Meet b r e s m i t h | abstract artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with b r e s m i t h and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi b r e, how do you think about risk?
Risk often has a negative connotation, but when I view risk as a challenge, it becomes exciting and stimulating. Sometimes given opportunities to take risks, I fear people will not like what I create, but that fear itself reminds me to be more concerned with expressing how I feel. I really should be the one who likes my art. Risks compel me to double-down and choose to be confident in my art, in spite of the unknowns.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a proud native Angeleno — 6 generations to be exact. We come from Native American roots. My grandmother did needlework, sewed, cooked, crafted. My Nona made all my prom dresses and was a very creative human. I come from a long lineage of strong women, and I’ve been surrounded by creators. As a child, everything in my life was somehow handmade, and it’s shaped my ability to be myself and to have fun experimenting in the arts. Growing up in Los Angeles, I went to elementary school in Downtown, surrounded by friends from a variety of cultures, and now I love to paint against that backdrop of music from different cultures. It evokes emotions in me.

I truly love how my art makes people feel. I did a video call with a 9-year-old who told me all that she saw when she looked at my paintings. It’s humbling and magical that what makes me happy as self-expression makes someone else happy when they see or feel something. People can make you feel good through their food or music, and similarly, when I hear how my art resonates with others and touches them, it shows the power of taking chances. If you don’t try to put yourself out there because you’re afraid of the unknown, or because of self-doubt, others miss out too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh if only there wasn’t traffic in the City of Angels.. You literally have to plan your trip from one part of the city to the next. I would suggest starting in DTLA – driving around the arts district to find new street artists or visit some of the great pieces, venture to Union Station – If the Boys in Blue are in town, go to a Dodgers Game – be excited to see the 3rd oldest stadium in the league (crazy, I know) Vernetti on Larchmont is amazing and the Chef/Owner is one of the best guys I know. Everyone has to find what they love, like, yes we have our staples that everyone flocks to… you know where they are. Che at Pace, Laurel Canyon is also first class -I’ve now moved towards Hollywood/West Hollywood – again, you gotta just make your way West (don’t start west and head east, chances are you are flying out of LAX) Getty Villa – people always forget about. I mean if you want the hot spots visit @tinx she is legit taking over LA LA Land and has all the spots. I am just a local gal who enjoys good people who will make sure you feel the “LA LOVE” – yes, its a thing. Oh and lastly, stop by the Loews Santa Monica, Chef Chris is a rock star and you might see some art by this girl.

Hotels to visit – Pendry West Hollywood, The Hollywood Roosevelt (Spare Room always a winner), Hotel Erwin, Venice, Ask for Amy, little miss hospitality herself. Man, I have so many places, maybe just drive up and down my favorite street, Orange Grove and admire the homes/palm trees. Lastly, the Hollywood Bowl (get the sangria, thank me later) just remember to play and sing, Randy Newmans, “I LOVE LA!”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success is owed to the support of my community. I’ve always had friends who will go out of their way to tell me that I need to create. Even during COVID, the sheer volume of people reaching out to me to commission works is so encouraging. The fact that people want to support someone up-and-coming is what gives me momentum. It’s all about people recognizing themselves in my art and wanting to pay it forward. Near, far, you know who you are, and I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart.

Website: http://bresmithart.com

Instagram: @bresmithart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bre-smith7/

Image Credits
Ari Sturm @aristurm