Today we’d like to introduce you to Bree Curiel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey as an artist began at an early age when I was encouraged by my family to explore my creativity and participate in school art exhibitions. Those early experiences showed me the power of art as a form of expression and communication, helping shape my commitment to a creative path. As I continued to grow as an artist, I found inspiration in the work of Salvador Dalí and Frida Kahlo, whose approaches to symbolism, identity, and surreal imagery continue to influence the way I think about storytelling through art.
As a multimedia artist, I work across drawing, painting, photography, and ceramics, using each medium to explore personal narratives and capture meaningful moments with intention and clarity. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to exhibit my work at Glendale Community College’s Main and North campuses, as well as Mesa Community College. These experiences have allowed me to share my perspective with others, build confidence in my artistic voice, and connect with a wider creative community.
I am currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts at Glendale Community College and have earned a Certificate in Commercial Photography. As a first\-generation Latino student and active member of the HSI Excellence Program, I have been fortunate to receive support that has strengthened both my academic and professional development.
Living the life of an artist has been truly eye\-opening. Art has challenged me to see the world from different perspectives, embrace personal growth, and connect with others through shared experiences. Every project teaches me something new about myself and the people around me. One medium that has brought me a great deal of joy is ceramics. After experiencing carpal tunnel in my dominant hand, working with clay offered me a different way to create and reconnect with my artistic practice. The tactile and hands\-on nature of ceramics has been both fulfilling and therapeutic, reminding me that creativity can adapt and thrive through challenges.
These experiences have inspired me to continue my education and expand my artistic skills. In addition to completing my Fine Arts degree, I hope to finish my ceramics certification, as it has become an important part of my creative journey. I am excited to keep learning, creating, and discovering new ways to tell stories through my work while contributing to the arts community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges I’ve faced have strengthened my commitment to both art and education. I dropped out of college in 2017 and spent several years figuring out my next steps. With encouragement from my partner, I returned to school in 2021 and rediscovered my passion for learning and creating.
In 2022, I was diagnosed with mild carpal tunnel syndrome, which eventually became severe by 2025. As an artist, that was a difficult reality to face. I had surgery on my dominant hand in July 2026 and will have surgery on my other hand in December so I can fully recover in time for my final year at community college.
Throughout these challenges, I learned to adapt. Ceramics became an especially meaningful medium for me because it allowed me to continue creating while navigating limitations with my hands. The experience has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of finding new ways to express myself. Looking back, these obstacles have only reinforced my determination to complete my degree, finish my ceramics certification, and continue growing as an artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multimedia artist who works in drawing, painting, photography, and ceramics. My work focuses on personal storytelling and capturing meaningful experiences, often inspired by themes of identity, symbolism, memory, and sisterhood. Many of my pieces explore the complexities of family relationships, especially the bond between sisters. While those relationships are not always perfect, I am inspired by the way we continue to care for, support, and show up for one another through life’s challenges. That sense of connection, resilience, and unconditional love often influences the stories I tell through my art.
What I’m most proud of is my perseverance. Returning to college after stepping away and continuing my artistic practice through carpal tunnel challenges has taught me how to adapt and grow. Those experiences led me to discover a passion for ceramics, which has become an important part of my creative journey.
What sets me apart is my ability to work across multiple mediums and turn challenges into opportunities for exploration. Whether I’m working with clay, paint, photography, or drawing, I’m always looking for new ways to express ideas, learn new skills, and create work that reflects both personal experiences and the relationships that shape who we are.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe both good and bad luck help shape my perspective as an artist. Every experience, whether it’s an unexpected opportunity or a difficult challenge, can influence the way I create and understand the world around me.
I’m naturally optimistic, so when things don’t go as planned, I try to focus on problem-solving and adapting rather than dwelling on setbacks. Challenges have taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of finding new ways forward. Those experiences have often led to creative growth and unexpected discoveries in my work.
As an artist, I think some of the most meaningful ideas come from learning how to roll with the punches that life sends your way. Looking toward the future, I choose to remain optimistic and open to whatever opportunities and lessons come next, knowing that both good and bad experiences can inspire growth and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BreeCuriel.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bree.curiel.art/
- Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/199927341@N06/
