Meet Brianna Lee Anguiano | Artist + Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Lee Anguiano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianna Lee, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Do you know that feeling you get when you’re hanging out with your friends/family on a summer night? I’m inspired by the warmth and safety of my loved ones. I’m inspired by drag queens, dolls and divas, anyone with a strong identity and personal style. I’m inspired by warm feelings and wholesome moments but I’m also inspired by chaos and disarray.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography found me when I needed it most.

Making art has saved me from my own self, I create my own reality so I can feel safe. I’ve been an artist all my life. You are one too if you think you are. Everyone has the power to express themselves. If you tell yourself you’re incapable of something you put up a block. You say you can only draw stick figures? Create 1,000 stick figures. You say you can’t even draw a straight line? Forget the straight line. Bring out lumpy waves and spirals and swirling shapes. Create without expectation. Just because you haven’t been doing something vour whole life does not mean that you can’t start now.

Every time I create I learn a little more about myself. The self discovery part of being an artist is very exciting.
Every piece, no matter if it’s something I’m proud of or something I feel fell short, it brings me to a deeper understanding of who I am. There are days where I feel I’m running in circles and there are days full of transparent progress. Even when you’re moving slowly you’re still moving.

I used to feel very guilty for the times I spent not creating. Right now I’m at a point in my life where I’ve learned to respect my journey, to take time for myself-nourishing my body nourishing my soul. I honor this process. it doesn’t make me less of an artist to spend time working on myself in other areas.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Malibu is a favorite because I get to take the Topanga Canyon route, they have a cute community in the mountains right before you hit the Pacific Coast Highway. Depending on which one of my besties is visiting I’d take them to a rooftop bar in Hollywood or a dive bar in Boyle Heights. The Hunington gardens and Eaton Canyon Park in Pasadena. Superchief Gallery always has cool exhibits going on. Karaoke in Korea town or an afterhours in DTLA.

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?
Community. Family. Friends. California. Texas.

Instagram: @_briannalee