Today we’d like to introduce you to Bronwyn Dierssen.
Bronwyn, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My story starts like most, being a kid obsessed with art and creating, but never grew out of it. I spent most of my free time painting and sketching when I was young, which evolved into graffiti and creating characters as a teenager. That led to some legal trouble, and I decided to try other ways of being creative. I was already collecting vinyl toys and started making custom ones to trade on the Kid Robot forums about ten years ago. At that point, I was busy working multiple jobs, dealing with health and family issues and art took a back seat until I became pregnant almost five years later. I was high risk and mostly confined to my house, so I started sketching again, and it made hours pass like they were minutes. It calmed my anxiety, gave me purpose, and became my passion.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My work explores beauty and expression from a variety of cultural backgrounds through larger than life charcoal portraits. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, was really lucky to travel abroad at a young age and now live in Arizona, which has influenced my art a lot. I love showing the connection of a person with their environment or culture through dress or physical background. Being able to preserve a history that has been erased and suppressed while showing the incredible beauty and strength through artwork is extremely powerful. My portraits try to create a balance of realistic features and rougher areas so you can see how I built up the drawing to give the viewer more insight into my process.
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Keep grinding!! It takes time to master your craft and to find the right market for your work. In the meantime network with other local artists for support and sharing tips, find as many supplies at yard sales as possible, take commissions from family and friends and start contacting local galleries, coffeehouses or art events to show your work. It’s a slow process, but if your creating something you’re proud of and passionate about others will see that and support you.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can commission your own work of art or purchase an original through my website bronwyndierssen.com, find me on Instagram @bronwyn_dierssen_art, unfortunately, my solo show at Mr. Heads Gallery in Tucson is coming to a close, but I will have all available pieces on the website as well as updates for future shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: bronwyndierssen.com
- Email: bronwyndierssenart@gmail.com
- Instagram: Bronwyn_dierssen_art

Image Credit:
Bronwyn Dierssen
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