who ensure we have access to quality food. Documenting the efforts of America’s farming community serves as a poignant reminder of the love and care we all share for the citizens of our planet.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

As a visual artist, I’m always surrounded by images. But this year, I stumbled upon a new obsession that I didn’t even know I had. A year ago, I was asked to teach a printmaking course, and to get ready for my lectures, I delved into the history of the medium and its famous artists. One of them that I already knew about completely blew my mind – Rembrandt. I knew about his etchings, but I was more familiar with his contributions to painting. When I started studying his drawings and etchings, I was completely captivated. I always understood his ability to capture the emotions of his subjects, but the way he studied those people on the fringes of society was truly magical. I was especially moved after listening to a printmaking podcast called Platemark, which has a series about the History of Prints. They had a three-part deep dive into the artist, and honestly, I was never the same after that.

Platemark produced another episode within their History of Prints series on the artist Kathe Kollwtiz that literally brought tears to my eyes. They break down her piece ‘Battlefield’ that really shook me up. Understanding the deep emotional connection behind this print elevated the work and the artist to a whole new level for me. I keep coming back to that episode to remind myself of the incredible power of art to evoke emotions and foster empathy among us.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being creative is one of the best parts of my life because it feels like I’m making a real difference. Creating something tangible with my time is so much more satisfying than living a static and inactive life. As an educator, I see so many students glued to their phones, totally missing out on everything around them. They spend hours staring at their phones or playing video games, and it’s heartbreaking. Life is too short to waste it like that. I want to make sure I lived a good life, even if it wasn’t perfect, and that I made the most of it. Honestly, after I discovered art, I was never bored again. As I get older, I’m spending less and less time in front of a screen. There are just so many amazing things I could be doing with my time, spreading truth and beauty to the world. I can’t imagine wasting precious time with nothing to show for it. As a teacher, I hope to guide some of my students towards that path and make their daily lives more enjoyable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brettschenning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brettschenning/

Image Credits

Virginia EW Schenning took the headshot of me, otherwise I am the author of the photographs submitted.