Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Piper Bridwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Piper, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Being a self taught artist comes with many trashed canvases. It’s a long process, but one that is worth the time. It probably took me 3 years of painting and selling to finally call myself an artist. In the beginning, the imposter syndrome was heavy, but as I began to sell more work and have galleries interested in representing me, it began to go away. I took several workshops from artists that I respected and began to find my style. Once I realized that this was Gods plan for my life, my confidence grew and the work began to have more of a purpose and meaning behind it. Now, I strive to share Gods love through my work and have made so many sweet relationships in the process.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began painting 9 years ago after having a furniture painting business for 8 years. It just naturally morphed from one kind of painting to another. My furniture business taught me so much about paints and techniques that exploring finer paints on canvas felt like a whole new exciting adventure. It felt natural, but also difficult. When you are all self taught, you have so much to learn. You experiment by trying to figure out how artists before you did certain techniques. Trying to find your voice in a world where there is so much art out there can seem daunting. But once you feel that peace and authentic excitement about something you’ve created, you know you’ve found your way!

A lot of my time is spent on commission work. I love creating that special piece for someones home. What an honor it is to be chosen to create something that will be passed down for many generations. I pray over every piece and the families that will own it. I want my creator to be glorified in all that I do.

My work is sold in 4 galleries across the globe. Italy, the U.K. , the U.S. and an online gallery based out of Austria. Having collectors in 17 countries is something that blows my mind when I think about it. God took a little Oklahoma girl and has allowed her passion to be spread over His great world.

My works purpose is to spread the love of Jesus and never back down from the message of love and grace in this constantly changing culture.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Viewers who don’t understand abstract work may never appreciate it for what it is. But if they new the heart of the artist who created it, and the passion in which it was made, they may just start to understand the “why”. I feel that especially those that don’t “get” abstract work, should ask the artist what it means. Most would love to share their purpose and meaning behind their work. My art definitely has a very deep rooted meaning to me. I’m not creating to please anyone else. It’s all a conversation with God. My heart is set on Him and I am constantly asking for guidance as I paint. Different parts of my work mean different things. For instance, the blending that creates a glow represents being a light in this dark world, and is a reminder to love others, even our enemies. The thick texture that is in all of my work represents the gratitude in my heart.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to chose what I create and when I create it. Being a mom of three with a full time business has its difficulties. Iv’e had to move my studio out of the home to allow myself more of a “job space”. When I was painting at home, there were always things dragging me away from the easel. But now that I have my own studio, the time there is focused and so so sweet! Having the freedom to create what ever I’m feeling in that moment is the most amazing feeling. Although abstract art can seem to be “so easy my kid could do it”, it’s actually super challenging. Trying to find a composition that works and is pleasing along with choosing colors that work well together can actually be very frustrating. But once you see that its working and you get in a flow state, the reward is amazing!!!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.piperbstudio.com
• Instagram: @piperbstudio
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