BRYANNA MARIE / ARTIST INTERVIEW
|In depth view of Bryanna Marie's pretty pennies|
Abend Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Bryanna Marie, opening on June 15th, 2022. Bryanna Marie's solo exhibition is the culmination of hours spent painting on surfaces that are smaller than an inch in diameter. Often notating the date printed on the coin, Marie recontextualizes the ignored object and elevates it to a status of unique artwork. Thriving within the confines of the small scale, explore how Marie makes big moves on such a tiny surface.
What is something that you believe in deeply?
Bryanna: Consistency. Everything you can achieve as an artist or a person in any field for that matter, can eventually reach their goals if they work consistently and have a bit of patience.
How did coins become your substrate? Does the experience of painting change based on the type of coin?
Bryanna: After months of searching for copper sheets small enough for my miniatures, I happened to be in my studio, looked over at my coin jar and there it was, the perfect little copper canvas just waiting to be painted. As for the experience, it’s always different from coin to coin. For example, Lincoln’s profile tends to produce a lot of shadows so I prefer to paint busy landscapes with him in the background which adds to the depth of the painting.
How do you prep the penny surface for paint?
Bryanna: Copper is a lovely surface to paint on so the only thing I do to prepare is clean the coin really well. I do what I can to take off the fingerprints, oils and natural grime you’d get from something being passed from person to person for half a century.
DRY CLIMATE.
LUSH LANDSCAPES.
In Goodkin you say one of your rituals is to listen to podcasts while you paint. What’s some of your favorite podcasts or audiobooks to listen to?
Bryanna: It’s very true, I feel podcasts and audiobooks give me the opportunity to learn something new, keeping my sessions upbeat and proactive during my long hours in my studio. Currently, my favorite podcast is ArtCurious. With off-the-wall stories in art history, I’m always left wanting more.
As for audiobooks, I have to recommend Art & Fear. This book is written for any creative who feels even the least bit drained or discouraged. Truly a lovely and insightful read, I highly recommend for that bit of inspiration we’re always seeking.
What is your favorite paint color?
Bryanna: A favorite paint color, what a lovely question. Each one of my paints reminds me of something beautiful in nature. I have two colors that come to mind. The first is Payne’s Grey from Williamsburg. It gives me the exact feeling of an early morning walk on the beach covered in a chilly mist. The other is Yellow-Brown from Old Holland. It looks exactly like a fallen maple leaf in late October.