Meet Bryn Bell | Illustrator and Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryn Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that artists are constantly taking a risk by pursuing a creative career. Similarly, I believe that as an artist, it is vital I take risks in my work. Artwork is inherently personal, and no matter the content or perceivability of the artist’s intentions, there is risk in sharing that piece with the world, but I suspect that that vulnerability is what draws audiences most. In my life, risk has presented itself most as the act of pursuing my creative ambitions, and every risk I have taken has led to me becoming more myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would describe my art as whimsically absurd. I enjoy altering conventional proportions in the characters I create as well as mixing facets of traditional and digital art. I am most excited about the future! There are so many sectors in the art world I can’t wait to sift through and delve into. I faced a challenge creatively when I was figuring out my individual style and brand. I found it difficult to balance my need to appeal to commercial art interests with my own desire to experiment in my work. However, with help from a mentor, I realized that being authentic was more impactful than trying to emulate something that already exists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to pay me a visit, we would escape the suburbia for a week trip to Phoenix, Arizona, sprawling and host to a vibrant artistic community. Depending on the week of the visit, we could attend First Friday, an art event in the first week of each month, and walk along the shops on Roosevelt Row where local artist vendors present and sell their work. The Phoenix Art Museum is a cultural landmark of its own, but I find myself also intrigued by the pop-up installations that surface on occasion. We could take a day to visit the Desert Botanical Garden and appreciate the desert landscape before quickly darting back indoors to get out of the sun. For a bite to eat, there is no shortage of hip places downtown to go, but my choice is Shimogamo, a family-owned Japanese restaurant in Chandler that has been open since 2003. The sushi is amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be the artist I am today without the help of my instructors and peers at my alma mater, Ringling College of Art and Design. Being surrounded by peers whose passion for creativity matched mine as well as taught by outstanding artists was a true privilege. I will give a special mention to Professor Joe Thiel, whose critiques and advice haunt me still.

Website: https://www.brynbell.com/

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