An Interview with Artist Brett Young

Every month during the First Friday Art Walk in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe we bring in an artist or maker for a pop-up! This month we’re bringing in artist Brett Young. We had the pleasure of having Brett in for a pop up last year and we’re excited to have her back! Ahead of her pop-up with us, we asked her some questions about herself, her art, and sustainability. Enjoy!

When did you start making and selling art?
I have been making art since I can remember, it has always been something that I had a knack for and felt passionately about. I have been selling pieces here and there since I was in college, but I have really tried to start focusing on making it more of a career over the past few years. 

What inspires your work?
So many things inspire my work, but i would say things going on in my life are what inspire me most. My emotions or how I’m feeling in my life affect my work a lot. But I also sporadically get ideas that pop into my head, and i immediately write them down on a list that I keep so that I can go back and further think through the idea, it’s almost like when you have a dream. 

What does sustainability mean to you and how does your art reflect that belief?
Sustainability to me means being intentional with what you have, not being wasteful, and appreciating what you have. I try to use a lot of things that I either find or can get at the thrift store. I frequently repurpose canvases or odd items I find at thrift stores or that people give me. I also enjoy painting and drawing on cardboard. 

What is your goal as an artist?
I would love to eventually become a full time artist and have complete freedom to create my ideas and what I want. I just want to be able to make things that I feel called to make and in return inspire other people. 

If you were an animal/breakfast cereal/ice cream flavor/style of architecture what would you be?
If I were an animal I think I would be a raccoon. Raccoons are cute but also have an edge to them. They are resourceful and make do with what they can find. I feel like there are many times when I kinda just figure it out without having what I need or the ideal situation. I would say Im a scavenger too and a bit wild. 

What’s next for you? Are there any projects or goals you are currently working toward that you'd like to share about?
I am currently about to start a mural for a business which I’m super excited about, because it will be my first one since moving to Denver. I’m just starting to pick up some speed with the art scene since moving, and I’m excited to do more pop ups, first Fridays, personal projects, and hopefully continue to reach out and have my art in more places.

Are there any artistic mediums you’d like to explore that you haven’t yet?
I took sculpture for a while and loved it. Although I’m a painter at heart and that’s my primary medium, I have been getting more into using wood for cutouts and I’d like to expand that. I am also super interested in clothing design and creating unique clothing through painting and drawing. I hope to maybe get into sewing so that I can further those ideas.

Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in being one of our featured artists, send us an email. We’re always looking to expand our community and showcase the talent our city has to offer.

Until next time,
“Be excellent to each other”