Brenda was inspired to become an art teacher from a young age, but was told not to pursue teaching by one of her art teachers whom she respected. She talked about freelancing as a creative and working across disciplines to make a living as an artist before coming back to teaching. It was inspiring to hear how she continues pushing forward and challenging herself as an artist while also becoming a better teacher. She shared how she connects with students and sometimes struggles to make those connections. We also got to talk about her process and materials and how she’s exploring ways to go beyond painting.
Brenda Presil (born October 4, 1986) is a Miami based artist who started with a Hip Hop painting series. Brenda is currently working on new series of paintings entitled “La Pawso”. The new series focuses on the beauty of women.
Presil studied illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design, BA in Art education at FIU and is currently teaching Art (7-12) full time at a charter school in Miami, Florida.
She credits her education for basic technical experience but feels that only in breaking some of the traditional methods she was taught and experimenting on her own did she develop the confidence, unique voice and style she continues to expand upon today.
Links:
- artbypresil.com
- @bre_941 on Instagram
- www.imater.org
- Color of Change
- Cey Adams
- Derrick Adams
- Kara Walker
- Jacob Lawrence
- Andy Warhol’s “Ethel Scull 36 Times”
